CHAPTER 1 - INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

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INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

The Indus Valley Civilization is recognized as one of the four ancient civilizations of the world, alongside Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. This civilization emerged around 3300 BC and reached its peak between 2600 BC and 1900 BC. The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization thrived in proximity to the Indus River and its tributaries.

In 1924, John Marshall, the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, publicly announced the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization. The timeline of significant archaeological discoveries is as follows: 

- 1921: Harappa, discovered by Dayaram Sahani (named by John Marshall).
- 1922: Mohenjo-Daro, uncovered by R.D. Banerjee.
- 1929: Sutkagen Dor, found by Stein.
- 1931: Chanhudaro, excavated by N.G. Majumdar.
- 1935: Amri, also discovered by N.G. Majumdar.
- 1953: Ropar, identified by Y.D. Sharma.
- 1953: Kalibangan, explored by Ghose.
- 1953: Lothal, investigated by R. Rao.
- 1964: Surkotoda, discovered by J.P. Joshi.
- 1974: Banawali, excavated by R.S. Bisht.
- 1985: Dholavira, also uncovered by R.S. Bisht.

Prior to the rise of the Indus Valley Civilization, there is evidence indicating that the inhabitants engaged in religious practices and agriculture in the region. However, the Indus Valley Civilization is particularly noted for its advanced urban planning.

Significant Harappan Locations

Harappa: (Montgomery District, Western Punjab - Pakistan) - Ravi River  

  • Two parallel rows of six granaries situated on a brick platform  
  • Stone representation of Lingam and Yoni  
  • Clay sculpture of the Mother Goddess  
  • Wheat and barley processed in a wooden mortar  
  • Copper scale and copper mirror  
  • Coffin burials (exclusively discovered in Harappa)  
  • Pottery artifacts  
  • Copper bullock cart  
  • Indications of direct trade with Mesopotamia, as evidenced by the presence of seals.
Mahenjodaro:
  • Mohenjo-Daro, located in Sindh, Pakistan, is notable for several significant archaeological features associated with the Indus River civilization. 
  • Among these are the Great Bath, a large public bathing facility; the Great Granary, which served as a storage site for surplus grain; 
  • and the Assembly Hall, a space likely used for communal gatherings. 
  • Additionally, the Proto Shiva Seal, depicting a figure accompanied by a deer, elephant, tiger, and rhinoceros, is believed to represent the Pashupati deity. 
  • The Unicorn Seal, unique to Mohenjo-Daro, is another remarkable artifact. 
  • Other notable discoveries include the Bronze Dancing Girl statue, the steatite representation of a bearded man, and an ivory weight balance.
Kot-Diji: Indus River  
  • Located on the opposite bank of the Indus River from Mohenjo-Daro, this site features a citadel and lower area fortifications constructed from unbaked bricks and stones.
Kalibangan: (Rajasthan) - Ghaggar River (Hanumangarh district)
  • Among its significant sites are a bangle manufacturing facility, a lower fortified settlement, and the presence of wooden plows. 
  • The area is also distinguished by intricately decorated bricks, wooden drainage systems, and toy cart wheels. 
  • Additionally, artifacts made from camel bone, fire altars, and burial grounds can be found, alongside furrowed agricultural land and evidence of seismic activity.
Chanudaro:
  • Chanudaro, located in Sindh, Pakistan, is unique in that it does not feature a distinct separation between the citadel and the lower city, unlike many other urban centers. 
  • The site was aptly named "Sheffield of Ancient India" by Earnest Mackay, owing to the discovery of various artifacts such as tools, axes, copper knives, razors, vessels, and dishes. 
  • Notable finds also include an inkpot, a bead maker's workshop, bronze ikkas, and an imprint of a dog's paw on a brick.
Sutkagen-Dor: (Makran coast, Pakistan-Iran border)  
  • Surrounded by arid, desolate plains, this area is recognized for its trading seaport.
Lothal: (Gujarat) - Gulf of cambay
  • Double Burial
  • Port town
  • Graveyard
  • Dockyard
  • Rice husk
Dholavira: (Gujarat)
  • Exclusive water management
  • Giant water reservoir
  • Dams
  • Circular houses
Surkotada: (Gujarat - Kutch)
  • Bones of horses
  • stone covered grave
Rangapur: (Gujarat)
  • Evidence of Rice cultivation
Ropar:
  • Ropar, located in Punjab, India, is situated on the left bank of the Sutlej River. It was the first site of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) discovered in post-independence India, where remnants of the IVC have been unearthed. 
  • Artifacts such as faience beads and bangles, triangular terracotta cakes, and chart weights have been found at this significant archaeological site.
  • Rakhigari:
  • Rakhigari, located in the Hissar district of Haryana, is recognized as the largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization in India. 
  • It is notable for its unique burial practices, which include the use of wooden coffins.
Banawali:
  • Banawali, located in the Hissar district of Haryana, features the Rangoi River. 
  • Artifacts from this site include a toy plough, an ivory comb, and human figures representing both male and female forms.
Daimabad: (Maharashtra)
  • Bronze image of chariator with chariot of 2 bulls.
  • Ox
  • Elephant
  • rhinoceros
Alamgirpur: 
  • Alamgirpur, located in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, near the Yamuna River, is also referred to as Parasaram-ka-khera. 
  • The site features an imprint of fabric on a trough.
Amri: (Sindh, Pakistan) - Indus river
  • Amri, located in Sindh, Pakistan, features the actual remains of a rhinoceros and evidence of antelope presence along the Indus River.


Religion of the Indus Valley Civilization:

The Harappan civilization did not engage in idol worship, as no representations of deities have been discovered at any of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) sites. However, Pashupati, often interpreted as a precursor to Shiva, is recognized as the principal male deity, evidenced by various seals from the Harappan culture. Pashupati is depicted with three heads and is surrounded by four animals: an elephant, a tiger, a rhinoceros, and a buffalo or deer. 

The primary female deity is represented by the Mother Goddess, which is commonly found in numerous terracotta figurines. Additionally, the presence of Lingam and Yoni symbols has been noted at certain IVC sites. Notably, no temples have been identified within the IVC, indicating that the civilization exhibited a fundamentally secular character.

Script of Harrapan Civilization:

The script of the Harappan civilization remains undeciphered, resulting in a lack of information regarding the language spoken by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. Furthermore, it has not been associated with Dravidian or any other known language.



PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

  1. What are the different types of art and crafts of Harrapan civilization? Also examine their significance. (250 words) (2020)
Approach:
  • General feature of Harrapan Art and Culture
  • Individual Art form and their Uniqueness: briefly explain
  • Significance: How these artforms were used in their daily life
  • Conclusion

Location: India

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