Name: The Mysterious End of the Harappan Civilisation
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 43 s
Description: The Harappan cities that flourished for almost 800 years started declining around 1900 BCE. What could have happened to these thriving cities?

Question

What are the main features of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Accepted Answer

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban civilisations, flourishing in the Bronze Age around $2600$ BCE to $1900$ BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India.

Some main features of the Indus Valley civilisation are:

Urban Planning: The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were well-planned and organised, with grid-like street layouts and advanced sanitation systems.

Trade and Economy: The civilisation had a thriving economy based on trade. They had access to valuable resources such as copper, tin, and semi-precious stones, which were traded both locally and internationally.

Writing System: The Indus Valley Civilization had a unique script that is yet to be fully deciphered. The script is found on numerous seals and artefacts, indicating a form of written communication.

Agriculture and Irrigation: The civilisation relied on agriculture, with evidence of extensive farming practices. Sophisticated irrigation systems, including canals and reservoirs, were developed to support agricultural productivity.

Craftsmanship: The people of the Indus Valley Civilization were skilled artisans and craftsmen. They produced a wide range of crafts, including pottery, jewellery, metalwork, and figurines.

Religion and Beliefs: The religious practices of the Indus Valley Civilization are not well understood but the presence of terracotta figurines, seals depicting deities or symbols, and evidence of ritual bathing suggests the importance of religion in their society.

Social Organisation: The civilisation appears to have had a well-structured society with a ruling elite and a class of merchants, artisans, and farmers.

What are the main features of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Important Questions on The First Civilization in India

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