• There is an evidence that by 1800 BCE most of the mature harappan sites in regions such as cholistan had been abandoned simultaneously, there was an expansion of population into new settlements in Gujarat, Haryana and western UP.

• In the few harappan sites that continued to be occupied after 1900 BCE there appears to have been a transformation of material culture, marked by the disappearance of the artefacts such as weights, seals, beads etc.

• writing, long distance trade and craft specialisation also disappeared .

• House structure techniques were deteriorated and large public structures were no longer produced.

POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR THE DECLINE OF CIVILISATION ARE : climate change, deforestation, excessive floods, shifing of drying up of rivers etc.

Decline of Harappan Civilization
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, thriving from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. Its decline remains a subject of intense research and debate among historians and archaeologists.
Factors Contributing to Decline
- Climate Change:
A significant shift in climate may have led to reduced rainfall and increased aridity, impacting agriculture and water supply.
- River Dynamics:
Changes in the course of rivers, particularly the Ghaggar-Hakra River, could have disrupted irrigation systems, leading to agricultural decline.
- Overexploitation of Resources:
Intensive farming and urbanization might have led to soil degradation and depletion of natural resources.
- Trade Disruption:
The decline of trade networks with Mesopotamia and other regions may have weakened the economic foundation of the civilization.
- Social and Political Factors:
Internal strife, social unrest, or political fragmentation could have contributed to the disintegration of urban centers.
Archaeological Evidence
- Site Abandonment:
Many urban centers, including Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, show signs of gradual abandonment, with fewer artifacts and structures being built in later periods.
- Material Culture Changes:
A shift in pottery styles and less elaborate burial practices suggests a decline in societal complexity and organization.
Conclusion
The decline of the Harappan civilization was likely due to a combination of environmental, economic, and social factors. Understanding this decline provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by ancient civilizations and their adaptability to change.