1. The History of Ancient India
In this lesson, students will identify characteristics of civilization in the Indus river valley.
Students will be able to define and/or identify the following terms:
Harappa
Mohenjo-Daro
Urban Planning
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2. The Indus River begins in the Himalayas.
When the snows melt, the river floods.
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3. The Indus river allowed people to farm.
It made irrigation and transportation
possible. A great civilization developed
in the Indus river valley.
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4. Harappan Civilization
The early civilization that developed in the Indus river valley is frequently referred to as Harappan civilization.
The name “Harappan” comes from one of the cities in the Indus river valley.
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were two important cities of this early river valley civilization.
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5. This ruin reveals the careful planning of
the Indus river city of Harappa.
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6. The buildings of Mohenjo-Daro were also
carefully planned.
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7. Urban Planning
Urban planning refers to the careful planning of a city.
In Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, every brick in every city was exactly the same size during a period of time.
Like modern cities, buildings had to conform to government standards.
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8. This hole and drain suggest that indoor
bathrooms and toilets may have existed.
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9. Harappan civilization had writing. However,
archaeologists are still deciphering it.
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10. This map reveals the location of Harappan
civilization.
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11. Harappan civilization began around
3000 B.C.
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12. The cities were surrounded by walls.
Walls were used to protect the inhabitants
of the cities.
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13. Harappan civilization declined around
1500 B.C. It is possible that the monsoon
failed or an earthquake occurred.
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14. Questions for Reflection:
What is the relationship between the Indus river and the Himalayas?
Why is India’s earliest civilization referred to as Harappan civilization?
Define urban planning.
How did Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro exhibit aspects of urban planning?
List three accomplishments of Harappan civilization.
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