Important Sites of Indus Valley Civilization, List of Harappan Sites

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, is one of the world’s earliest urban societies, flourishing between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE in northwestern South Asia. The first Harappan site discovered in 1921 was Harappa, and since then, many other IVC sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi have been found. These Harappan sites are known for advanced urban planning, grid-patterned cities, standardized bricks, and sophisticated drainage systems. Artifacts such as seals, terracotta figurines, and tools highlight the civilization’s rich cultural heritage. Despite its advancements, much about the IVC remains a mystery, including its undeciphered script.

This topic falls under the UPSC General Studies Paper 1 syllabus, specifically in Ancient History and Archaeology, covering India’s early civilizations.

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What is Indus Valley Civilization?

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also called the Harappan Civilization, was a Bronze Age urban culture that existed around 3300–1300 BCE in parts of present-day Pakistan, northwest India, and Afghanistan. It is known for its well-planned cities, grid-pattern streets, advanced drainage systems, standardized baked brick houses, and flourishing trade. Major sites include Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. It is one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, contemporary with Mesopotamia and Egypt, though its script remains undeciphered.

There are more than 1000 Indus Valley Civilization sites spread across several regions of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Majority of the IVC sites have been primarily discovered along the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra river systems. The following are the major Harappan sites in India:

List of Indus Valley Civilization Sites
Year	IVC Sites	Location	Excavated by
1921	Harappa	Punjab, Pakistan	Daya Ram Sahni (ASI)
1922	Mohenjo-Daro	Sindh, Pakistan	R.D. Banerji (ASI)
1968	Dholavira	Kutch, Gujarat, India	Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
1963	Rakhigarhi	Haryana, India	Dr. Amarendra Nath (ASI)
1955	Lothal	Gujarat, India	Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
1960	Kalibangan	Rajasthan, India	B.B. Lal (ASI)
1974	Banawali	Haryana, India	R.S. Bisht (ASI)
1935	Chanhudaro	Sindh, Pakistan	Ernest Mackay (ASI)
1960	Sutkagendor	Balochistan, Pakistan	George F. Dales (Makran Survey)
1958	Alamgirpur	Uttar Pradesh, India	Y.D. Sharma (ASI)

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Now, let us find out about each of these Harappan sites in detail below along with their archaeological findings – 

Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan)

• Harappa, located in the Sahiwal District of Punjab, Pakistan, is one of the earliest and most significant sites of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Excavated in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni.
• Revealed a well-planned urban center with a grid layout, advanced drainage systems, and standardized brick structures.
• Key findings include two sandstone statues depicting human anatomy, Ekkas (bullock carts), two rows of six granaries, workmen quarters, a bronze sculpture of a dog chasing a deer, a red sandstone male torso, a sculpture of a mother goddess, pottery with Indus script, faience slag, and terracotta figurines.
• These discoveries highlight the sophistication of Harappan urban planning and craftsmanship.
• Harappa's strategic location near the Ravi River facilitated trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its prominence in the ancient world.

Major Archaeological Findings Unearthed from Harappa

• Two sandstone statues depicting human anatomy
• Ekkas (Bullock carts)
• Two rows of six Granaries
• workmen quarters
• Bronze sculpture of a dog chasing a deer
• Red sandstone male torso
• Sculpture of mother goddess
• Pottery with an Indus script on it.
• Faience slag
• Terracotta figurines

Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan)

• Mohenjo-Daro, situated in the Larkana District of Sindh, Pakistan, was one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Built around 2500 BCE, it was rediscovered by R.D. Banerjee and his team in 1922 and is one of the most important Indus Valley Civilization sites.
• The site features a well-organized urban layout with a central citadel and a lower residential area.
• Notable structures include the Great Bath, a large public water tank, and advanced drainage systems.
• Artifacts uncovered include seals, terracotta figurines, and pottery, providing insights into the daily life and trade practices of its inhabitants.
• Mohenjo-Daro's architectural sophistication and urban planning reflect the advanced engineering skills of the Harappan people.

Major Archaeological Findings from Mohenjo Daro

• The great bath
• Citadel
• Bronze statue of dancing girl
• Bronze buffalo
• Steatite statue of a bearded priest
• Seal of Pashupati
• The great granary
• Assembly hall
• 3 cylindrical-shaped seals similar to Mesopotamian ones.
• Terracotta toys
• A piece of woven cloth

Dholavira (Gujarat, India)

• Dholavira, located on Khadir Bet Island in Gujarat's Kutch district, is one of the most prominent Harappan sites in India, discovered in 1967 and excavated by R.S. Bisht in 1985.
• It is one of the largest sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, occupied between 3000–1500 BCE, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
• In 2014, a step well was discovered here, which is thrice the size of the Great Bath of Mohenjo Daro.
• The site comprises a fortified city with a complex water management system, including reservoirs and channels.
• Notable findings include large inscriptions, stadium-like structures, and a cemetery, reflecting advanced urban planning and cultural significance.
• Dholavira's strategic location facilitated trade and cultural interactions, contributing to its prominence in the ancient world.

