The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was a Citation Age civilization that flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia,  lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It was one of the world's foremost civic societies, contemporary with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. 

Key Features:

  • Urban Planning: Highly advanced city planning with well-laid-out streets, drainage systems, and granaries.
  • Advanced Civilization: One of the world's earliest urban civilizations, contemporary with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
  • Indus Script: A unique writing system that remains undeciphered.
  • Trade and Commerce: Extensive trade network, evidenced by the discovery of seals and artifacts from distant lands.
  • Technological Advancements: Skilled artisans, metalworkers, and potters.
  • Religious Beliefs: Belief in a Mother Goddess and a fertility cult.

Major Sites:

  • Harappa: Located in modern-day Pakistan, it was a major urban center with evidence of advanced brick architecture and granaries.
  • Mohenjo-daro: Another significant city, known for its Great Bath, a large public water tank.
  • Lothal: A prominent port city on the Gujarat coast, indicating extensive maritime trade.

Decline:
The Indus Valley Civilization declined circa 1900 BCE, with most significant sites abandoned by 1300 BCE. The specific causes of this drop are unknown, however various hypotheses have been presented. These include climate change, natural disasters, and societal upheaval.

Legacy:
Despite its eventual fall, the Indus Valley Civilization left an indelible mark. Its superb urban design, sophisticated technology, and distinct culture have intrigued archaeologists and historians for millennia. The civilization's influence is still visible in the region today, and it continues to inspire fresh research and discoveries.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Urban Planning: The Indus Valley people were skilled urban planners, designing cities with grid-like layouts.
  • Drainage System: They had a sophisticated drainage system to manage wastewater.
  • Standardized Weights and Measures: A unified system of weights and measures was used across the civilization.
  • Seals: Small clay seals with intricate designs were used for various purposes, including trade and identification.
  • Agriculture: Agriculture was a major economic activity, with the cultivation of wheat, barley, cotton, and other crops.
  • Metallurgy: The Indus people were skilled in metallurgy, working with copper, bronze, and other metals.