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The Indus Valley, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world’s earliest urban societies. It developed around 2500 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The civilization is noted for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and impressive architecture.
Geographical Location
The Indus Valley stretched across the present-day regions of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, and parts of Balochistan. Major cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were situated along the banks of the Indus River. The fertile floodplains supported agriculture and trade, contributing to the civilization’s growth.
Cultural Features
The Indus Valley civilization is known for its uniformity in urban design and artifacts. They developed a writing system that remains undeciphered. Their craftsmanship included pottery, seals, and jewelry made from materials like shell, stone, and metal.
Society and Economy
The society was likely organized around a centralized authority, evidenced by the uniformity of city layouts. The economy was based on agriculture, supplemented by trade of goods such as beads, metals, and textiles. They also engaged in trade with regions as far as Mesopotamia.
- Urban planning
- Advanced drainage systems
- Trade networks
- Art and craftsmanship