History is what makes our today. No matter how gruesome some tales maybe they all play a role in shaping our today. Sadly, there’s still a lot of history that we are yet to uncover especially those surrounding earlier civilisations that have greatly impacted today’s civilisation. One such civilisation was the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation. It was a Bronze Age civilisation that thrived in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent between c. 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, spanning an area from Pakistan to northeast Afghanistan and northwestern India. The civilisation’s major urban centres included Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
The Indus Valley Civilisation: Origin
Named after the Indus River, which flows through the region where the civilisation developed, the origins of the Indus Valley Civilisation are still the subject of much debate among scholars. Some believe that it developed independently in the region, while others argue that it was influenced by earlier civilisations in Mesopotamia and the Middle East.
The civilisation developed around the fertile floodplains of the Indus River and its tributaries, which provided water for irrigation and supported the growth of agriculture. The early Indus Valley settlements were small farming communities, but over time they grew in size and complexity.
The Indus Valley Civilisation: Artistic Legacy
The artistic legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation is a rich and diverse one, showcasing the creativity and skill of the people who lived in the region thousands of years ago. Although many of the artefacts and artworks produced by the civilisation have been lost or destroyed over time, those that remain provide a glimpse into the creativity and aesthetic sensibility of the Harappan people. Some of the key features of their art are:
- Sculpture and Figurines:
The Indus Valley Civilisation is known for its sculptures and figurines, which were made from a variety of materials including stone, bronze, and terracotta. Many of these sculptures depict animals, such as bulls, elephants, and tigers, as well as human figures in various poses. One of the most famous examples of Indus Valley sculpture is the “Dancing Girl” statue, which is made of bronze and depicts a young woman in a dynamic, lifelike pose.
- Jewellery and Metalwork:
The civilisation was renowned for its skill in metallurgy and jewellery-making. The Harappans produced intricate ornaments using gold, silver, copper, and bronze. These included necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other types of jewellery. Many of these pieces were decorated with geometric patterns and designs, as well as depictions of animals and other natural forms.
- Seals:
The Indus Valley Civilisation is perhaps best known for its seals, which were used for a variety of purposes, including trade and administrative functions. These seals were usually made of steatite and often featured images of animals, humans, and other figures, as well as inscriptions in the Indus script. The seals were used to impress an identifying mark that could be used to authenticate documents or goods.
- Pottery:
The pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation is notable for its distinctive shapes and designs. Many of the pots and jars were made using a pottery wheel and were decorated with intricate geometric patterns or images of animals and plants. Plain pottery was more common and was generally done on red clay.
- Architecture:
The architecture of the Indus Valley Civilisation is another testament to the skill and creativity of its people. The cities of the civilisation featured large public buildings, such as granaries, bathhouses, and public assembly halls. The buildings were made using a variety of materials, including brick, mud, and stone, and often featured intricate patterns and designs on their walls.
The Indus Valley Civilisation: Cultural Legacy
The cultural legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, has had a significant impact on the history and culture of South Asia. Here are some key aspects of the cultural legacy of the civilisation:
- Urban Planning:
The Indus Valley Civilisation was also known for its sophisticated systems of urban planning. The cities were laid out on a grid system, with streets and buildings aligned with the cardinal directions. The cities also featured an advanced drainage system, with carefully constructed sewers and public baths.
- Writing System:
The people of the Indus Valley also had a writing system that is still largely undeciphered. But it is clear that the civilisation had a sophisticated system of symbols and signs. The inscriptions found on these objects are usually short, consisting of no more than four or five characters. And many being very small in size. Although the script has not been fully understood, its existence demonstrates the Harappans’ advanced intellectual and cultural achievements. Dholavira Terracota Tablet is one of the most famous writings is found.
- Religious Practices:
The Indus Valley Civilisation is believed to have had a complex system of religious beliefs and practices. Although much of this remains unknown. The religion practised by the Harappan people is still a debatable topic. According to popular belief, the Harappans worshipped a fertility goddess who was represented as a mother figure.
- Technology:
The Harappan people, also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, made significant technological advancements. This includes highly precise systems and tools for measuring length and weight. The Harappan Civilisation may have been the first to use bullock carts for wheeled transport. They were adept at building boats and watercraft as well. The evidence for this can be found in the discovery of a large dredged canal and a docking facility in the coastal city of Lothal. The Harappans were also skilled in architecture, with impressive constructions such as dockyards, granaries, warehouses, brick platforms, and fortified walls. A great example of it is Mohenjodaro. They were proficient in metallurgy and introduced innovative techniques in this field.
- Trade and Commerce:
The Indus Valley Civilisation was known for its extensive trade networks. It connected the civilisation to other regions of South Asia, as well as the Middle East and Central Asia. This is evident from the Harappan seals found in other regions of Asia and a dockyard in Lothal.
The artistic and cultural legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation is crucial to our understanding of the history and development of human civilisation.
