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Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), flourishing from 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, was one of the earliest urban civilizations known for its planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and standardized weights. Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira, with a society likely characterized by egalitarianism and a strong emphasis on agriculture and trade. Gujarat was a significant region for the IVC, contributing to its trade networks and cultural spread.

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30 views2 pages

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), flourishing from 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, was one of the earliest urban civilizations known for its planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and standardized weights. Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira, with a society likely characterized by egalitarianism and a strong emphasis on agriculture and trade. Gujarat was a significant region for the IVC, contributing to its trade networks and cultural spread.

Uploaded by

Khushi Kumari
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Topic 1: Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's

earliest urban civilizations, flourishing around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE in what is today Pakistan and

northwest India.

Features:

- Planned urban centers with grid-like street patterns.

- Use of baked bricks for construction.

- Advanced drainage systems and water supply.

- Public buildings such as granaries and bathhouses (e.g., Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro).

- Standardized weights and measures.

Major Sites:

- Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan): One of the first discovered cities.

- Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan): Known for its advanced urban planning.

- Dholavira (Gujarat): Known for its unique water conservation system.

- Lothal (Gujarat): Famous for the dockyard and maritime trade.

- Kalibangan (Rajasthan): Known for fire altars and ploughed fields.

- Rakhigarhi (Haryana): One of the largest IVC sites.

Society:

- The society was likely egalitarian with little evidence of monarchy or a ruling class.

- Agriculture, trade, and crafts were the economic backbone.

- Evidence of trade with Mesopotamia.

- Use of a yet undeciphered script.


Cultural History:

- Use of seals, beads, pottery, and metal objects.

- Skilled craftsmanship in bronze (e.g., Dancing Girl statue).

- Artistic motifs included animals, geometric shapes, and religious symbols.

Art and Religion:

- Art included terracotta figurines, sculptures, and seals.

- Possible worship of mother goddess, proto-Shiva (Pashupati seal), and nature elements like trees

and animals.

- No clear evidence of temples or palaces.

Indus Valley Civilization and Gujarat:

- Gujarat was a significant region with several key IVC sites:

- Dholavira: Located in the Rann of Kutch, it had sophisticated water harvesting systems.

- Lothal: Indicated maritime trade and urban planning.

- Surkotada, Rangpur, and others also revealed Harappan presence.

- These sites highlight the spread of Harappan culture into Gujarat and its importance in trade and

communication networks.

Conclusion:

The Indus Valley Civilization was a remarkable example of early urban development, especially

notable for its planning, craft, and trade networks. Gujarat played a vital role in expanding and

sustaining this civilization.

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