Main Features of Harappan Culture

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, flourished from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. It was located in the northwestern regions of South Asia, covering parts of present-day Pakistan and India. The Harappan culture is known for its unique features that differentiate it from other ancient civilizations. Here are two main features of the Harappan culture:

1. Urban Planning and Architecture

The Harappans were known for their advanced urban planning and impressive architecture. They built their cities on a grid-like pattern, with streets and alleys intersecting each other at right angles. The roads were wide enough to allow for the movement of carts and chariots. The cities were also divided into various sectors, including residential, commercial, and administrative areas.

The Harappans built their houses using baked bricks, which were uniform in size and shape. The houses had several rooms, with some having their private wells and courtyards. The cities also had public buildings, including granaries, warehouses, and public baths, which were built using the same uniform bricks.

The Harappan architecture also included some of the largest and most impressive structures of the ancient world, including the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro. The Great Bath was a large pool, measuring approximately 40 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth. It was made of baked bricks, and its walls were covered in a waterproof plaster made of gypsum.

2. Writing and Trade

The Harappans developed a system of writing that used pictographic symbols. They carved these symbols onto seals made of steatite, an easily carved stone. The seals were used for a variety of purposes, including trade and administration.

The Harappans were also known for their extensive trade networks, which extended to Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf. They traded in a variety of goods, including cotton, spices, copper, and gold. They used a standardized system of weights and measures, which facilitated trade and commerce.

In conclusion, the Harappan culture was characterized by advanced urban planning, impressive architecture, a unique system of writing, and extensive trade networks. These features have made the Harappan civilization one of the most remarkable ancient civilizations in the world.

Indus Valley Civilization (also known as Harappan Civilization) is an ancient India civilization that flourished more than 4000 years ago in the north-western parts of Indo-Pakistan sub-continent. It derived its name from river Indus, which is the main river of the region. The various features of Indus Valley Civilization are given below:1. This civilization is extended far beyond the Indus Valley. The main towns of Indus valley civilization were Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, Lothal.2. The significant features of Indus Valley civilization are personal cleanliness, town planning, construction of burnt-brick houses, ceramics, casting, forging of metals, manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles.3. Mohenjo-Daro people had finest bath facilities, drainage system, and knowledge of personal hygiene.4. They were equally conscious of plant medicine since there was occasional warfare.5. The town planning and other characteristics indicate that a homogeneous indigenous culture developed.6. The portrayal of a three-faced figure surrounded by various animals has been considered as Shiva in the form of Pasupati or Brahma, the originator of Brahmi School of learning.7. The seal has been available in the stupa area that is generally believed as college area. Computer study of the available seals has been started in different centers.8. The naksatras are of Harappan origin and these are related to later Dravidian names.9. Application of decimal scale in linear measure is another very important achievement of the Harappans.10. They had perhaps a fairly good idea of lunar astronomy, as envisaged from some of the seals since they were very much attached to navigation and fire worship as found in Kalibangan.11. The rectangular bath at each of the Harappan sites was considered a holy place.12. The Harappan people could prepare painted potteries of burnt clay, glazed potteries faience, terracotta, etc. The glazing of potteries is believed to be of Indian origin.13. The cities were supported by both trade and agriculture. The foundations of well-planned shipyards at Kalibangan and Lothal and granaries at all these main Harappan sites indicate how important they were in the economy of that time.14. Certain medicated and contemplative postures of the people, available among terracotta figurines suggest that they also developed the science of physical and mental discipline to a high degreeyou can take any two features from this ....this may help you....