Civilization · c. 3300 – 1300 BCE
Indus Valley Civilization
One of the four original cradles of civilization, with planned brick cities and a still-undeciphered script.
Capital: Harappa, Mohenjo-daro · South Asia
Overview
The Indus (or Harappan) civilization covered a larger area than contemporary Egypt or Mesopotamia. Its cities had grid streets, standardized bricks, drainage systems and public baths but no evidence of monarchic palaces or temples.
Timeline
- c. 3300 BCEEarly Harappan settlements
- c. 2600 – 1900 BCEMature Harappan; Mohenjo-daro and Harappa at peak
- c. 1900 – 1300 BCEGradual decline
Rulers
No named rulers survive; society may have been unusually egalitarian
Wars & conflicts
- No evidence of significant warfare
Architecture
Uniform baked-brick construction, Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro, granaries, sewer systems.
Religion
Interpreted from seals: a proto-Shiva 'Pashupati' figure, mother goddess imagery, ritual bathing.
Economy
Long-distance trade with Mesopotamia via the Persian Gulf; cotton, carnelian, lapis.
Technology
Standardized weights and measures, undeciphered script, dockyards (Lothal).
Art
Steatite seals with animal iconography, bronze 'Dancing Girl' figurine.
Influence
Contributed to later South Asian urban and religious traditions.
Decline
Climate change, river shifts and long-term drought are leading hypotheses.
Key sites
- Mohenjo-daro
- Harappa
- Dholavira
- Lothal
- Rakhigarhi