Test: Decline Of IVC - UPSC MCQ

Historical period is said to be the one where there is a written DECIPHERED script. However, although IVC had a script but it is yet remains un-deciphered and therefore, the period of IVC is said to be in proto-history.

Gordon Childe, Australian-born British historian, linguist, and archaeologist, combined the Gradual decline theory with the Aryan invasion theory and said, “The Indus Civilization perished as a result of internal decay accelerated by the shock of barbarian raids.”

Kalibangan is distinguished by its unique fire altars and "world's earliest ploughed field.” It is a town located in Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan. Kalibangan's excavation report was published in its entirety in 2003 by the Archaeological Survey of India, 34 years after the completion of excavations.

In Rangpur, which is not far from Lothal, it is noticed that the mature Harappa culture degenerated and transformed itself later into other cultures. Please remember this fact as it is.

All of the following are the skeletal remains in the burials.

Firstly in 2700 BC the indus valley civilization was very planned. The Mature urban phase is marked by systematic town planning, extensive brickwork, distinction between the citadel and the lower town, all of this practically disappeared in the post Harrapan Phase. This is the period of decline of the civilization.

The Aryans were known as cattle bearers and nomadic people hence. Whereas, the Harappan civilization had many urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro. So, option C is correct.

Causes for the Decline Aryan Invasion

• There are many theories regarding the decline of  IVC. Some of them conflict and contradict each other!

• Change in the rainfall patterns: Around 2000 BC serious flooding in plains and cities 

• Over utilisation of resources 

• Ecological degradation: Decreasing fertility of the soil due to excessive exploitation 

• Earthquakes and drying of rivers due to tectonic shifting 

• Natural calamities like recurring floods 

• Aryan Invasion as they had superior weapons as well as swift horses.

One of the discoveries (30 skeletons in the upper level of the site) made at Mohenjo daro in the 1920s support the hypothesis that Aryan invaders destroyed the Harappa civilization. Dead bodies were found at Great bath which suggests that war had taken place between IVC and Aryans

Continuity of IVC in the Economic Sphere

• Discovery of standard weights and measures, some of which were continued to be used in India till recently. 
• Basic unit of measurement became the basic unit of Indian rupee ie 16 Annas. 
• The idea of standardization. 
• Construction of an artificial dock. 
• The binary systems and other instruments of measurement and weights are still in practice.
• Potter’s wheel, carts and boats are still in use until today.