Did You Know? The entire city of Dholavira was divided into three parts – citadel, middle town and lower town. It is the only Harappan site with such a division. The plan of the city was in the shape of a Parallelogram!

Major Artefacts Excavated from Dholavira

• Signboard
• Large water reservoirs and embankments
• Dams
• A figure of a chariot tied to a pair of bullocks was driven by nude men.
• Usage of rocks in construction.

Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India)

• Rakhigarhi, situated in the Hisar District of Haryana, is one of the largest Harappan sites, covering approximately 350 hectares.
• Excavations began in 1963, revealing evidence of urban planning including streets, drainage systems, and residential areas.
• Artifacts such as pottery, seals, and terracotta figurines have been uncovered, offering insights into the daily life and trade practices of its inhabitants.
• This site is comparable in size to Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, and the Global Heritage Fund recognizes Rakhigarhi as one of the oldest and largest Indus Valley Civilization sites.
• Rakhigarhi provides valuable information about the evolution of the civilization from the pre-Harappan to the mature phase.
• Its strategic location near the Sarasvati River facilitated trade and cultural exchange, enhancing its prominence in the ancient world.

Major Archaeological Findings at Rakhigarhi

• Bronze toys
• Terracotta statues
• Granary with 7 rectangular chambers. (It dates back to the mature Harappan phase i.e. 2600 BCE to 2000 BCE).
• Traces of cotton cloth on silver and bronze artefacts

Lothal (Gujarat, India)

• Lothal, located in Gujarat's Bhogava River basin, is renowned for its well-preserved dockyard, highlighting its importance as a maritime trade center.
• Occupied between 2400–1600 BCE, it was part of the Harappan Civilization’s extensive trade network.
• The site was unearthed by archaeologist R. Rao in 1953 and lies near the Gulf of Cambay (Gulf of Khambhat), on the bank of the Sabarmati River.
• A key feature of Lothal is its dock, considered the oldest in India, which connected the city to the Arabian Sea via the Sabarmati River, making it a crucial trade hub.
• Excavations revealed bead-making workshops, warehouses, and a tidal dockyard, alongside artifacts such as seals and pottery, underscoring its role in both regional and long-distance trade.
• Lothal’s strategic location near the Arabian Sea greatly facilitated maritime commerce, contributing to its prominence in the ancient world.

Did You Know? Archaeologists and historians claim that Lothal was possibly the Manchester of the Harappan civilization. It is the most extensively researched coastal site of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Archaeological Findings from Lothal

• Port and dockyard
• Single citadel
• An exclusive feature of lothal is that it has a house with an entrance facing the street
• Couple burial
• The seal with the story of a clever fox
• Mesopotamian seal made of ivory
• Rice husk
• Chess game
• Terracotta figures of horse and ship

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Kalibangan (Rajasthan, India)

• Kalibangan, located in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district on the banks of the Ghaggar River, is a key site for understanding the evolution of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The name “Kalibangan,” meaning “black bangles,” comes from the numerous black bangle fragments discovered at the site.
• Excavated in 1953 by Amala Nanda Gosh, the site revealed both pre-Harappan and Harappan remains, highlighting the cultural transition between these periods.
• Archaeologists consider Kalibangan to have the world’s first evidence of ploughed fields.
• The site is famous for its fire altars, indicating ritualistic practices, and its evidence of advanced agricultural techniques.
• Kalibangan’s layout includes a fortified citadel and a lower town, reflecting planned urban design.
• Artifacts such as pottery, seals, and tools provide insights into the daily life and trade of its inhabitants.
• Its strategic location along the Ghaggar River facilitated trade and cultural exchange, enhancing its prominence in the ancient world.

