History

Indus Valley Civilization

(3300 BCE – 1300 BCE) Advanced urban culture with remarkable architecture

Discovery

Discovered in 1920s by archaeologists

Sites: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal

Present-day Pakistan & NW India

Phases

Early (3300–2600 BCE): Farming villages, trade beginnings, mud-brick houses, pottery.

Mature (2600–1900 BCE): Planned cities, drainage systems, seals, long-distance trade.

Late (1900–1300 BCE): Urban decline, rural shift, reduced trade, cultural transformation.

Economy

Agriculture: Wheat, barley, rice, cotton.

Trade: Mesopotamia, Oman, and Afghanistan.

Crafts: Bead-making, pottery, metallurgy (bronze).

Religion

Figurines of Mother Goddess, animals, and fertility symbols.

Seals with animals and ritual scenes.

Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro indicates ritual bathing

Achievements

Advanced city planning & architecture.

Sophisticated drainage & sanitation.

Long-distance trade networks.

First urban centers in South Asia.