Harappan Civilization: Bronze Age

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, belonged to the Bronze Age. It flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, covering parts of modern-day Pakistan and India. This ancient civilization was contemporaneous with other great civilizations of the time, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Characteristics of the Harappan Civilization:

1. Urban Planning: The Harappan cities were well-planned, featuring grid-like street patterns and advanced drainage systems. The cities were fortified, with walls made of baked bricks.

2. Agriculture: The Harappans were skilled agriculturalists who cultivated a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. They had an advanced irrigation system to support their agricultural activities.

3. Trade and Commerce: The civilization had a robust trade network, evidenced by the discovery of seals and artifacts in various regions. They had trade connections with Mesopotamia, Oman, and other contemporary civilizations.

4. Written Language: The Harappans had a script that has not yet been deciphered, limiting our understanding of their written records. However, numerous seals and inscriptions have been found, indicating the existence of a written language.

5. Art and Craftsmanship: The Harappan civilization was known for its artistic and craftsmanship skills. They produced exquisite pottery, jewelry, figurines, and sculptures. The use of standardized weights and measures suggests a sophisticated system of trade and commerce.

6. Religion and Society: The Harappans had a complex religious and social structure. They worshipped various deities, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous figurines and seals. The presence of granaries and public baths indicates a structured society.

7. Decline and Disappearance: The Harappan Civilization started declining around 1900 BCE, possibly due to a combination of factors such as environmental changes, floods, and invasions. The exact reason for its disappearance remains a subject of debate among scholars.

Conclusion:

The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, belonged to the Bronze Age. It was a highly advanced and sophisticated civilization with well-planned cities, advanced agricultural techniques, and a thriving trade network. The civilization left behind a rich archaeological legacy, but the inability to decipher their written script limits our understanding of their history and culture. The decline and disappearance of the Harappan Civilization remain an intriguing aspect that continues to be explored by researchers and archaeologists.

The society of the Indus River Valley has been dated from the Bronze Age, the time period from approximately 3300-1300 BCE.