The Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was a Bronze Age civilization, with its mature phase lasting from circa 2600 BCE to circa 1900 BCE. The Harappan civilization marked significant achievements in urbanization, as evidenced by:
- Planned Cities: Harappan cities demonstrate advanced urbanization and planning. For example, Mohenjo-Daro featured a planned layout with rectilinear buildings arranged in a grid pattern.
- Flourishing Trade and Commerce: The Harappan civilization was a high point in trade and commerce, exemplified by artifacts such as the bull seal and Pashupati seal, as well as extensive trade relations with Mesopotamian civilizations.
- Urban/Municipal Facilities: Cities had access to various municipal services, including:
- A well-maintained drainage and sewerage system (using the corbel technique).
- A waste collection system.
- Public structures like the Great Bath and storage structures such as granaries (found in Harappa).
- Modern Architecture and Civil Engineering: Structures like the citadel, granaries, and Great Bath indicate the engineering prowess of the Harappan people.
- Connectivity/Transportation: Urban centers in the IVC were well-connected, with evidence of a tidal port at Lothal and the use of wheeled carts.
The cultural influence of the IVC extends far beyond its time, as seen in its impact on the present-day culture of the Indian subcontinent:
- Religious Worship/Practices:
- Worship of the Mother Goddess, a prominent practice in the IVC, remains a revered tradition today, exemplified by the celebration of the Navratri festival across India.
- The Pashupati seal found in the IVC is believed to depict a proto-Shiva, and the worship of Shiva is a common practice across the Indian subcontinent today.
- Performing Arts: The presence of a robust ecosystem for performing arts in modern India can be traced back to the IVC, as evidenced by the dancing girl figurine found at Mohenjo-Daro.
- Apparels/Ornaments:
- Clothing styles from the IVC, such as the shawl-like garment worn by the bearded priest figurine from Mohenjo-Daro, continue to influence present-day attire.
- The practice of wearing ornaments, including bangles, beads, and amulets, found in the IVC, remains significant in contemporary culture.
- Agriculture: The importance of agriculture in the IVC resonates in present-day culture, with evidence of ploughed fields at Kalibangan and the use of cotton.
- Scientific Influences:
- Planned cities and efficient drainage systems reflect the direct influence of the IVC.
- A standardized system of weights and measures was used in the IVC.
- Concepts of numbers and numerical systems were evident, such as the standardized brick dimensions of 4:2:1.
The IVC represents the epitome of urbanization, leaving a lasting influence on the present-day culture of the Indian subcontinent.
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish June 3, 2025