Harappan Civilization: Origin and Expansion, Town Planning, Remains, Economic Condition, Industry and Craft, Trade

 

Harappan Civilization

The Harappan civilization was discovered in 1920-22. At that time two major cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro were excavated. In which Harappa was excavated by Dayaram Sahni while Mohenjodaro was excavated by Rakhaldas Banerjee. Harappa was situated on the banks of the Ravi River while Mohenjodaro was situated on the banks of the Indus River.

Origin and Expansion

The Harappan civilization has been divided into three periods. Like-
(A) Early period: This period was 3500 BC. to 2600 B.C. Till date it has been considered.
(b) maturity period; This period is 2600 BC. to 1900 B.C. has been considered so far.
(c) North Harappan period: This period started in 1900 BC. to 1400 BC has been considered so far.

From the remains obtained in the excavation, it is known that before the Harappan civilization, people lived in small villages, but after some time they turned into small towns. In the end, cities developed from towns only. Information about the expansion of Harappan civilization is also available from the material obtained in the excavation.

This civilization was spread to the present day states of India like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Western Uttar Pradesh etc. It also included parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The main sites of the Harappan civilization are Manda in Jammu and Kashmir, Shortulai in Afghanistan, Harappa in western Punjab, Mohenjodaro and Chanhudaro in Sindh, Kalibanga in Rajasthan, Lothal and Dholavira in Gujarat, Banwali and Rakhigarhi in Haryana, Daimabad in Maharashtra, etc.

town planning :

Town planning is the main feature of this civilization. Similarity is seen in the plans of cities, streets, structures of houses, size of bricks and drains etc. All the major places of Harappan civilization are divided into two parts. For example, the fort built on a high platform towards the west and the lower town situated in the eastern part of the population. There were wide roads, paved drains in the cities. There was proper arrangement for cleaning.

Main features of the Harappan city plan

The most important feature of the Harappan civilization is the town planning. Uniformity can be seen in the planning of cities, structures of houses, streets, size of bricks and drains etc. All the major places of this civilization are divided into two parts. For example, the fort built on a high platform on the west side and the lower town built on the eastern side of the population. There are large structures built in the fort, which indicate that they functioned as centers of government or religious rituals. Residential houses were built in the lower town. The roads were wide. They cut each other at right angles. The city was divided into several sections. The main roads were connected by small streets. The main doors of the houses used to open only towards the narrow streets. Most of the houses were made of burnt bricks. Big houses had many rooms. There was also a square courtyard in them. Private wells in these houses, There were also kitchens and bathrooms. Thus it can be said that the people of the rich class used to live in big houses while the poor people used to live in small houses. In the cities of the Harappan civilization, drains were arranged in order to drain the dirty water. Every house had drains. It used to meet the street drain. The drains were paved. These were covered with stone slabs.

Remains of some of the main structures of Harappan cities:

The huge bath of Mohenjodaro is the most important site of this civilization. A dockyard structure was found at Lothal. Ships were anchored here.

Economic Activities:

The economic condition of the Harappan civilization can be explained by the following points -

Agricultural System of Harappan Civilization:

The Harappan civilization was an agricultural civilization. The farmers here used to produce wheat, barley, sesame, mustard, peas, mustard, rice, cotton etc. The farmers here draw canals from the Indus river. Used to take out and irrigate. They also used to irrigate from wells. The land was fertile because of the Indus river. For this reason, grains were produced in abundance.
Due to the fertile alluvial soil of the Indus River, the people of the Harappan civilization got a large amount of grain from agriculture. Agriculture has also helped the people here to set up industries. The people here used to plow and sow the land with plow and oxen. They used to irrigate with wells and canals. Indus river was the main source of irrigation. They used to produce wheat, barley, sesame, mustard, peas, rice, mustard and cotton etc. Agricultural production was in abundance.

Economy of the people of Harappan civilization-

The people of Harappan civilization used to make their living by agriculture and animal husbandry. They also practiced hunting and fishing. They used to produce rice, barley, pulses, wheat, jowar, white gram, peas, green gram, cotton etc. The people of the Harappan civilization domesticated animals like cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, dog, pig and horse. They also used to earn their living by doing cottage business and trade. 

