1. THE INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

3. Geography and Environment India is a subcontinent separated by a wall of mountains one each side Hindu Kush mountains and the Himmalayas Indus Valley is protected by large mountains to the north and a wide desert to the east. The Indus and Ganges river provide: Access to the Sea Irrigation for farming And Silt for rich fertile land Monsoons – Seasonal winds that bring tremendous rainfall

5. Civilization on the Indus Why do we know so little… They had a record keeping system that has not been deciphered as of yet. Cities and agricultural societies began emerging on the Indus river around 2500 BCE

6. Harappan Civilization 3300 BCE - 2400 BCE

7. Foundations of Harappan Society The Indus River Silt-enriched water from the Hindu Kush & Himalayan ranges Major society built by Dravidian peoples, 3000-2500 BCE Cultivation of cotton before 5000 BCE, early cultivation of poultry Decline after 1900 BCE Major cities: Harrapa (Punjab region and Mohenjo- daro (Southern Indus River) 70 smaller sites excavated (total 1,500)

8. Indus Valley Cities (2500 – 1500 BCE) There were two prominent cities on the Indus River: Harappa & Mohenjo-Daro. These cities were incredibly well planned: Grid pattern streets Water Systems (plumbing) with heated public baths and brick sewers. The wealthy even had two story buildings with indoor bathrooms and garbage chutes. Each city was dominated by a structure built upon a hill that served as a stronghold, such as a citadel.

9. Mohenjo-daro Ruins Population c. 40,000 Standardized weights & measurements evident throughout the region Specialized labor Widespread trade

10. Citadel Of Mohenjo- Daro

11. Aerial View of Mohenjo-Daro

12. Citadel, Mohenjo-Daro

13. The Great Bath, Mohenjo-Daro

14. Bath Area, Mohenjo-Daro

15. Well, Mohenjo-Daro

16. A Main Street, Mohenjo-Daro

17. Granery, Mohenjo-Daro

18. Pottery, Mohenjo-Daro

19. Bison Seal, Mohenjo-Daro

20. A Horned-God Seal, Mohenjo-Daro

21. A Male Head, Mohenjo-Daro Dravidian

22. A Priest-King, Mohenjo-Daro

23. Necklace, Mohenjo-Daro

24. Public Well, Harappa

25. Drain, Harappa

26. Unicorn Seal?, Harappa

27. Harappan Society and Culture Evidence of social stratification Dwelling size, decoration Great influence on later Indian culture Statues, figurines and illustrations reflect a tradition of art and metallurgy Venerated goddesses of fertility

28. Female Figures, Harappa

30. Bull Figurine, Harappa

31. Elephant Figurine, Harappa

32. Burial Pottery, Harappa

33. Male Skeleton, Harappa

34. Female Skeleton with Child, Harappa

35. Harappan Writing Undecipherable to date.

36. Mysterious End of Harappan Civilization Reasons for disappearance unclear Excessive deforestation, loss of topsoil Earthquakes? Flooding? Evidence of unburied dead Disappearance by 1500 BCE Harappan traditions survived – agricultural practices, religious beliefs, and urban traditions