THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

Geography and Environment India is a subcontinent separated by a wall of mountains one each side Hindu Kush mountains and the Himmalayas Indus Valley is protected by large mountains to the north and a wide desert to the east. The Indus and Ganges river provide: Access to the Sea Irrigation for farming And Silt for rich fertile land Monsoons – Seasonal winds that bring tremendous rainfall

Civilization on the Indus Why do we know so little… They had a record keeping system that has not been deciphered as of yet. Cities and agricultural societies began emerging on the Indus river around 2500 BCE

Harappan Civilization 3300 BCE BCE

Foundations of Harappan Society The Indus River Silt-enriched water from the Hindu Kush & Himalayan ranges Major society built by Dravidian peoples, BCE Cultivation of cotton before 5000 BCE, early cultivation of poultry Decline after 1900 BCE Major cities: Harrapa (Punjab region and Mohenjo- daro (Southern Indus River) 70 smaller sites excavated (total 1,500)

Indus Valley Cities (2500 – 1500 BCE) There were two prominent cities on the Indus River: Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro. These cities were incredibly well planned: Grid pattern streets Water Systems (plumbing) with heated public baths and brick sewers. The wealthy even had two story buildings with indoor bathrooms and garbage chutes. Each city was dominated by a structure built upon a hill that served as a stronghold, such as a citadel.

Mohenjo-daro Ruins Population c. 40,000 Standardized weights & measurements evident throughout the region Specialized labor Widespread trade

Citadel Of Mohenjo- Daro

Aerial View of Mohenjo-Daro

Citadel, Mohenjo-Daro

The Great Bath, Mohenjo-Daro

Bath Area, Mohenjo-Daro

Well, Mohenjo-Daro

A Main Street, Mohenjo-Daro

Granery, Mohenjo-Daro

Pottery, Mohenjo-Daro

Bison Seal, Mohenjo-Daro

A Horned-God Seal, Mohenjo-Daro

A Male Head, Mohenjo-Daro Dravidian

A Priest-King, Mohenjo-Daro

Necklace, Mohenjo-Daro

Public Well, Harappa

Drain, Harappa

Unicorn Seal?, Harappa

Harappan Society and Culture Evidence of social stratification Dwelling size, decoration Great influence on later Indian culture Statues, figurines and illustrations reflect a tradition of art and metallurgy Venerated goddesses of fertility

Female Figures, Harappa

Bull Figurine, Harappa

Elephant Figurine, Harappa

Burial Pottery, Harappa

Male Skeleton, Harappa

Female Skeleton with Child, Harappa

Harappan Writing Undecipherable to date.

Mysterious End of Harappan Civilization Reasons for disappearance unclear Excessive deforestation, loss of topsoil Earthquakes? Flooding? Evidence of unburied dead Disappearance by 1500 BCE Harappan traditions survived – agricultural practices, religious beliefs, and urban traditions