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4. The Harappan Civilisation

The Harappan Civilisation, flourishing from around 2500 BCE to 1500 BCE in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent, is recognized for its advanced urban planning, unique craftsmanship, and complex social life. Archaeological discoveries such as city layouts, crafts, trade systems, and religious practices provide insights into its sophisticated culture. The decline of this civilisation is attributed to various factors including natural disasters, climate change, and potential invasions.

Sections

The Harappan Civilisation

The Harappan Civilisation, located in the Indus Valley, was one of the world's earliest urban societies, known for advanced city planning and a rich cultural life.

4 Section Overview

Start current section content and materials

4.1 Introduction

The Harappan Civilisation, known for its advanced urban planning, emerged around 2500 BCE in the Indus Valley and lasted until approximately 1500 BCE.

4.2 Sources of Information

This section outlines various sources of information about the Harappan civilization, including archaeological sites, artifacts, structures, and inscriptions.

4.3 Town Planning

The town planning of the Harappan Civilization featured advanced urban design with a grid layout, specialized areas, and sophisticated drainage and water supply systems.

4.4 Political Life

The Harappan civilization's political life lacked clear evidence of kings or armies but showed signs of organized governance likely led by merchants and priests.

4.5 Social Life

This section discusses the social life of the Harappan Civilization, highlighting aspects such as social equality, clothing, recreation, and diet.

4.6 Economic Life

The economic life of the Harappan Civilization was characterized by agriculture, animal husbandry, skilled craftsmanship, and active trade networks.

4.7 Religious Life

The religious life of the Harappan Civilisation involved the worship of several deities and symbols without the presence of formal temples.

4.8 Cultural Life

The cultural life of the Harappan Civilization is marked by its unique language, art, technological advancements, and significant achievements.

4.9 Decline of the Civilisation

The decline of the Harappan Civilisation is attributed to several possible natural and human-induced factors.

4.10 Summary

The Harappan Civilisation thrived from 2500 BCE to 1500 BCE, known for its advanced urban planning and socioeconomic structures.

Learning Objectives

  • The Harappan Civilisation is one of the earliest urban civilisations, known for its city layouts and drainage systems.

  • Social life within the Harappan civilization exhibited a degree of equality with little evidence of social disparity.

  • The decline of the Harappan Civilisation was likely influenced by multiple environmental and socio-political factors.

Key Concepts

Harappan Civilisation

An ancient urban civilization that existed in the north-western Indian subcontinent from around 2500 BCE to 1500 BCE, known for its advanced urban planning and craftsmanship.

Town Planning

The systematic design of city layouts, which includes grid patterns, zoned divisions like citadels and residential areas, and advanced drainage systems.

Economic Life

The structure of the Harappan economy, which was based on agriculture, trade, craftsmanship, and barter systems.

Religious Life

The spiritual beliefs of the Harappans, which involved the worship of nature and fertility deities, indicated through various artifacts and burial customs.