Which of these was the cause of the decline of Harappan civilisation?a...
Many scholars believe that the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization was caused by climate change. Some experts believe the drying of the Saraswati River, which began around 1900 BCE, was the main cause for climate change, while others conclude that a great flood struck the area. Some believe deforestation and overgrazing as a reason too.
Which of these was the cause of the decline of Harappan civilisation?a...
The decline of the Harappan civilization was a complex process involving multiple factors. The correct answer is option 'D' – all of these factors played a role in its decline. Let's explore each factor in detail:
Climatic Change:
- One of the significant factors that contributed to the decline of the Harappan civilization was climatic change.
- The region experienced a shift in climate patterns, with a decrease in rainfall and an increase in aridity.
- This led to a reduction in the flow of major rivers like the Indus, making agricultural activities challenging and affecting the availability of water for irrigation.
- As a result, the agricultural productivity of the region declined, leading to food scarcity and economic instability.
Floods:
- Another factor that contributed to the decline of the Harappan civilization was floods.
- The Indus River and its tributaries, which were essential for agricultural activities, experienced periodic flooding.
- However, towards the later stages of the civilization, the frequency and intensity of floods increased.
- These floods caused damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of irrigation systems and agricultural fields.
- The inability to manage and recover from these floods further weakened the civilization.
Deforestation:
- Deforestation is another factor that played a role in the decline of the Harappan civilization.
- The civilization relied heavily on timber for various purposes such as construction, fuel, and pottery production.
- The extensive deforestation of the region led to environmental degradation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
- This, in turn, affected agricultural productivity and contributed to the decline of the civilization.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, the decline of the Harappan civilization was not solely caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of multiple factors.
- Climatic change, floods, and deforestation all played a role in the decline.
- The interplay between these factors resulted in economic instability, food scarcity, environmental degradation, and the eventual collapse of the Harappan civilization.