Major Findings Unearthed from Kalibangan City

• Double citadel
• Burnt bangles
• Fire altars
• Sun-dried bricks
• Ploughed fields
• Wooden plough
• Bones of camel
• Lower fortified town
• Earthquake evidence
• Copper ox
• Small circular pits with large urns and pottery

Banawali (Haryana, India)

• Banawali, located in Haryana’s Fatehabad district, is a significant Indus Valley Civilization site discovered by R.S. Bisht in 1974.
• It lies on the left bank of the dried-up Sarasvati River, about 120 km northeast of Kalibangan, in the upper middle valley of the river.
• Excavations revealed a fortified settlement comprising a citadel and a lower town, demonstrating a well-planned urban layout.
• The city features a robust fort with a defensive wall approximately 4.5 meters high.
• Burnt and moulded brick kilns were used in constructing houses, indicating advanced building techniques.
• Pottery from Banawali closely resembles that of Kalibangan, showing similar assemblages.
• Artifacts including pottery, beads, and seals highlight the craftsmanship and trade activities of its inhabitants.
• The site’s layout and material culture reflect a complex society engaged in agriculture, trade, and artisanal production within the Harappan civilization.

Artefacts Unearthed from Banawali

• Barley grains of good quality
• Toy plough
• The settlement was oval shaped
• Burnished grayware which were decorated with motifs
• Ivory comb
• Tortoiseshell
• Human figures of both males and females
• S-shaped jars, painted earthen pots, cooking vessels etc.

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Chanhudaro (Sindh, Pakistan)

• Chanhudaro is located about 130 kilometers south of Mohenjo-Daro in the Nawabshah district of Sindh, Pakistan, on the bank of the Indus River.
• Excavated in 1931 by N.G. Majumdar and his team, it is unique among Indus Valley sites for lacking a citadel.
• The site is often referred to as the "Lancashire of ancient India" due to its role as a manufacturing center.
• Archaeological findings suggest that Chanhudaro was a major industrial hub, especially known for producing carnelian beads.
• The settlement featured a grid layout, sophisticated drainage systems, and well-constructed mud-brick houses, indicating advanced urban planning.
• Artifacts recovered include pottery, seals, and terracotta figurines depicting human and animal forms, showcasing the artistic achievements of the civilization.
• The absence of fortifications implies the site functioned primarily as a trade and craft production center rather than a military stronghold.

Archaeological Findings from Chanhudaro

• Traces of bead maker’s factory
• The usage of kajal and lipstick was discovered
• Inkpot
• Impression of a cart with a seated driver

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Sutkagan Dor (Balochistan, Pakistan)

• Located on the Makran coast near Gwadar in Balochistan, Sutkagan Dor is the westernmost known archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Discovered in 1875 by Major Edward Mockler, the site features substantial stone walls and gateways, indicating a fortified settlement.
• Excavated in 1929 by archaeologist Stein, it is situated on the banks of the Dast River in the Makran district.
• Sutkagan Dor has a citadel and a defensive wall approximately 30 feet wide, typical of Harappan fortifications.
• The site is believed to have been part of the ancient trade route linking Lothal to Mesopotamia.
• Artifacts uncovered include pottery and seals, highlighting its role in regional trade networks.
• Its strategic coastal location facilitated maritime trade, connecting the Indus Valley Civilization with the Persian Gulf and beyond.

Major Archaeological Findings Unearthed from Sutkagan Dor

• Stone vessels
• Pottery
• Shell beads and
• Bangles are made out of clay.

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Apart from the Harappan sites described above, there are several other prominent sites that were discovered across the Indian subcontinent. A few other prominent IVC sites are listed below –

Indus Valley Civilization Sites	Location
Amri	Located in the Dadu district of Sindh, Pakistan
Alamgirpur	Located in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Balu	Located in the Kaithal district of Haryana, India
Balathal	Located in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India
Daimabad	Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.
Desalpur	Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India
Ganeriwala	Located in West Punjab, Pakistan
Karanpura	Located in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, India
Kunal	Located in the Fatehabad district of Haryana, India
Kot Diji	Located in the Khairpur district of Sindh, Pakistan
Kot Bala	Located in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, Pakistan.
Mehrgarh	Located in the Kachi district of Balochistan, Pakistan
Mandi	Located in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India
Pabumath	Located in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India.
Rangpur	Located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat, India
Ropar	Located in the Rupnagar district of Punjab, India
Sanauli	Located in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, India
Shikarpur	Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India

UPSC Previous Year Questions on Harappan Sites 2024 Consider the following statements regarding the site of Kotada (Dholavira): It was a large Harappan city with a unique three-part division. It has evidence of a sophisticated water management system, including reservoirs and channels. A signboard-like object with ten large-sized signs of the Harappan script was discovered here. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None 2021 Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar 2019 Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (a) Chanhudaro (b) Kot Diji (c) Sohgaura (d) Desalpur 2015 Which of the following is/are the feature/features of the Harappan civilization? Urban planning Drainage system Well-laid out roads 2014 To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss. (10 marks)

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