📝 Chapter Overview
This chapter explores the Harappan Civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE), one of the earliest urban civilizations. Through archaeological evidence - bricks, beads, and bones - we understand their advanced urban planning, trade networks, and social organization.
⏳ Timeline
c. 2600 - 1900 BCE
📍 Location
Indus Valley Region
Detailed Notes
🏛️ 1. Discovery and Excavation
- Discovery: First discovered in 1920s by archaeologists
- Major Sites: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan
- Evidence Sources: Buildings, pottery, tools, seals, jewelry, human remains
🏘️ 2. Urban Planning
- Grid Pattern: Cities laid out in organized grid system
- Two Parts: Citadel (raised) and Lower Town
- Drainage System: Advanced covered drains along streets
- Standardization: Uniform bricks, weights, and measures
💎 3. Craft and Trade
- Materials: Gold, silver, copper, bronze, semi-precious stones
- Beads: Made from carnelian, steatite, faience - evidence of craft specialization
- Trade: Extensive trade networks with Mesopotamia, Afghanistan, Iran
- Seals: Used for trade - depicted animals, script (undeciphered)
👥 4. Social Organization
- Evidence: Burials suggest social differentiation was not extreme
- Occupations: Farmers, craftspeople, traders, administrators
- No Evidence: No palaces, temples, or royal tombs found
- Interpretation: Possibly ruled by merchants or religious leaders
📚 Key Takeaways
- ✓ One of the world's earliest urban civilizations
- ✓ Remarkable urban planning and drainage systems
- ✓ Extensive trade networks across regions
- ✓ Advanced craft production (beads, pottery, seals)
- ✓ Decline remains debated - climate change, river changes, invasions
💡 Study Tip: Focus on archaeological evidence and how historians interpret artifacts to understand ancient civilizations.