Harappan Civilization

The Harappan civilization, which emerged in 3300 B.C.E, is, for a variety of reasons, one of the most intriguing civilizations that have ever existed. It stretched along the Indus River Valley, from Pakistan to Afghanistan. This civilization, which was made up of a large number of small communities, was technologically very advanced, and, indeed, included many of the features of the society that we have today. The Harappans were one of the first to have a system of writing, which, however, historians have not yet been able to translate. Nevertheless, the society has left us numerous ruins, which provide much information about it. (See Appendix 1A) Harappa, an Indus River Valley civilization, whose written records we have not yet been able to translate, has nonetheless left some remains that help us understand the society’s urban planning, trade, lifestyle, agriculture and mortality rate.

From the remains left by the Harappan society, archaeologists today are in a position to understand the civilization’s urban planning. The Indus River Valley Civilization stretched on for about 3000 km and probably more. Over the last few years, archaeologists have discovered a number of major structures dating back to about 2600 B.C.E. These structures were made of baked bricks. They give us clues about the material that was used for the planning of the city. (See Appendix 1B) From such remains, archaeologists have discovered that house and streets were laid out in a certain pattern, which was from North to South and from East to West. Multi-storied houses have been found, indicating that Harappan civilization had buildings very much like some of our own. The houses were designed in such a way that each one faced a small alley, which means ...

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...vide an in-depth view of their society. The reason for the decline of the civilization is not yet known, but there are some fascinating hints. Religious seals were used by the Harappan people, which at first show exquisite carved figures of bulls, elephants, and tigers. At a late period, however, these seals were made of clay rather than stone, and, instead of the beautiful figures of animals that had appeared previously, had only crude geometric engravings, a possible indication that the society was in decline. Historians are not yet in a position to explain this in any definite way, but they understand that the seals were important and used for political purposes as well as in religious rites. A mysterious society, the Harappa may not have writing, but they certainly have left fascinating remains, which suggests that they may have been a great society.