Key Characteristics:
- Urban Planning: The Indus Valley cities, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, were well-planned and organized. They had grid-like street layouts, well-built houses, and a sophisticated drainage system.
- Agriculture and Trade: Agriculture formed the basis of the economy. The Indus people cultivated crops like wheat, barley, peas, and cotton. They also engaged in long-distance trade, evidenced by the discovery of artifacts such as seals, beads, and pottery from Mesopotamia and other regions.
- Writing System: The Indus Valley Civilization had a unique script that has not been fully deciphered to this day. It is found on seals, pottery, and other artifacts. The script remains undeciphered, so our understanding of their language is limited.
- Technology and Crafts: The Indus people were skilled in crafts like pottery, metalworking (bronze and copper), bead-making, and shell carving. They developed sophisticated tools and techniques, including the use of kilns for firing pottery.
- Social Organization: The civilization was characterized by a complex social structure, with a clear division of labor. It is believed that there was a ruling elite or priestly class, along with merchants, artisans, and farmers. The cities had granaries, suggesting some form of central authority for the distribution of food.
- Religion and Art: The Indus Valley Civilization likely had a polytheistic religion, with reverence for animals like bulls and worship of a mother goddess. Numerous artifacts, including figurines and stone seals, depict various deities. The people also engaged in artistic pursuits, as seen in the elaborate pottery, seals, and sculptures.
Decline and Legacy:
The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1900 BCE, possibly due to a combination of factors such as environmental changes, natural disasters, and socio-political shifts. The exact reasons for its decline remain speculative due to the limited information available. After the decline, the region witnessed the rise of subsequent cultures, such as the Vedic civilization.
The Indus Valley Civilization's legacy is notable in several aspects. Its well-planned cities and advanced drainage systems were ahead of their time. The script, though undeciphered, suggests a complex linguistic system. The agricultural practices and trade networks laid the foundation for future civilizations in the Indian subcontinent. The influence of the Indus Valley Civilization can still be seen in the cultural and artistic traditions of the region today.