Chalcolithic tools, equipment and other essential items - 

The main features of the Chalcolithic civilizations are the copper and stone tools used by them. They used Makik, Chamkam stone etc. to make stone tools. They used gandas, knives, sickles, triangles and sambals. They used hoes in farming. In copper articles, they used flat axes, arrowheads, spearheads, chisels, fish hooks, swords, furs, bangles, rings, beads, etc. In digging carnelian, suryakant gem, rhinestone, onyx, shells etc. Beads made from it have been found. In this case the objects found from Dadimabad Museum are considered more important. From these discoveries, naba rhinoceros, elephant, wheeled cart etc. have been obtained from bronze. Objects made of copper with sharp cut edges have also been found from a place called Kayatha. 

The main features of the urban economy of the people of Harappa-

The major feature of the urban economy of the Harappans was the network of internal and external trading networks. The people of the city depended on the villages for food and other essentials. For this reason, there were relations of mutual cooperation between villages and cities. The artisans of the cities also needed markets to sell their wares. Due to this mutual contacts were established between the cities. The merchant class established business relations in foreign countries.

Industries and Crafts: 

The people of the Harappan civilization used to do cottage business of making pottery, making gold and silver ornaments, making copper tools, dyeing and printing clothes, making idols, making meenakari toys, making cotton clothes.

Industries and crafts prevalent in the Harappan period

The Harappans were familiar with all metals except iron. They used to make things of gold and silver. In gold things, pearls, bracelets, needles etc. were used to make the main things. At that time silver was used more. More and more ornaments and plates have been found in the excavation. Copper tools and weapons have also been found in maximum numbers in the excavation. Common tools include axes, saws, chisels, knives, Spear points and arrow heads etc. were included. These tools were of a protective nature. At that time stone tools were also used. The people of that time used to bring copper from a place called Khetri in Rajasthan. Gold was brought from the foothills of the Himalayan rivers and from South India. They used to get silver from Mesopotamia. The people of the Harappan civilization also used bronze. An example of this is considered to be the statue of a bronze dancer found in Mohenjodaro. This is a statue of a naked woman. The art of making beads was also an important craft in Harappa. At that time pearls were made from precious stones and gems. such as onyx and cornelian. Gold and silver beads have also been found in the excavation. Meenakari was also done on ivory carvings and decorative items. A stone sculpture of a bearded man was found in Mohenjodaro in very artistic form. Its eyes are in meditative posture. on his left shoulder There is an embroidered dushala. A large number of clay idols of women and men have also been found in the excavation of Harappa. Apart from this, statues of birds, monkeys, dogs, sheep, bulls etc. have also been found. Vehicles made of solid clay have also been found. The Harappans also used to make pottery. They used to make utensils with a wheel. They used to paint the utensils red and decorate them with black paint. He also used to paint on utensils. The people of Harappa also used to make seals. They also used to draw pictures on seals. The most famous seal found is the one with the image of a male deity with horns. It has three heads. He is sitting in Padmasan. There are animals like elephant, tiger, rhino and buffalo around it. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva. Rhinoceros and buffalo etc. are animals. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva. Rhinoceros and buffalo etc. are animals. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva. Idols of bulls etc. have also been found. Vehicles made of solid clay have also been found. The Harappans also used to make pottery. They used to make utensils with a wheel. They used to paint the utensils red and decorate them with black paint. He also used to paint on utensils. The people of Harappa also used to make seals. They also used to draw pictures on seals. The most famous seal found is the one with the image of a male deity with horns. It has three heads. He is sitting in Padmasan. There are animals like elephant, tiger, rhino and buffalo around it. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva. Idols of bulls etc. have also been found. Vehicles made of solid clay have also been found. The Harappans also used to make pottery. They used to make utensils with a wheel. They used to paint the utensils red and decorate them with black paint. He also used to paint on utensils. The people of Harappa also used to make seals. They also used to draw pictures on seals. The most famous seal found is the one with the image of a male deity with horns. It has three heads. He is sitting in Padmasan. There are animals like elephant, tiger, rhino and buffalo around it. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva. Rhinoceros and buffalo etc. are animals. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva. Rhinoceros and buffalo etc. are animals. Scholars have considered it as Pashupati Shiva.

