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Indus Valley Civilisation: The Remarkable Daily Lives Behind a Forgotten Era The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) is one of the most extraordinary and ancient urban cultures ever discovered. It predates most known civilizations, flourishing on the floodplain of the Indus River more than 4,000 years ago. This mysterious society offers an extraordinary view of a complex culture with its robust urban design, advanced architecture, and sophisticated culture. But how much do we really know about them? In this, we’ll uncover the intricacies of the Indus Valley Civilization—its discovery, development, architecture, and more. The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world’s first major urban centers. It lasted from about 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE and spanned parts of present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The civilisation is notable for its urban planning, use of drainage systems, public bathhouses, and advanced craftsmanship. At that time, the people of Indus Civilization were dependent on trees and plants, and they understood the importance of forests due to which there was greenery at that time. This civilisation developed mainly along the Indus River and its tributaries, covering a wide area. Major locations include: Who Discovered the Indus Valley Civilisation? The story of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation is fascinating. The first key step was in the mid-19th century. The civilization was initially revealed to the world in 1921 by two British archaeologists—Sir John Marshall and Sir Mortimer Wheeler. However, it wasn’t an isolated moment but rather a series of discoveries that led to the full recognition of this ancient society. Key Findings: Artifacts and Discoveries One of the most captivating aspects of the Indus Valley is the incredible artifacts and findings that have sparked intense research. Archaeologists have uncovered a wide variety of everyday tools, artwork, and evidence of trade that provide rich insight into the life of the ancient civilization. 1. Seals and Inscriptions: The discovery of seals bearing animal motifs like unicorns, tigers, and rhinoceroses is one of the most iconic symbols of the Indus Valley Civilization. These seals, often inscribed with an undeciphered script, suggest the existence of some form of written communication. 2. Sculptures and Figurines: A remarkable example is the Dancing Girl Statue from Mohenjo-Daro, depicting an intricately crafted bronze figurine. This figure showcases the advanced metalworking techniques of the time. Additionally, small terracotta figurines found across different Indus Valley sites suggest a significant cultural and religious aspect to daily life. 3. Tools and Pottery: Indus Valley pottery is noted for its fine craftsmanship. Unearthed tools from flint, copper, and bronze indicate a society highly skilled in various crafts, from metallurgy to weaving. There’s evidence that these crafts were connected to their trade networks, highlighting the global reach of the civilisation. 4. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro: One of the most remarkable architectural findings was the Great Bath in Mohenjo-Daro. This large, well-built structure, possibly used for ritual bathing, hints at the religious practices and an advanced understanding of sanitation. Why Did the Indus Valley Civilisation Have Such Advanced Architecture? The architecture of the Indus Valley Civilisation continues to mesmerize scientists today, showcasing highly developed urban planning. Several characteristics make the architecture of the Indus Valley Civilisation stand out: Trade Importance for the Indus Valley Civilisation Trade was crucial for the prosperity of the Indus Valley Civilisation. As one of the first major maritime traders, the civilisation had extensive trading links with regions as far as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Egypt, and even the Persian Gulf. 1. The Dockyards at Lothal: Lothal, an important trade center, had a well-planned dockyard—a clear indication of its thriving maritime industry. The people here traded materials like beads, textiles, and pottery, while they also imported materials like lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. 2. Seals Used in Trade: The iconic seals mentioned earlier may have had an essential function in the trade networks. Each seal, often depicting animals and sometimes inscribed with symbols, was likely used to mark goods for trade or denote ownership. What Made the Indus Valley Civilisation Unique? What sets the Indus Valley Civilisation apart from other ancient civilisations is the enigmatic nature of its society. Unlike the Sumerians, Egyptians, and other civilizations that had deciphered written languages and mythologies, the people of the Indus Valley have left us little understanding of their written language and religious practices. Indus Valley Civilisation people have a written language: Yes, they had a script that remains undeciphered to this day. The written language is mostly found on seals, which were possibly used for trade. Indus Valley Civilisation a peaceful society A: Evidence suggests that the Indus Valley people were largely peaceful. Archaeological findings indicate no signs of warfare, like weapons, and the cities were well-organized and efficient, supporting the idea of a harmonious society. How advanced was the Indus Valley Civilisation in terms of technology? The civilisation showed remarkable advancements in city planning, architecture, drainage systems, and craftsmanship in metal, pottery, and bead making. The cities were constructed using standardized bricks, and private drainage systems show their high level of civic planning. The Magnificent Cities: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro Walking through the streets of Mohenjo-Daro today, the sense of order and planning is striking. This was no ordinary ancient settlement; the Indus Valley cities were laid out in an almost modern-style grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles. What makes this city even more impressive is the ingenious system of drainage and sanitation. Each building had its own private bathroom, and the entire city’s streets had drains to carry away waste, clearly demonstrating the advanced engineering knowledge of the civilization. At Mohenjo-Daro, archaeologists found an even more extraordinary structure: the Great Bath. This large, carefully constructed tank of water was likely used for ritual purposes, underscoring the Indus Valley’s complex religious life, although much of their spiritual beliefs remain elusive. The presence of such well-maintained public facilities speaks volumes about the priority they placed on cleanliness and public health. Meanwhile, in Harappa, excavations revealed a treasure trove of