Table of Contents:
- About the Indus Valley civilization
- The geographical spread
- Important Indus towns and their features
- UPSC and State PSC Questions Solutions
- Write a note on the town planning of the Harappan Civilization Period.
Indus Valley Civilization [ Short Note]
Indus Valley civilization is also known as Harappan civilization as Harappa was the first site which was discovered by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921 under the supervision of John Marshall.
John Marshall was the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 to 1928.
Harappan civilization's name was given by John Marshall.
Sir Alexander Cunningham is considered the Father of Indian Archaeology, not John Marshall.
Mohenjodaro was the second site of the Indus Valley civilization which was discovered by R D Banarji in 1922. The literal meaning of Mohejjodaro is the Mount of Dead.
Period:
As per the radiocarbon dating record, the period of the Indus Valley civilization is between 2500-1750 BC.
However, As per the new NCERT, the period of the Indus Valley civilization is 2600 B.C. to 1900 B.C.
Indus Valley civilization is in the Bronze Age. Iron was not known to the Indus Valley people. Iron, Horse, Chariot, and Sugarcane were also not known to Indus people.
The geographical spread of Indus Valley civilization:
Initially, the important towns of the Indus Valley civilization were found in the Indus River and its tributaries. However, similar features town later also found in Ganga valley, and also in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
However, the following are boundary marks of the Indus Valley civilization;
Northern Boundary: Manda( Jammu). It is on the bank of the Chenab River.
Southern Boundary: Daimabad (Maharashtra). It is on the bank of the Pravara river.
Eastern Boundary; Alamgirpur( Uttar Pradesh). It is on the bank of Hindon (a tributary of the Yamuna River).
Western Boundary: Sutkagender ( Baluchistan, Pakistan-Iran border). It is on the bank of the Dasht River.
Important Indus towns and their features:
Rakhigarhi ;
Rakhigarhi is in Haryana, it is the biggest Harappan site in India.
Harappa( Ravi River):
Evidence: Stone dancing Natraja.
It is Punjab, Pakistan.
Mohenjodaro( Indus river):
Evidence: Great Bath, Assembly hall, Dancing girl ( Bronze), Bull ( Bronze), Beared Priest-King ( Stone)
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
It is in Pakistan.
Chanhudaro( Indus river):
Evidence: Bullock card, the only site with no citadel ( upper fort).
It is in Pakistan.
Lothal Port City (Bhogava River)
Evidence: Rice, artificial dockyard, first tidal port.
It is in Gujarat.
Kalibanga( Ghaghar/Sarswati river)
Evidence: Ploughed field, fire altar, Decorated bricks, and Bones of horse and camel.
It is in Rajasthan.
Dholavira ( Luni river):
It is the Second largest site after Rakhigarhi in India
Evidence: The Stadium, City was divided into three parts.
It is in Gujarat.
Surkotada ( Sabarmati river ):
Evidence: Bones of Horses.
It is in Gujarat.
Bonavali/Vanawali[Sarswati river/Ghaghar river]
Evidence: Toy Plough
It is in Haryana.
The name of Indus Valley sites that are located in Uttar Pradesh:
Alamgirpur ( Meerut District)
Bargaon ( Saharanpur District)
Hulas ( Saharanpur District)
Mandi (Muzaffarnagar District)
Sonauli ( Baghpat District)
Descriptive Question on Indus Valley Civilization:
Question.
Write a note on the town planning of the Harappan Civilization Period. ( UPPSC, General Studies - 1 2020)
Answer.
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, flourished from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. The urban centers of the Harappan civilization, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa had impressive town planning and infrastructure.
The following are some key features of the town planning of the Harappan civilization:
Grid System:
The cities of the Harappan civilization were designed using a well-organized grid system. The streets were laid out in a precise north-south and east-west orientation, forming a grid pattern. The grid system created regular blocks of buildings and facilitated efficient movement and access throughout the city.
Brick Structures:
The Harappan cities featured advanced construction techniques, with buildings primarily made of fired bricks. The bricks were uniformly shaped and standardized, suggesting a high level of planning and craftsmanship. These bricks were used to construct multi-story houses, public buildings, and fortifications.
Well-Planned Layout:
The cities were carefully planned with a clear division of areas. The settlements were divided into separate sectors or blocks, each having its own specific function. The cities had residential areas, public spaces, trading areas, and industrial areas.
The buildings were often arranged around central courtyards.
Sophisticated Drainage Systems:
The Harappan cities had advanced drainage systems, which were an essential aspect of their urban planning. They included covered drains, manholes, and underground sewers. The well-engineered drainage systems ensured the efficient disposal of waste and sewage, maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of diseases.
Public Wells and Baths:
The cities of the Harappan civilization had numerous public wells and baths. These wells provided a reliable water supply to the residents, while the public baths served as communal bathing areas. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro is a notable example, featuring a large pool surrounded by changing rooms and steps for access.
Citadel and Fortifications:
The Harappan cities often had elevated citadel areas that served as administrative and religious centers. These citadels were usually fortified, with thick defensive walls and gateways. The citadel at Mohenjo-Daro is a prominent example, featuring massive mud-brick walls and bastions for defense.
Town Entrances:
The cities had well-defined and fortified entrances. The gateways were often elaborate and architecturally significant, featuring impressive structures and decorative motifs. The "Great Gate" at Mohenjo-Daro is an example of such an entrance.
Planned Housing:
The residential areas of the Harappan cities showcased a degree of urban planning. The houses were arranged in a consistent manner, with similar sizes and layouts. They often had multiple rooms, courtyards, and private wells. The houses also had access to the main streets and lanes.
The well-designed cities, with their efficient infrastructure and sanitation systems, reflect a sophisticated Harappan civilization.
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