100 years of discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization

Syllabus
GS Paper I – Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Context
September 20, 2024, commemorates 100 years since the announcement of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).

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100 years of discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization

Introduction

September 20, 2024, marks the centenary of the announcement of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization, a milestone that reshaped our understanding of ancient history. On this day in 1924, Sir John Marshall, then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, revealed the existence of this advanced Bronze Age civilization. Spanning modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the Indus Valley Civilization is renowned for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and impressive craftsmanship. This discovery not only highlighted the technological prowess of the ancient inhabitants but also underscored the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

Indus Valley Civilization

• The Harappan civilization is recognized as one of the most ancient civilizations globally, alongside Egypt and Mesopotamia.
• Geographical Development: This civilization emerged along the Indus River, hence it is also referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Bronze Age Characteristics: The Harappan civilization is classified as a Bronze Age civilization due to the discovery of numerous artifacts made from copper-based alloys.
• Naming and Discovery: It is also known as the Harappan civilization, named after Harappa, the first site to be excavated in the area.
• John Marshall’s Contribution
  • In 1921, John Marshall, then the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, published an article titled “New Discoveries of an Unknown Prehistoric Past”.
  • He described his findings as the “civilization of the Indus Valley.”
  • This civilization flourished near the Indus and Saraswati rivers.
• Key Excavations:
  • Daya Ram Sahni (1921-22)
    • Excavated: Harappa Site
    • Discoveries: Seals, painted pottery, and beads
    • Described as: Industrious, precise, and humble
  • Rakhal Das Banerji (1922)
    • Excavated: Mohenjo-daro
    • Discoveries: Seals, pottery, copper artifacts, and crucibles

Phases of the Harappan Civilization

• Initial Phase (3200 BCE to 2600 BCE):
  • The early stage of the Harappan civilization.
• Mature Phase (2600 BCE to 1900 BCE):
  • The period when the civilization was at its peak.
• Decline Phase (1900 BCE to 1500 BCE):
  • The era during which the civilization deteriorated and eventually collapsed.

Geographical Spread

• Current Extent:
  • The civilization covers 2,000 sites over 1.5 million square kilometers across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• Sites in Northwestern India:
  • Approximately 1,500 sites are located in regions such as Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Sites in Pakistan and Afghanistan:
  • Around 500 sites are in Pakistan, with a few in Afghanistan.

Major Harappan Sites

• Key Locations:
  • The five largest sites include Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Ganweriwala (all in Pakistan), and Rakhigarhi, Dholavira (both in India).

Boundaries and Extensions

• Western Boundary:
  • Extends to the coastline of South Baluchistan at Suktagendor.
• Eastern Boundary:
  • Reaches up to Alamagirpur in Uttar Pradesh (District Meerut).
• Northern Boundary:
  • Stretches to Manda in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Southern Boundary:
  • Initially extended to Bhagvatrav in the Narmada Estuary of Gujarat.
  • Discoveries at Diamabad, Maharashtra, revealed four Bronze figurines along the Pravara River, indicating further southern expansion.

Significance of the discovery

• Many scholars believed that the first instances of settled life in this region emerged around the sixth century BCE, creating a historical void in South Asia.
  • The unearthing of the Harappan civilisation bridged this historical gap.
• This discovery introduced another ancient civilisation in Asia, alongside the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations.
  • It also revealed the Harappan civilisation’s maritime trade with West Asia dating back to 3000 BCE.
• The Harappan civilisation showcased advanced urban planning, including well-organised cities with sophisticated drainage systems.
• Evidence of standardized weights and measures indicates a high level of economic regulation and trade.
• The discovery of seals and script suggests a form of communication and administrative control.
• The Harappan civilisation’s agricultural practices, including the cultivation of wheat and barley, highlight their agrarian economy.
• Artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and tools reflect the craftsmanship and daily life of the Harappan people.

