The Indus Valley Civilisation or Harappan Civilisation was a Bronze Age civilisation mainly in the northwestern regions of South Asia, extending from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India.

The Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations. It flourished in the Indus River Valley in present-day Pakistan and northwest India from about 2600 to 1900 BCE. The civilization was named after Harappa, one of its major cities discovered in the 1920s.

Geographical Extent
The Harappan Civilization encompassed a vast area, covering parts of modern-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Its heartland was the fertile floodplain of the Indus River, which provided the necessary resources for agricultural development, trade, and urban growth. The civilization's major cities included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal.

Urban Planning and Architecture
The cities of the Harappan Civilization were exceptionally well-planned and displayed a high level of urban development. The streets were laid out in a grid pattern, with houses and public buildings constructed of baked brick. The cities featured sophisticated drainage systems, public baths, granaries, and impressive structures such as the Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro.

Economy and Trade
Agriculture formed the backbone of the Harappan economy. The Indus River provided water for irrigation, allowing the cultivation of wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. The civilization also engaged in domesticated animal husbandry. The Harappans were skilled in craft production, creating pottery, jewelry, and metalwork. Trade played a crucial role in their economic activities, with evidence of long-distance trade networks extending to Mesopotamia and other regions.

Writing System
The Harappan Civilization had a unique writing system that has not been deciphered completely. The script consists of symbols and signs, often found on seals made of steatite. While the majority of inscriptions are short, it is believed that they represent a form of written language.

Social Organization and Religion
The society of the Harappan Civilization was likely organized hierarchically, with evidence of a ruling elite. The cities had well-defined residential areas, with houses exhibiting varying degrees of wealth and size. Religion played an essential role in their lives, as evidenced by the presence of religious structures and the worship of various deities, including a mother goddess and a horned deity.

Decline and Disappearance
The Harappan Civilization began to decline around 1900 BCE, marked by the abandonment of several major cities. The reasons for its decline remain uncertain and subject to debate among historians and archaeologists. Some theories suggest environmental factors, such as changes in the river's course or climate events, while others propose the possibility of invasion or internal conflicts.

In conclusion, the Harappan Civilization was an advanced urban civilization that thrived in the Indus River Valley. Its well-planned cities, sophisticated infrastructure, agricultural practices, trade networks, and intriguing writing system make it a significant archaeological and historical landmark.