100 Years of Discovery of Indus Valley Civilization & its Sites | UPSC Notes

2024 marks the 100 years of discovery of Indus valley civilization.In 1924, John Marshall who was the then-Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced the discovery of the “civilisation of the Indus Valley” in “The Illustrated London News”. There are about 1,500 sites in the northwestern part of India, including in Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and UP. Apart from that there are about 500 sites in modern day Pakistan, and also in Afghanistan. Some key sites of this civilization are Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Rakhigarhi, and Dholavira. The Harappan civilization is also identified as a Bronze-age civilization because many objects that have been found in these sites are made up of copper based alloys. Daya Ram Sahni first excavated Harappa in 1921-22 and Rakhal Das Banerji in 1922 started excavating Mohenjo-daro. 

Characteristics of Indus Valley Civilization

These are the following characteristics of Indus valley civilization:

• Urban Planning: The Harappan civilization had elaborated cities with tunnels, improved drainage systems and standardized brickwork. 
• Craftsmanship: Exotic coins, pottery, ornaments, beads were produced. Apart from that unique steatite coins with intact animal figures and inscriptions have been found in the Harappan sites 
• Trade Relations: The Indus valley civilization engaged in extensive trade, as evidenced by objects made of lapis lazuli (a precious gemstone) and carnelian from distant regions. 
• Writing System: The Harappans developed a script, often referred to as the Indus script. This script is still undeciphered. Seals with animal figurines and inscriptions were used for trade by them and possibly for different kinds of administrative purposes.
• Art and Craftsmanship: Indus valley civilizations was known for its amazing craftsmanship in pottery, jewelry, and sculpture. Terracotta figurines depict various animals and deities. The famous Pashupati seal belongs to this civilization.
• Water Management: In Indus valley civilization, there was an advanced water management system. There was a strong understanding about sanitation and hygiene. 
• Social Organization: The society in Indus valley civilization is believed to have been relatively egalitarian. However, the possibility of social stratification cannot be completely ruled out. There is evidence of public baths and granaries suggesting communal facilities.
• Religion: While specifics are still not clear, there are indications of a polytheistic belief system. However, it is found that fertility deities and animals were worshiped by Harappans.
• Trade Networks: The Harappans engaged in trade with neighboring regions and used to exchange goods like cotton textiles, beads, and metals. There is evidence which suggests that the volume of trade of different objects was extensive.

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Sites of Indus Valley Civilization

These are the following sites of Indus Valley Civilization:

• Harappa: This site is located in Punjab (modern day Pakistan). This is famous for its advanced urban planning.
• Mohenjo-Daro: This is one of the largest cities of the Indus valley civilization. It is located in Pakistan. This is famous for its Great Bath and drainage systems.
• Dholavira: Thi is located in present-day Gujarat, India. This site is known for its water management systems and large stone structures.
• Rakhigarhi: This site is located in Haryana, India. It is one of the largest Harappan sites and famous for its advanced urban planning.
• Ganeriwala: This site is located in Pakistan’s Punjab province. It is known for its unique layout and large granaries.
• Lothal: It is a major port city in Gujarat, India, famous for its dockyard.
• Kalibangan: Located in present day Rajasthan, India, this site had well-planned streets.
• Sutkagen Dor: This is located near the Arabian Sea in modern day Pakistan. This site is important for understanding trade routes used by Harappans.
• Chanhudaro: Thi is very close to Mohenjo-Daro. It was an industrial center famous for bead-making and other crafts.
• Kot Diji: This site is located near the Indus River, it provides insights about the early stages of urbanization.

Significance of Indus Valley Civilization

The year 2024 marks the 100 years of the announcement of the discovery of the Indus Valley civilization. It is important to know what makes this civilization significant and different from other civilizations. These are the following significance of Indus valley civilization:

• Addressing Historical Gaps: The discovery of the Indus valley civilization extended the timeline of settlement in South Asia by more than 3,000 years. In a nutshell, this discovery completely reshaped the historical context of urban settlements 

• Cultural and Economic Intelligence: The Harappans were skilled artisans when it comes to production of ornaments, pottery etc. Apart from that they were quite skilled in beadwork, pottery and metalwork, adding to their economic power and unique cultural identity. 
• Influence on Subsequent Civilizations: The Harappan or Indus valley civilization influenced later South Asian cultures through its features such as urban practices, agricultural techniques and possibly religious beliefs 
• Sustainable Practices: The Harappans demonstrated water management through drainage and rainwater harvesting and emphasized sustainable agricultural practices 
• Trade with Western Asia: There is evidence which suggests that the Harappans were involved in maritime trade with Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula. This indicates their navigational skills.

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