The civilization was first discovered in 1921 at Harappa (Punjab, now in Pakistan) by Daya Ram Sahni, and in 1922 at Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan) by

Harappan Civilization – The First Urban Culture of India

Human history is full of great civilizations that shaped the world. One of the earliest and most remarkable among them was the Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). It is considered India’s first urban civilization and one of the greatest cultures of the ancient world.

Discovered in the 1920s, the Harappan Civilization amazed the world with its well-planned cities, advanced drainage system, trade networks, art, and culture. It flourished around the same time as Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, making it one of the three oldest civilizations in the world.

In this blog, we will explore the origin, features, society, economy, art, religion, decline, and significance of the Harappan Civilization in detail.

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Origin and Discovery of the Harappan Civilization

The civilization was first discovered in 1921 at Harappa (Punjab, now in Pakistan) by Daya Ram Sahni, and in 1922 at Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan) by R.D. Banerjee. Since Harappa was the first site to be excavated, the culture was named the Harappan Civilization.

Later, many other sites were discovered in India and Pakistan, proving that this civilization was spread across a vast area of over 1.3 million sq. km, covering present-day:

• Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan)

• Northwest India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh)

• Parts of Afghanistan and Iran

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Time Period of the Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization flourished during 3300 BCE – 1300 BCE. It is usually divided into three phases:

1. Early Harappan Phase (3300 – 2600 BCE)

   • Development of farming villages and small towns.

   • Beginning of trade and use of potter’s wheel.

2. Mature Harappan Phase (2600 – 1900 BCE)

   • Peak of urbanization with large cities like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Lothal.

   • Well-planned streets, drainage, and trade.

3. Late Harappan Phase (1900 – 1300 BCE)

   • Decline of cities, rural lifestyle returned.

   • Cultural influence continued in Gangetic plains.

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Geographical Extent

The Harappan Civilization was the largest among ancient civilizations. Its boundaries were:

• North – Manda (Jammu & Kashmir, India)

• South – Daimabad (Maharashtra, India)

• East – Alamgirpur (Uttar Pradesh, India)

• West – Sutkagendor (Baluchistan, near Iran border)

This shows that the Harappans had a widespread culture with trade and communication networks.

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Features of the Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization is called the first urban civilization of India because of its advanced features.

1. Town Planning

• Cities were built on a grid pattern with straight roads crossing each other at right angles.

• Cities were divided into Citadel (upper town) and Lower Town.

• The Citadel housed important buildings like granaries, assembly halls, and religious structures.

• Houses were made of baked bricks and had multiple rooms, courtyards, and wells.

2. Drainage System

• The Harappans had the world’s earliest and finest drainage system.

• Every house was connected to covered drains, which flowed into larger drains.

• Drains had inspection holes for cleaning, showing excellent planning.

3. Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro

• A large public bathing structure, probably used for rituals and ceremonies.

• Proof of advanced water management.

4. Granaries

• Large granaries at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro suggest organized food storage and distribution.

5. Script and Language

• The Harappans used a pictographic script (still undeciphered).

• Found on seals, pottery, and tablets.

6. Trade and Economy

• The economy was based on agriculture, trade, and crafts.

• They grew wheat, barley, peas, sesame, cotton (first in the world).

• They traded with Mesopotamia, Oman, and Persia, exporting beads, cotton, ivory, and importing silver, copper, and lapis lazuli.

• Weights and measures were standardized (cubes made of stone).

7. Art and Crafts

• Harappans were skilled in pottery, bead-making, metallurgy, and seal carving.

• The “Dancing Girl” bronze statue from Mohenjo-Daro shows their talent in metal casting.

• The “Priest-King” statue reflects advanced sculpture.

8. Religion

• Worship of Mother Goddess, Pashupati-like deity (proto-Shiva), trees, and animals.

• Use of fire altars and symbols of fertility.

• Belief in life after death (burials found with grave goods).

9. Seals

• Thousands of seals with animals (unicorn, bull, elephant, tiger) were discovered.

• Used for trade and possibly for religious symbols.

10. Absence of Temples and Palaces

• Unlike Egypt and Mesopotamia, Harappan cities did not have huge temples or palaces.

• This suggests a more egalitarian society with no strong rulers.

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Major Harappan Sites

In Pakistan

• Harappa (Punjab) – First site discovered, granaries found.

• Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh) – Great Bath, granaries, dancing girl statue.

In India

• Dholavira (Gujarat) – Water reservoirs, signboards with Harappan script.

• Lothal (Gujarat) – Famous for dockyard and bead-making industry.

• Kalibangan (Rajasthan) – Fire altars, evidence of ploughed fields.

• Banawali (Haryana) – Defensive walls, terracotta toys.

• Rakhigarhi (Haryana) – One of the largest Harappan sites.

• Alamgirpur (Uttar Pradesh) – Easternmost Harappan site.

• Daimabad (Maharashtra) – Southernmost site with bronze figurines.

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Social Life of Harappans

Family and Society

• Society was probably matrilineal (importance to Mother Goddess).

• No evidence of kings or centralized monarchy.

Occupations

• Farmers, traders, craftsmen, potters, bead-makers, and metal workers.

Food

• They ate wheat, barley, rice, pulses, fruits, fish, and meat.

• Milk and dairy products were also consumed.

Dress and Ornaments

• Men wore simple clothes; women wore skirts and jewelry.

• Ornaments made of gold, silver, beads, and shells were popular.

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Decline of the Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization began to decline around 1900 BCE, and by 1300 BCE, most cities were abandoned.

Historians suggest multiple reasons:

1. Climate Change – Drying up of rivers like the Saraswati.

2. Floods and Earthquakes – Natural disasters damaged cities.

3. Decline in Trade – Mesopotamian trade connections weakened.

4. Over-exploitation of land – Soil fertility decreased.

5. Invasions – Some scholars earlier suggested Aryan invasions, but this theory is now less accepted.

Most likely, it was a combination of natural and economic factors.

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Importance of the Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization was one of the greatest achievements of ancient mankind.

• It was India’s first urban civilization.

• It showed advanced knowledge of architecture, drainage, metallurgy, and trade.

• It was the first cotton-growing culture in the world.

• It laid the foundation for later cultures in India.

• It remains an important part of India’s cultural heritage.

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Conclusion

The Harappan Civilization was not just an ancient culture but a milestone in human history. With its well-planned cities, advanced drainage, artistic skills, and vibrant trade networks, it stood far ahead of its time.

Though it declined thousands of years ago, the legacy of Harappans continues to inspire us. It reminds us that urban planning, cleanliness, and sustainable living were understood even 4,000 years ago.

The Harappan Civilization truly deserves to be called the pride of ancient India and one of the greatest civilizations of the world.

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Related Posts

1. Neolithic Age – The Beginning of Human Civilization

2. Chalcolithic Age – The Copper-Stone Age Explained

3. Indus Valley Civilization Art and Architecture

4. Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization – The Cradle of Civilization

5. Egyptian Civilization – The Age of Pyramids and Pharaohs