Business

The people of Harappan civilization also used to trade. They used to export food grains, cotton clothes, pottery etc. while importing precious metals, diamonds, gems, cosmetics etc. They had trade relations with countries like China, Iran, Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Religious Beliefs and Practices:

The people of Harappan civilization used to worship deities like Pashupati Shiva, Mother Goddess, Linga Puja, Yoni Puja, Tree Puja, Water Puja, Snake Puja etc. They also used to perform rituals like Havan.

Script :

The Harappan script has not been deciphered. These people used pictorial symbols or letters to express their feelings.

Non-Harappan Chalcolithic Communities in India:

The main Chalcolithic civilizations and their important core locations and the expansion of non-Harappan Chalcolithic civilizations are found in western India and the Deccan.

Tools, equipment and other items needed:

The people here used tools and equipment like Gandasa, Knife, Sickle, Triangle, Sambal, Khurpi, Axe, Arrow, Spear, Sword, Ferse etc. These were made of copper and stone. 9

Home and Residence:

The Harappans lived in rectangular and circular houses.

Trade relations of the Harappans with Mesopotamia

The Harappans had trade relations with Mesopotamia. The people here used to get silver from Mesopotamia. Apart from this, they used to buy clothes, wool, perfume and leather items.

The main feature of the religious life of the Harappans

Information about the religious beliefs and customs of the Harappans comes from the terracotta sculptures. Innumerable idols of Mother Goddess of baked clay have been found in them. Scholars believe that the Harappans used to worship Linga and Yoni. They also used to worship Pashupati Shiva. They also used to worship trees. Like Peepal and Bud. They also worshiped animals. Evidence of fire worship has also been found. They used to perform Havan too. The Harappans also believed in reincarnation.

Relationship of life of non-Harappan Chalcolithic people

Banas civilization located in the southeast of Rajasthan, Ahar civilization and Gilund civilization near Udaipur, Malwa civilization, Navdatoli in western Madhya Pradesh, Joven civilization, Inam village near Pune and Chandaula in Maharashtra, Chalcolithic from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal etc. Evidence of civilizations has been found. All these places also had similarities with the non-Harappan civilizations. Similarity can be seen in their earthen houses, farming and hunting activities, pottery made from chalk, etc.

Social life of the people of Harappan civilization-

The social life of the people of Harappan civilization can be explained on the basis of the following points

(1) Society 

The society of the Harappan people was divided into several classes. There were classes such as priests, warriors, farmers, merchants and artisans. On the basis of the structures of houses found in the excavations of places called Harappa and Lothal, it can be said that people of different classes lived in different types of houses. Houses of artisans have been found near a place called Kothar in Harappa. From which it is clear that artisans of this class were present at that time. Similarly, in the excavation of Lothal, workshops of coppersmiths and pearl makers have been found. On this basis, it can be said that the rich people of that time used to live in big houses while the working class people used to live in small houses. 

 (2) family 

The family of the people of Harappan civilization was matriarchal. This family is of such a type in which the mother is dominant. 

 

(3) Costumes: 

People of that time used to wear cotton and woolen clothes. Men used to wear loose clothes like dhoti, turban and robe. Women used to wear long clothes from shoulder to heel. She also used to keep a scarf. 

 (4) food and drink 

The people of the Harappan civilization used to eat both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. They used to take chapatis, vegetables, milk, curd, butter etc. as vegetarian food, while non-vegetarians used to take meat, fish and eggs as food. 

 (5) Jewellery:

 Both men and women of Harappa wore ornaments. People of the rich class used to wear gold and silver ornaments. While poor people used to wear ornaments made of solid clay. At that time, both men and women used to wear ornaments like necklaces, armbands, ear drops, pearls, beads, bangles etc. 

 (6) Shringar: 

The people of Harappa were very fond of dressing up. This is confirmed by the sculptures of women and men found in the excavations done at different places. They also used decorative items. Women and men used to decorate their hair in different ways. 

