4 - The Harappan Civilisation

The Harappan Civilisation, sometimes called the Indus Valley Civilisation, represents one of the world's oldest urban societies, existing between approximately 2500 BCE and 1500 BCE. It was located mainly in the north-western part of what is now India and Pakistan. This civilisation is particularly well-known for its sophisticated urban planning, which included organized layouts of cities with streets arranged in a grid pattern and advanced drainage systems that ensured cleanliness and sanitation. Additionally, the craftsmanship of the Harappans was noteworthy, as they produced quality goods and artifacts, showcasing their skills in various crafts.

To learn about the Harappan Civilisation, historians rely on various sources of information. Key archaeological sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal, and Kalibangan provide insight into the urban layout and infrastructure. Artifacts such as seals, pottery, tools, and ornaments showcase the daily life and trade of the Harappans. Important architectural structures, including the Great Bath and granaries, highlight their advanced engineering and agricultural practices. Inscriptions featuring undeciphered Harappan script found on seals and pottery also offer clues about their language and communication methods. Collectively, these sources assist researchers in piecing together the social, economic, religious, and cultural aspects of Harappan life.

The Harappan civilisation exhibited remarkable urban planning, characterized by a distinct city layout. Cities were developed in a grid-like pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles, creating organized neighborhoods. There was a clear division of space, with the Citadel serving as a fortified area for administrative purposes and the Lower Town serving residential needs. The structures were primarily built from burnt bricks, contributing to their durability. An advanced drainage system ensured sanitary conditions through underground drainage, soak pits, and inspection holes, which showed a great understanding of hygiene. Additionally, water supply systems, including wells and reservoirs, were crucial, especially in cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Dholavira.

Interestingly, the Harappan Civilisation does not show evidence of traditional political structures like kings, palaces, or armies. However, the complexity of their urban planning implies a form of organized governance that may have been executed by local authorities, merchants, or religious figures. The existence of standardized weights, measures, and seals suggests some level of administrative control over commerce and trade, indicating that there were systems in place to maintain order and facilitate economic activities.

The social life of the Harappans indicates a degree of social equality, with little evidence of drastic disparity in living conditions, as demonstrated by similar housing and possessions. The clothing styles varied, with men typically wearing loincloths or robes, while women adorned themselves with jewelry made from precious materials like gold, silver, and ivory. Recreational activities were evident, as toys and figurines related to dances have been discovered, hinting at a vibrant cultural life that valued leisure and the arts. Their diet was diverse, including staples like wheat and barley, as well as fruits and proteins such as fish and meat, as inferred from archaeological food remains and pottery artifacts.

The economy of the Harappan Civilisation was primarily agrarian, focusing on crops such as wheat, barley, peas, mustard, and cotton, supported by irrigation systems that took advantage of the fertile plains. Animal husbandry was also significant, with domestication of various animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and fowls for both labor and food. The Harappans displayed remarkable craftsmanship, being skilled in pottery, bead-making, metalwork, and weaving. They participated in trade through a barter system, engaging in both internal trade within their region and overseas trade with cultures such as Mesopotamia. Their economic activities were further facilitated by transport systems, including bullock carts and boats, with dockyards like those found in Lothal indicating extensive trade networks.

The religious practices of the Harappan Civilisation were marked by a veneration of various deities, notably the Mother Goddess, symbolizing fertility, and possibly proto-Shiva, represented by the Pashupati seal. Worship of animals was another aspect of their spirituality. Sacred symbols included the Peepal tree, certain animals like the bull, and phallic symbols called lingams, highlighting their connection to nature and fertility. Interestingly, no formal temples have been found, suggesting that worship may have occurred in households or open-air settings. Additionally, burial practices, including cremation, indicate a belief in an afterlife, as suggested by the grave goods placed with the dead.

Culturally, the Harappan Civilisation was rich and multifaceted. They used a pictographic script inscribed on seals, which remains undeciphered to this day, indicating a sophisticated form of communication. Their artistic expressions included terracotta figurines, especially famous ones like the Dancing Girl, and various pottery styles. Technologically, they employed a variety of materials such as bronze, copper, and stone for tools and created standardized weights and measures, enhancing trade efficiency. The Harappans achieved remarkable advancements in urban planning, sanitation, metallurgy, and irrigation systems, showcasing their innovative skills.

The decline of the Harappan Civilisation is attributed to several possible causes. Natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes, may have severely impacted their infrastructure. Additionally, changes in river courses, particularly concerning the Saraswati river, could have affected agriculture and access to water. While the theory of an Aryan invasion exists, it remains controversial among scholars. Economic factors also played a role, as a decline in trade could have diminished the resources and wealth that supported their urban lifestyle. Lastly, climate change or deforestation could have led to ecological challenges, affecting the sustainability of their agricultural practices.

In summary, the Harappan Civilisation flourished from about 2500 BCE to 1500 BCE, leaving behind a wealth of information through various excavated sites, artifacts, seals, and structures. The cities featured advanced planning with grid layouts and essential amenities like drainage systems. Social structures were relatively equal, with artistic lifestyles evident in their belongings. Economically, the Harappans engaged in agriculture, trade, and skilled crafting, while their religious practices revolved around nature and fertility. Their culture was marked by undeciphered scripts and significant achievements in various fields. The decline of this remarkable civilisation remains a subject of study, with various theories regarding its causes.