THEME ONE: Bricks, Beads and Bones
Overview of the Harappan Civilization
The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the world's oldest, dating from 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE.
It is known for its urban planning, drainage systems, and distinctive artifacts like seals, pottery, and jewelry.
The civilization is named after Harappa, the first site where its remains were discovered.
Phases of the Harappan Civilization
Early Harappan (6000 BCE - 2600 BCE)
A formative phase, with small settlements.
Early farming communities developed during this period.
Mature Harappan (2600 BCE - 1900 BCE)
The most prosperous phase, with urban centers like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, and Dholavira.
This phase saw advanced trade, craft production, and city planning.
Late Harappan (1900 BCE - 1300 BCE)
This phase marked the decline of the civilization, with fewer urban centers and less trade activity.
Harappan Urban Planning
City Layout
Cities were divided into Citadels (elevated areas for important public buildings) and Lower Towns for residential purposes.
Cities followed a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles.
Drainage Systems
Harappan cities had advanced drainage systems, with household drains connected to larger public drains along the streets.
This ensured effective waste management and sanitation.
Harappan Architecture
Residential Structures
Houses were typically built around a central courtyard and had bathrooms with drainage systems.
Some houses had multiple stories and private wells for water.
Public Buildings
The Great Bath in Mohenjodaro was a large, watertight tank, likely used for ritual bathing.
Warehouses and granaries were also important public structures found in cities.
Crafts and Craft Production
Bead-making and Metalworking
The Harappans were known for their bead-making, using materials like carnelian, lapis lazuli, and steatite.
Metalworking was also highly developed, with artifacts made from copper, bronze, and gold.
Trade and Materials
The Harappans traded with regions as far as Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and Oman.
Materials like copper, shell, and stones were sourced from different regions like Rajasthan and Afghanistan.
Social and Economic Life
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
The Harappans grew crops like wheat, barley, lentils, and millets.
They also domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
Social Differences
Differences in burial practices and the distribution of luxury goods suggest that some social hierarchies may have existed.
Burials included items like pottery, ornaments, and mirrors, indicating varying levels of wealth.
Trade and Contact with Distant Lands
Long-Distance Trade
The Harappans traded extensively with distant regions like Mesopotamia, Oman, and the Persian Gulf.
Mesopotamian texts mention trade with Meluhha (believed to be the Harappan region), known for goods like carnelian, gold, and lapis lazuli.
Harappan Seals and Script
Seals and Long-Distance Communication
Seals were used to secure goods during trade, with impressions on clay indicating the sender’s identity.
Undeciphered Script
The Harappan script remains undeciphered, but it was used on seals, copper tools, and pottery.
The script was likely written from right to left, with over 400 distinct signs.
The Decline of the Harappan Civilization
Possible Causes of Decline
The collapse of the Harappan Civilization around 1900 BCE could have been due to climatic changes, floods, or the shifting of rivers.
There was a decline in urban structures, trade, and craft production during this period, with fewer materials being used.
Discovering the Harappan Civilization
Early Discoveries
The civilization was rediscovered in the early 20th century by archaeologists like Daya Ram Sahni and John Marshall.
The discovery of seals and other artifacts at Harappa and Mohenjodaro helped identify this ancient culture.
Challenges in Understanding Harappan Society
Interpretation of Material Evidence
Without deciphering the Harappan script, much of what we know comes from material evidence like pottery, tools, and seals.
Speculative Aspects
Some aspects, like religious beliefs, are still speculative. Structures like the Great Bath are thought to have had ritualistic significance, but there is no certainty.
