THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION [ art, culture, legacy ]

 The Indus valley civilization

Area of Harappan civilization

Introduction:

The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as the Harappan Civilization. It is one of the oldest and most enigmatic civilizations in the world. It emerged around 2600 BCE in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent and lasted until around 1900 BCE. The civilization was memorable for its advanced urban planning, art, and culture, as well as its impressive infrastructure, which included sophisticated sewage and drainage systems. Despite its many achievements, the Indus Valley Civilization remains shrouded in mystery, with many aspects of its culture and the history is still unknown or the subject of ongoing debate among scientists. In this article, we will explore the Indus Valley Civilization in more detail, and its origins, achievements, and legacy.

Origins of the Indus Valley Civilization:

The Indus Valley Civilization appeared in the fertile floodplains of the Indus River and its tributaries in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The civilization's early development is still defeciently understood, with much of what we know about the civilization's early history based on archaeological evidence. The earliest settlements in the region date back to around 7000 BCE, but it was not until around 2600 BCE that the civilization began to take shape.

The origins of the Indus Valley Civilization are the subject of ongoing debate among scholars. Some statements are that the civilization emerged from local developments in agriculture, trade, and urbanization, while others suggest that it was influenced by external factors, such as the migration of people from Central Asia or Mesopotamia. Regardless of its origins, the Indus Valley Civilization quickly grew into a sophisticated and highly organized society.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure:

Harappan civilization

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization was its advanced urban planning and infrastructure. The civilization's cities, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, were meticulously planned and built with a grid-like layout, with streets and buildings laid out at right angles. The cities were also equipped with an impressive array of infrastructure, including advanced sewage and drainage systems, public baths, and granaries. It's civilization is still a wonderful thing for its infrastructure and culture. 

The Indus Valley Civilization's infrastructure was so advanced that it has been compared to that of ancient Rome or Greece. The cities had a complex network of underground drains and sewers, which carried waste away from the streets and buildings and deposited it in nearby rivers or agricultural fields. The civilization's granaries were also impressive, with large, carefully constructed structures that could store food for the population in times of drought or famine.

Art and Culture:

Art and culture of Harappan civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization was mainly  known for its rich and diverse art and culture. The civilization's art is characterized by a well-defined style, featuring intricate geometric patterns and stylized depictions of animals and humans. The civilization's pottery, which was produced on a large scale, is particularly noteworthy for its fine craftsmanship and elaborate designs.

The Indus Valley Civilization also had a complex religious and cultural system, with evidence of multiple deities and religious practices. Archaeological evidence suggests that the civilization had a highly stratified social structure, with some individuals enjoying greater status and wealth than others. Despite this, the civilization also had a remarkable degree of gender equality, with women participating in economic and social life alongside men.

Decline and Legacy:

Sculptures and scripts of Harappan civilization

Despite its many achievements, the Indus Valley Civilization began to decline around 1900 BCE, with many of its cities abandoned and its population dwindling. The reasons for the civilization's decline remain the subject of ongoing debate among scholars, with some suggesting that it was the result of environmental factors, such as climate change or drought, while others argue and states that it was the result of social or political upheaval, such as invasion or conflict.

Despite its decline, the Indus Valley Civilization had a lasting impact on the history and culture of South Asia.

The Legacy of it's civilization is remarkable. 

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