 (7) Place of women in the society: 

Women had a high position in the Harappan society. They had equal rights with men. 

 (8) lifestyle

 The living conditions of the people of Harappa were of a high standard. They lived in pucca and comfortable houses. They used to take good food and wear good clothes.

 (9) fun 

The people of Harappa used to entertain themselves by means of hunting, fishing, watching animal fights etc. As they used to enjoy watching the fight of cocks, bulls and buffaloes. 

 (10) Methods of final action:

 The people of Harappa used three methods of performing the last rites of the deceased. Like- burying the dead body as it is, burning the dead body and putting the dead body in front of wild animals. After eating them, the remaining bones were either thrown in the river or they used to close the pots and bury them in the ground. While burying the dead, they used to put bangles, pearls, copper mirrors etc. in the grave along with them. Three graves have been found in Lothal in which women and men have been buried together. In the excavation of Kalibanga, a grave has been found in which only utensils have been found. Bones or skeleton have not been found in it. Evidence of this symbolic burial has been found.

Social Characteristics: 

The characteristics of their society were as follows 

(a) There were families. Family: Matriarchal in Harappan Civilization 

(b) Society The Harappan society was divided into classes like priests, warriors, farmers, merchants and artisans. 

(c) Clothing: The Harappans wore cotton and woolen clothes. Men wore dhoti, turban and shirt. Women used to wear a long cloth from shoulder to heel. She also used to keep a scarf. 

(d) Jewellery: The people of Harappan civilization used to wear ornaments both male and female. Necklaces, armlets, ear drops, pearls, beads and bangles etc. were worn by both men and women.

Decline of the Harappan Civilization

Historians give different views about the decline of the Harappan civilization. Like-
(1) Some scholars believe that the Harappan civilization ended due to flood
(2) Some scholars also argue that the Harappan civilization was destroyed due to drought.
(3) Some scholars also say that this civilization was destroyed due to earthquake.
(4) Some scholars also argue that this civilization was destroyed due to epidemics like cholera, plague.
(5) Some people also believe that this civilization was also destroyed due to fire.
(6) Many people also say that this civilization went towards decline due to the invasion of Aryans.

Harappan Civilization: Important Questions Answered

Question 1. Why is the Indus Valley Civilization called the Harappan Civilization?

Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization is called the Harappan Civilization because Harappa was the first place where the remains of this civilization were first found.

Question 2. What were the different phases of the Harappan Civilization?

Answer: Early Harappan period (3500 BC-2600 BC) 

      maturing period; This period is 2600 BC. to 1900 B.C. has been considered so far. 

      North Harappan period: This period was from 1900 BC. to 1400 BC has been considered so far.

Question 3. Write the names of any two major Harappan sites of Haryana and Gujarat? 

Answer: Banwali and Rakhigarhi in Haryana and Lothal and Dholavira in Gujarat

Question 4. Who discovered Mohenjodaro? 

Answer: Mr. R.K. D. Banerjee

Question 5. Harappa is situated on the banks of which river? 

Answer: Ravi 

Question 6. What are the main characteristics of an urban civilization?

Answer: The main characteristics of an urban civilization are. Well-planned cities, specialized arts and crafts, trade, taxation and script, etc.

Question 7. In which direction was the fort generally constructed in Harappan cities?

Answer: Western

Question 8. What type of bricks were used to build houses?

Answer: Kiln baked bricks

Question 9. Where was the 'Vishal Bath' discovered? 

Answer: Mohenjodaro 

Question 10. Name the main building structure found at Loshal? 

Answer: Dockyard 

Question 11. Apart from agriculture, which economic activities were prevalent among the people of Harappa?

Answer: Animal grazing (animal husbandry)

Question 12. Name two main food crops used by the Harappan people.

Answer: Wheat, Barley, Sesame, Mustard, Pea, Jejubi etc. 

 

Question 13. Name two places of the Harappan period from where we have found evidence of rice as a food crop during that period.

Answer: Lothal and Rangpur

Question 14. From which place was the idol of the bronze dancer found?

Answer: Mohenjodaro

Question 15. Name any two crafts prevalent during the Harappan period?

