This chapter introduces the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. It explains the planned nature of Harappan cities, their economic life, social organisation, and the reasons for their decline.

The Story of Harappa

The cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation are known as Harappan cities. These cities were rediscovered in the 1920s after excavations in Sindh and Punjab (present-day Pakistan).

• The civilisation flourished from around 3300 BC
• Major cities include Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, and Lothal
• These cities were about 4700 years old

Town Planning: A Planned Urban System

Harappan cities show an advanced sense of planning.

Division of the City

• Cities were divided into:
  • Citadel – western part, smaller but higher
  • Lower Town – eastern part, larger and residential

Street and Drainage System

• Streets were straight and cut each other at right angles
• Covered drains ran alongside streets
• Houses, streets, and drains were planned and built together

📌 Important Fact: This reflects a strong central authority and urban planning.

Important Structures

The Great Bath

• Found at Mohenjodaro
• A large tank used for ritual bathing
• Shows importance of cleanliness and rituals

Fire Altars

• Found at Kalibangan and Lothal
• Suggest ritual sacrifices

Other Structures

• Wells supplied water to houses
• Houses were one or two storeys high
• Storehouse discovered at Lothal
• Ceremonial ground and engraved stones found at Dholavira

Life in a Harappan City

A Harappan city was a busy and organised place:

• Rulers planned construction of important buildings
• Scribes prepared seals and kept records
• Crafts-persons made goods in workshops or homes

Crafts and Technology

• Objects made of stone, shell, metal
• Use of bronze (alloy of copper and tin)
• Beads, seals, pots, weights, blades found
• Evidence of cotton cloth

Agriculture and Food

Harappans were skilled farmers.

• Crops grown: wheat, barley, pulses, peas, rice, sesame, linseed, mustard
• Use of plough to dig the soil
• Irrigation was practiced
• Animals were reared

Trade and Raw Materials

Harappans procured raw materials both locally and from distant regions.

• Rajasthan – stones
• Oman, Iran – metals and other materials

This indicates long-distance trade networks.

Decline of the Harappan Cities

Around 1900 BC, a major change occurred and many cities declined.

Possible reasons:

• Drying up of rivers
• Deforestation
• Environmental changes
• Other unknown factors

📌 By 500 BC, newer cities emerged in India.

Important Terms to Remember

Timeline of Key Events