Harappa Civilization

Harappan Civilization One of the most fascinating yet mysterious cultures of the ancient world is the Harappan Civilization

Harappan Civilization  This culture existed along the Indus River in present day Pakistan from about 2300 BCE to 1700 BCE.

Harappan Civilization  All of the cities and civilizations at this time were centered around large areas along both sides of the Indus River

Harappan Civilization  As these civilizations grew more in population improvements in agriculture and irrigation transpired.

Harappan Civilization  Agriculture - The science, art, and business of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock; farming.

Harappan Civilization  Irrigation – Artificial watering of land by uses of aqueducts, irrigation canals and other sources.

India’s First Cities  Large populations develop their own unique cultures and large civilizations began to form.

India’s First Cities  The first civilization was the Harappan… who were named after the city Harappa

India’s First Cities  It was near this city that ruins of the Harappan civilization was first discovered.

India’s First Cities

 The houses had flat roofs and many had staircases that allowed people to climb to the roof from the street

India’s First Cities

 A second major city in the Indus River Valley at this time was Mohenjo-Daro  It was 375 miles south of the city of Harappa.

India’s First Cities  Mohenjo-Daro also means "Mound of the Dead”.  The cities ruins were discovered in the 1920’s (Left: House Walls, Right: Water drains)

India’s First Cities  Both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were structurally advanced.  Each city had a towering Citadel that acted as a fortress for defense purposes.

India’s First Cities  These immense Citadels would act as vantage points to scout for invading armies and general public well being

Harappan Achievements  Achievement Unlocked  The Harappan Civilization was an extremely advanced society.

Harappan Achievements  Most houses had bathrooms with indoor plumbing and some type of running water…

 Water Well

Harappan Achievements  Artisan – Craftsman or skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft.

Harappan Achievements  Harappan Artisans were known for their excellent pottery, jewelry, ivory objects and cotton clothing

Harappan Achievements

 They used advanced high quality tools and developed a system of weights and measures.

Harappan Achievements  The Harappan people were literate and used a Indus Script.

Harappan Achievements  This language was short strings of symbols associated with the Indus Valley Culture.  The language to this day still remain coded...we still do not understand the language due a lack of interpreting.

Harappan Civilization  Only small parts of this language has been deciphered, leaving numerous questions about this civilization unanswered.  (Seal that was used on goods)

Harappan Achievements  It is also most likely that the Harappa's had a strong government and worshiped kings and deities.

Not a happy ending  The Harappan Civilization ended by the early 1700’s BCE…but no one is sure why.

Not a happy ending  Perhaps invaders destroyed the cities…

Not a happy ending  Maybe there was a climate change causing large scale natural disaster like a flood or earthquake.  Unfortunately because we can’t read their coded language we may never know.