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Indus Valley Civilization Overview

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), existing from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, was one of the earliest urban cultures, thriving along the Indus River and its tributaries. Major archaeological sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, and Lothal have revealed advanced urban planning, trade systems, and significant artifacts such as seals and terracotta figurines. The civilization's extensive network of settlements and sophisticated water management systems highlight its complexity and influence in ancient history.

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32 views3 pages

Indus Valley Civilization Overview

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), existing from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, was one of the earliest urban cultures, thriving along the Indus River and its tributaries. Major archaeological sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, and Lothal have revealed advanced urban planning, trade systems, and significant artifacts such as seals and terracotta figurines. The civilization's extensive network of settlements and sophisticated water management systems highlight its complexity and influence in ancient history.

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abhi37588
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Indus valley

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), flourishing between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, was
one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, primarily located in regions of modern-day
Pakistan and northwest India. This civilization developed along river systems, notably
the Indus River and its tributaries, which provided fertile plains for agriculture and
facilitated trade.

Major Sites and Their Discoveries:


1. Harappa:
• Location: Sahiwal District, Punjab, Pakistan, on the banks of the
Ravi River.
• Discovery: First excavated in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni.
• Significant Findings:
• Sandstone statues depicting human anatomy.
• Granaries and workmen’s quarters.
• Terracotta figurines and seals with inscriptions.
• Red sandstone male torso.
• Bronze sculpture of a dog chasing a deer.
• Pottery with Indus script.
2. Mohenjo-Daro:
• Location: Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan, near the Indus River.
• Discovery: Unearthed in 1922 by R.D. Banerjee.
• Significant Findings:
• The Great Bath, a large public water tank.
• Granary structures.
• Numerous seals, especially those depicting unicorns.
• Dancing Girl bronze statue.
• Bearded Priest-King steatite sculpture.
3. Dholavira:
• Location: Kutch District, Gujarat, India, between the Indus River
and the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Discovery: Discovered in 1967-68 by J.P. Joshi.
• Significant Findings:
• Sophisticated water conservation systems, including reservoirs.
• Unique stone inscriptions.
• Well-planned city layout with distinct zones.
4. Lothal:
• Location: Ahmedabad District, Gujarat, India, near the Gulf of
Khambhat.
• Discovery: Excavated in 1957 by S.R. Rao.
• Significant Findings:
• Dockyard, indicating maritime trade.
• Bead-making factories.
• Seals and weights suggesting a standardized system.

Rivers Associated with the IVC:

The civilization primarily thrived along:


• Indus River: Main artery supporting major cities like Mohenjo-Daro
and Harappa.
• Ghaggar-Hakra River: Believed to be the Saraswati River mentioned in
ancient texts; numerous settlements have been found along its dry riverbed.
• Ravi River: Harappa was situated on its banks.
• Sutlej and Yamuna Rivers: These rivers are thought to have changed
courses over time, impacting the settlements along their banks.

Discovery and Excavation:

The first evidence of the IVC was identified in the early 20th century. Initial excavations
at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro revealed a highly advanced urban culture. Subsequent
explorations have uncovered over 1,000 settlements, indicating a vast and
sophisticated civilization.

Notable Artifacts:
• Seals: Often made of steatite, depicting animals like elephants,
tigers, and water buffalos, possibly used for trade and administrative
purposes.
• Terracotta Figurines: Representations of humans and animals,
reflecting artistic sensibilities and possibly religious beliefs.
• Pottery: Finely crafted with geometric and animal motifs, showcasing
advanced ceramic techniques.
• Jewelry: Crafted from gold, semi-precious stones, and beads,
indicating a penchant for ornamentation and trade in luxury items.

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