Answer: making beads, making pottery 

Question 16. Which place was the main source of copper for the Harappans?

Answer: Khetri mines in Rajasthan

Question 17. The society of Harappa was considered as ********** society?

Answer: Matriarchal

Question 18. Where were the houses of artisans found?

Answer: Harappa 

Question 19. The clothes made of which material did the people of Harappa wear?

Answer: Yarn (cotton), wool

Question 20. From which place was the famous 'Pashupati' coin found?

Answer: Mohenjodaro

Question 21. The shape of which tree is often found on Harappan seals? 

Answer: Peepal

Question 22. Has any evidence been found of the worship of Agni? If yes, where is it found?  

Answer: Yes, Kalibangan and Lothal

Question 23. At which place joint graves have been found? 

Answer: Lothal

Question 24. What is the approximate number of signs in the Harappan script?

Question 25. Which natural calamities are considered responsible for the downfall of the Harappan civilization?

Answer: flood, earthquake

 

Question 25. When and by whom was the excavation of Harappa done? 

Answer: Harappa was excavated in 1920-22 by Rakhaldas Banerjee.

Question 26. Where is Harappa situated?

Answer: Harappa is located in Montgomery district of Punjab.

Question 27. Who excavated Mohenjodaro? Where is it located?

Answer: Mohenjodaro was excavated by Dayaram Sahni. It is located in the Larkana district of Sindh.

Question 28. What is considered to be the period of Harappan civilization? 

Answer: The period of Harappan civilization was from 2600 BC to 1900 BC. considered between.

Question 29. Why is the Harappan civilization known as the Indus Valley Civilization?

Answer: Because in the beginning all its settlements have been found in excavations, they have been located in the plains around the Indus river or its tributaries.

Question 30. Why is the Harappan civilization currently called by this name?

Answer: Because Harappa was the first place from which the existence of this civilization has come to be known.

Question 31. In which phases has the entire period of the Harappan period been divided?

Answer: (1) Early Harappan period, (2) Mature Harappan period, (3) Late Harappan period.

Question 32 Write the main feature of the early Harappan period. 

Answer: The characteristics of structures made of clay, early trade, arts and crafts etc. are seen in this period. 

Question 33. Write the center of Harappan civilization in Rajasthan.

Answer: The centers of Harappan civilization in Rajasthan are Kalibanga, Ahar, Vaisath etc.

Question 34. What is the best feature of the Harappan Civilization? 

The best feature of North Harappan civilization is town planning. 

Question 35. What were the types of roads in Harappa?

Answer: Harappan cities had wide roads which cut each other at right angles.

Question 36. What was the arrangement for the drainage of dirty water in the cities of Harappa?

Answer: The houses in the cities of Harappa had fixed drains to drain the dirty water.

Question 37. What is the specialty of the bath of Mohenjodaro? 

Answer: There are verandahs built around the bathhouse of Mohenjodaro and stairs are built at both the northern and southern ends. Rooms are built on the sides around the bathhouse.

Question 38. Where has the evidence of rice cultivation of the Harappan civilization been found?

Ans: In Lothal and Rangpur, there are indications of rice cultivation only from the remaining particles of rice husk in pottery.

Question 39. What did the people of Harappa use for making pearls?

The Harappans used steatite to make pearls. Answer :

Question 40. What types of families existed in the Harappan civilization?

Answer: There were matriarchal families in the Harappan civilization. 

Question 41. What evidence has been found that the people of the Harappan civilization believed in reincarnation?

Answer: The people of Harappa used to bury bangles, pearls, copper mirrors etc. along with the dead body. This indicates that they believed in reincarnation.

Question 42. Whose invasions have been considered responsible for the decline of the Harappan civilization?

Answer: The invasions of the Aryans have been considered responsible for the decline of the Harappan civilization.

Question 43. Where are the Chalcolithic civilizations located in Rajasthan? 

Answer: Chalcolithic civilizations are located near Udaipur in Rajasthan at places called Ahar and Gilund.

Question 44. What types of utensils have been found in Chalcolithic civilizations?

Answer: Ocher, black and colored utensils have been found in the Chalcolithic civilizations.