Salient features of Indus Valley Civilization

• Urban Planning: Their towns were meticulously planned with brick houses aligned along the streets.
  • Each house featured a staircase, a kitchen, and multiple rooms.
  • Courtyards included wells, bathrooms, and efficient drainage systems.
• Ornaments: The Harappans adorned themselves with jewelry made from gold, silver, ivory, shell, clay, semi-precious stones, and other materials.
• Trade and Commerce: The civilization had extensive trade networks, extending to Mesopotamia, Afghanistan, and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Religion and Iconography: Harappan artifacts display various symbols and motifs linked to religious beliefs. These include figures like the “Priest King” and animal images such as bulls, indicating possible reverence for certain animals.
• Craftsmanship and Artistry: They developed skills in epigraphy, ceramics, pottery, bead making, and bronze & copper crafts.
  • Detailed lapidary work, especially in micro-drilling long carnelian beads with chemically stained designs, was notable.
  • The Harappans produced intricate pottery, including the renowned red pottery with black painted motifs.
  • They also crafted jewelry, sculptures, and seals from steatite, terracotta, and other materials.
• Agriculture: They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, and cotton.
• Social Organization: The society was likely hierarchical, with evidence suggesting a stratified structure, indicated by variations in housing sizes and the presence of public buildings.
• Society: It was matriarchal in nature, as evidenced by the numerous terracotta female figurines found at various sites.
• Standardized Measures: They used cubic weights made from polished chert, employing binary and decimal systems. Standardized burnt bricks with a 1:2:4 ratio for bonding were widely used.
• Science & Technology: They had specialized metallurgists, hydrologists, mathematicians, and astronomers.
• Decline and Disappearance: The reasons for the decline of the Harappan Civilization remain debated among historians and archaeologists.  Possible factors include ecological changes, such as shifts in river courses, as well as invasions and internal conflicts.

Bridging Historical Gaps in India through IVC Discovery

• Settled Life in India:
  • Historians once thought that settled life in this region began only around the sixth century BCE.
  • This belief created a significant historical void in South Asia.
• Historical Gap:
  • India seemed to transition abruptly from the Stone Age to the era of Buddhist stupas.
  • This left a gap in the understanding of the region’s historical development.
• Continuity of Settled Life:
  • The discovery of the Harappan civilisation filled this historical void.
  • It extended the timeline of settled life in the region by over 3,000 years.
  • This discovery introduced another ancient civilization in Asia, alongside those in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
• Trade Links:
  • The Harappan civilization’s maritime connections with West Asia were unveiled, dating back to 3000 BCE.
  • These trade links were contemporaneous with those of Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Conclusion

The Harappan civilization, with its remarkable advancements in urban planning, water management, and metallurgy, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of ancient societies. Despite the passage of millennia, its mysteries continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into a technologically advanced and well-organized culture. The legacy of the Harappans, evident in their meticulously planned cities and innovative infrastructure, underscores their pivotal role in the annals of human history. As we unravel more about this enigmatic civilization, we gain invaluable insights into the early strides of human ingenuity and societal development.

References: TH | IE

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Related PYQs

Q1. To what extent was the urban planning and culture of the Indus valley civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanisation? Discuss. [UPSC CSE – 2014 Mains]

Q2. The ancient civilization in the Indian subcontinent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its cultural traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. [UPSC CSE – 2015 Mains]

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Practice Question

Discuss the significance of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) in 1924 and its impact on our understanding of ancient Indian history. Highlight the key features of the IVC and how this discovery has influenced modern archaeological practices. [250 words]

Guidelines to Answer

• Introduction:
  • Briefly introduce the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
  • Mention the date of the discovery announcement (September 20, 1924) by Sir John Marshall.
• Significance of the Discovery:
  • Explain how the discovery of the IVC reshaped the understanding of ancient Indian history.
  • Discuss the civilization’s contribution to the knowledge of urban planning, architecture, and social organization.
• Key Features of the IVC:
  • Urban Planning: Describe the well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, including their grid layout, drainage systems, and public baths.
  • Economy and Trade: Highlight the trade networks, craft production, and use of standardized weights and measures.
  • Writing System: Mention the undeciphered script and its significance.
  • Art and Culture: Discuss the artifacts such as seals, pottery, and sculptures that provide insights into the cultural practices.
• Impact on Modern Archaeological Practices:
  • Explain how the discovery influenced archaeological methodologies and practices in India and globally.
  • Mention the role of technology in recent excavations and research, such as satellite imagery and DNA analysis.
• Conclusion:
  • Summarize the importance of the IVC discovery in the broader context of world history.
  • Reflect on the ongoing research and future prospects in understanding the IVC.

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