Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization

Key notes

The Indus Valley Civilization is also called the Harappan Civilization. It was one of the earliest urban civilisations of the world. The mature urban phase is generally dated to 2600–1900 BCE.

Discovery

• Harappa was excavated in 1921 under Daya Ram Sahni.
• Mohenjo-daro was excavated in 1922 under R. D. Banerji.
• Sir John Marshall announced the discovery of the civilisation in 1924.

Geographical spread

The civilisation covered parts of:

• Pakistan.
• Northwestern India.
• Haryana.
• Rajasthan.
• Gujarat.
• Western Uttar Pradesh.

Important sites

Site	Important features
Harappa	Granary-like structures, cemetery, Ravi River
Mohenjo-daro	Great Bath, bronze dancing girl, priest-like sculpture
Dholavira	Water reservoirs, three-part town division, signboard
Lothal	Dockyard, bead-making, maritime trade
Kalibangan	Ploughed field, fire altars
Rakhigarhi	Major urban settlement in Haryana
Banawali	Planned settlement and fortification
Chanhudaro	Craft and bead production
Surkotada	Horse-related evidence claimed
Daimabad	Southern extension of Harappan influence

Phases

1. Early Harappan phase: formative village and regional cultures.
2. Mature Harappan phase: urbanisation and standardisation.
3. Late Harappan phase: deurbanisation and regional cultures.

Major characteristics

• Planned cities.
• Burnt-brick construction.
• Covered drainage systems.
• Standardised weights and measures.
• Seals and script.
• Craft specialisation.
• Long-distance trade.
• Limited evidence of large palaces or monumental royal tombs.
• Script remains undeciphered.

MCQs

1. The mature Harappan phase is generally dated to:

   • A. 2600–1900 BCE
   • B. 1500–600 BCE
   • C. 600–300 BCE
   • D. 320–550 CE
     Answer: A

2. The Great Bath was found at:

   • A. Mohenjo-daro
   • B. Lothal
   • C. Kalibangan
   • D. Rakhigarhi
     Answer: A

3. Lothal is particularly associated with:

   • A. Dockyard and maritime trade
   • B. Rock paintings
   • C. Buddhist stupas
   • D. Ashokan inscriptions
     Answer: A

4. Dholavira is located in:

   • A. Gujarat
   • B. Punjab
   • C. Haryana
   • D. Uttar Pradesh
     Answer: A

5. The Harappan script is:

   • A. Undeciphered
   • B. Fully deciphered Sanskrit
   • C. Written only in Brahmi
   • D. Written only in Kharosthi
     Answer: A