Harappan Civilization

The world records the three earliest and ancient civilizations. They are in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India. From these three civilizations, the Harappan civilization in India is the most widespread of them all. Dating back to 2500-1700 BCE, Harappan civilization is also known as Indus Valley civilization or Indus civilization. 

Harappan Civilization

Just like we discussed in the introduction, Harappan civilization is also known as Indus civilization or Indus Valley civilization. This popular civilization was observed first at Harappa, hence, the reason for the name, Harappan civilization. It was in 1921 in a region known as Punjab. In 1922, it was also discovered at Mohenjodaro. These two discoveries in this modern day are in Punjab, Sindh, and Pakistan in no particular order.

The Harappan civilization was made up of two big cities, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and other small towns and villages, more than a hundred. The two cities mentioned above we’re about 1.6km square in dimensions and their size was one of the reasons why civilization happened in their cities. Their size also permitted the political centralization of India.

Harappan Civilization Introduction 

Harappan civilization’s introduction evolved from the villages of predecessors and neighboring villages. The Mesopotamian model of farming was adopted which is known as irrigated agriculture. Since the Indus river Valley is large and very fertile, enough skill was put in place to ensure that the annual flood does not destroy anything.

The Harappan civilization existed mainly as a result of farming and agriculture supported by a bit of commerce. On the farmland, sesame, wheat, barley, field peas, mustard, date stones, and the earliest form of cotton were discovered. Animals were also domesticated and assisted in the civilization. The Asian elephant was domesticated and its ivory tusks were used freely. Other animals like; dogs, cats, domestic fowl, pigs, camels etc were also domesticated.

Seals of Harappan civilization 

The Indus Valley is what is known as Northeast India and Pakistan. In these two regions, the seals of the Harappan civilization were found. Records show that over 3,500 seals have been discovered so far. The description of the most conventional seal is square-shaped. It has animals drawn in the middle of it. Some of these animals are; Unicorns, Rhinoceros, Bulls, Elephants. Different symbols were also discovered on the top of the seals. The back of the seal had a projection that served as a hold. A hole was also discovered on the seal. Archeologists confirmed that the holes were spaces for threads in case anyone wanted to wear the seals on their neck as jewelry.

The symbols on the seal at the top precisely were used as scripts to form the Indus Valley language. From history, the symbols found are more than 400 in number, however, the scripts are yet to be understood fully.

Shockingly, the markings on the seals have been seen in some pots and other objects in ancient times.

Harappan civilization map

The Harappan civilization map covers all the areas where the Harappan civilization took place. All the cities and villages, especially the two major cities are seen on the map.

The civilization map also explained the outlook of the Indus Valley and the river that flows through.

Indeed, the map is an expression of the geographical area where the Harappan civilization took place.

Conclusion

The Harappan civilization was one of the biggest and earliest civilizations in history. This civilization transformed India because of the innovation and creativity it came with. No one can forget this civilization even in the fourth generation due to the benefits we are still reaping today.

The seals are another mystery that has not been fully uncovered even by the most influential archeologists.