Indus valley civilization was the home to the four chief ancient urban civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia and China.

The ancient Indus civilization extended from Egypt to China, and Harappa was a city on the Indian sub-continent that flourished between 2600 and 1700 B.C. Its highly evolved and complex culture ensures a place in the chronicles of world history and architecture. In 1856, railway construction workers discovered fire-baked bricks in the foothills of the Himalayas, soon confirmed as antique.

Introduction to the Ancient Indus Civilization

Harappa in the western part of South Asia; was a city in the Indus civilization that flourished between 2600 and 1700 BC. How did it originate? Historians believe 5000 years age and discovered rich, fertile land created by the superior river systems of the Indus, Ravi, Beas, Chenab and Sutlej. Today, it forms the Indian state of Punjab. Over the next thousand years, these immigrants spread over half a million square miles area. In contrast to the deserts of Iran, this was an area abundant of food, fuel and water supply. Consequently, it was referred as The Land of Gods.  

Welcome aboard to holidays in India!

Town Planning and Architecture

Excavations reflect great degree of urban planning, which was achieved after a gap of 2500 years only by the Romans. The twin cities of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa were well-planned with wide streets, public and private wells along with reservoirs, good drainage system and bathing platforms. Amongst the well-known structures is the Great Bath of Mohenjo Daro. The twin cities formed the hub of the civilization. 

Furthermore, the city plan reflects both the cities were built with defensive outer walls; the orthogonal street layout depicts a basic understanding of traffic, with rounded corners to allow the easy turning of carts.  

The Harappan house is a remarkable example of ancient folks harnessing the local conditions to their advantage and building homes that were technologically advanced and adept to the climate. The house architecture contained series of rooms opening into a central courtyard. The courtyard being multi-purpose provided light to the rooms, acted as an air conditioner during summers and heater in the winters; additionally it provided an open space for household activities. There were no doors towards the main street, thus ensuring privacy to the residents.

An advanced drainage system was witnessed in the excavation findings. Drains started from the bathrooms and joined the main sewer in the street, covered by brick slabs.

 It is observed, the central-western blocks were reserved for public architecture. Great Bath and Granary at Mohenjo-daro are the famous examples. Despite debates, it is believed that the Great Bath was used for ritualistic bathing as it continues in the Hindu tradition, even today.

Artifacts

The surviving artifacts include a series of soapstone seals that displays Humped Brahmani Bull and Pashupati. In addition, there are carved figurines of bronze Dancing Girl, statues of a priest and a male torso.  

Decline and Decay

Harappan’s were complacent and therefore the invaders from the Northwest – Aryans encountered no resistance. With the fall of the city, people either fled further south or gave up their freedom to their conquerors'.

The invaders were nomadic people and considered the natural phenomenon and animals divine and sacred; it was the beginning of Hinduism.

Learn more about ancient India, when you buy a tour to India