Reasons for the declining of Harappan Civilisation:
1. Environmental Factors:
- Climate Change: There is evidence to suggest that a shift in the monsoon pattern led to a decrease in rainfall, affecting agriculture.
- Deforestation: The cutting down of trees for fuel and construction may have contributed to soil erosion and loss of fertility.
2. Geographical Factors:
- Shift in River Courses: Changes in the course of rivers like the Indus may have disrupted the agricultural practices of the Harappan people.
- Depletion of Resources: Over-exploitation of resources such as water and soil may have led to the decline of the civilization.
3. Social Factors:
- Decline in Trade: The collapse of long-distance trade networks may have affected the economy of the Harappan civilization.
- Internal Conflicts: Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of violence in some Harappan settlements, indicating possible internal conflicts.
4. Decline in Urbanism:
- Abandonment of Cities: Many Harappan cities were gradually abandoned, possibly due to a combination of factors like environmental degradation and social unrest.
- Shift to Rural Life: Some evidence suggests a shift from urban centers to rural settlements as people adapted to changing circumstances.
5. Lack of Written Records:
- The absence of decipherable written records makes it challenging to fully understand the reasons for the decline of the Harappan civilization.
- Limited historical sources hinder a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the downfall of this ancient civilization.