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Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban societies, thriving in the vast river plains of the Indus River and its tributaries. Flourishing around 2500 BCE, this ancient civilization developed sophisticated urban centers, advanced infrastructure, and a complex social and economic system.
Edited at 2022-02-28 12:14:37- Pre-Historic Period
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- Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban societies, thriving in the vast river plains of the Indus River and its tributaries. Flourishing around 2500 BCE, this ancient civilization developed sophisticated urban centers, advanced infrastructure, and a complex social and economic system.
Indus Valley Civilization
- Pre-Historic Period
The prehistoric period is a fascinating chapter in human history, encompassing a vast span of time before the advent of written records. In this mind map, we will explore the mysteries and wonders of the prehistoric era, uncovering the origins of humanity and the remarkable achievements of our ancient ancestors. From the Paleolithic era, characterized by the development of stone tools and the emergence of early human species, to the Neolithic revolution marked by the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settled communities, we will delve into the key milestones and cultural advancements that shaped prehistoric societies. Through the exploration of cave art, megalithic structures, and the study of ancient human remains, we will map out the diverse lifestyles, belief systems, and technological innovations that define this enigmatic period.
- Rig Vedic Period
The Rig Vedic period is a significant epoch in ancient Indian history, characterized by the composition of the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in the world. In this mind map, we will explore the rich tapestry of the Rig Vedic period, delving into its religious, social, and cultural aspects. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of the Rig Vedic period, unraveling its religious, social, and cultural dimensions, and gaining a deeper understanding of the ancient civilization that laid the foundation for Indian culture and spirituality.
- Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban societies, thriving in the vast river plains of the Indus River and its tributaries. Flourishing around 2500 BCE, this ancient civilization developed sophisticated urban centers, advanced infrastructure, and a complex social and economic system.
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- Outline
Indus Valley Civilization
Script
Also known as the Harappan script / boustrophedon script.
A corpus of symbols produced by the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Still undeciphered.
First publication by Alexander Cunningham in a drawing dated 1875.
Direction-RIGHT-TO-LEFT
Nomenclature
Extent
Extent of IVC is up to Suktagendor in Baluchistan in the west; Alamgirpur (UP) in the east; Daimabad (Maharashtra) in the South; and Manda (Jammu & Kashmir) in the north.
Sites
Major
Seven important major cities- Mohanjodaro, Harappa, Kalibangan, Lothal, Chanhudaru, Dholavira & Banawali
Minor
Kot Diji, Amri, Balu, Rojdi, Sanauli & many others.
Regional
India- J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Western up, Northern Maharashtra. Pakistan- Pakistan-Punjab, Sindh, Balochistran. Sourth Eastern Afganistan.
Discovery & History of Excavation
It flourished around 2,600 BC, in the western part of South Asia, in contemporary Pakistan and Western India.
The Indus Valley home to the largest of the four ancient urban civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China.
In 1920s, the Archaeological Department of India carried out & discovered two old cities, viz. Mohenjodaro and Harappa were unearthed.
In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI, announced the discovery of Indus valley to the world.
Agricultural practices
Villages- mostly situated near the flood plains, produced sufficient food grains.
Wheat, barley, rai, peas, sesame, lentil, chickpea and mustard were produced.
Millets - Gujarat.
Rice uses was rare.
Earliest people to produce cotton.
Prevalence of agriculture is indicated by finds of grain, it is more difficult to reconstruct actual agricultural practices.
Representations on seals and terracotta sculpture indicate that the bull was known.
Oxen were also used for ploughing.
Most Harappan sites located in semi-arid lands, where irrigation was probably required for agriculture.
Traces of canals found at Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sindh.
Animals were also reared on a large scale.
Urban Town Planning
Subtopic
Relation with other Civilisation & other Regions
Tools
Seals
Features
Innumerable seals of various kinds from the IVC basin.
The presence of different seals suggests the high standards of craftsmanship, knowledge of metrology, and flourishing trade and commerce.
Seals were predominantly square-shaped although triangular, rectangular, circular, and cylindrical seals.
A soft mineral stone called steatite was used to make the seals. Terracotta and copper were also used.
Most seals had inscriptions in the local script as well as animal impressions on both sides.
On an average, every seal had 5 symbols and were written right to left.
Used by different guilds or merchants for stamping purposes.
Important Seals
Pashupati Seal
Rhinoceros and buffalo are seen on the left side, two antelopes/deer are shown below the seat of the figure. It is believed to be a representation of Proto Shiva.
Unicorn Seal
It depicts a mythological animal called a unicorn, which is a horse with a single horn on its forehead. It is the most frequently depicted animal in IVC seals.
Bull Seal
It shows a vigorous humped bull.
Religious Beliefs
Animals
Animals were also reared on a large scale.
Evidence of the horse comes from a superficial level of Mohenjodaro and from a doubtful terracotta figurine from Lothal--the Harappan culture was not horse centred.
Sheep and goats, dogs, humped cattle buffalo, and elephants were domesticated in the Indus Valley Civilization
Pashupatinath seal shows a seated figure of a Yogi, probably Shiva Pashupati, surrounded by four animals - a rhino, a buffalo, an elephant and a tiger.
Economy
The importance of trade witnessed by the presence of numerous seals, uniform script and regulated weights and measures.
Trade in stone, metal, shell, etc.
Metal money not used but barter system.
Navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
They had a trading colony in northern Afghanistan which evidently facilitated trade with Central Asia.
Trade with the land of the Tigris and the Euphrates.
Long distance trade in lapis lazuli; which may have contributed to the social prestige of the ruling class.
IVC Pottery
Feature
Pottery (made of good quality clay baked in controlled heat)
Two major types Pottery
Hand made
Bowls, jars, vessels - in various colors such as red, orange, brown, black and cream
Wheel made
Polished Ware Pottery with rough surface, well fired, Most pottery is utilitarian with flat bases, is polychrome meaning more than two colours are used to colour, Geometrical design along with paintings depicting flora and fauna.
Period
(3300 - 1300 BCE)
Early Harrapan Phase (3300 - 1900 BCE)
Damb-Sadat culture (3500 BCE) in Iranian and Pakistani Balochistan
Kot Diji (3300 BCE) in Sindh
Mature Harrapan Phase (1900 -1300 BCE)
Late Harrapan Phase (1900 - 1300 BCE)
Bara culture (2000 BCE) in Shivalik foothills of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh
Cemetery H culture (1900 - 1300 BCE)
Jhukar and Jhangar culture (1900 - 1300 BCE)