Indus Valley Civilization
Essential Concepts for SSC GD Exams
1. Introduction
Indus Valley Civilization refers to the ancient urban culture that developed around the Indus River and its tributaries. It is known for planned cities, advanced drainage systems, multi-storey houses, trade & crafts, and highly organized society.
Simple Definition
Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient, well-organized urban civilization that existed around the Indus River, famous for its planned cities and advanced drainage systems.
2. Geographical Spread
The civilization spread across India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.
Major Rivers
- Indus
- Ravi
- Saraswati (Ghaggar-Hakra)
- Sutlej
Countries Covered
- India
- Pakistan
- Parts of Afghanistan
3. Important Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
Very Important for SSC GD Exam
| Site | Present State | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Harappa | Pakistan | First discovered site, granaries |
| Mohenjo-daro | Pakistan | Great Bath, dancing girl |
| Dholavira | Gujarat | Water management, signboard |
| Lothal | Gujarat | Dockyard for trade |
| Kalibangan | Rajasthan | Ploughed fields |
| Banawali | Haryana | Early & mature Harappan phases |
| Rakhigarhi | Haryana | Largest IVC site in India |
| Surkotada | Gujarat | Evidence of horse |
| Chanhu Daro | Pakistan | Bead manufacturing |
Memory Trick:
"H-M-D-K-L-B-R-S" → Harappa, Mohenjo, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Lothal, Banawali, Rakhigarhi, Surkotada
4. Town Planning & Architecture
One of the best planned civilizations in ancient world.
Planned Streets
- Streets in grid pattern
- Roads intersect at right angles
Houses
- Made of burnt bricks
- Had bathrooms, wells, courtyards, toilets
Public Buildings
- Great Bath (Mohenjo-daro)
- Granaries (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro)
Advanced Drainage System
- Covered drains
- Connected to every house
- Main drain had inspection holes
Memory Trick:
"SPHD → Streets, Public buildings, Houses, Drains"
5. Political System
- No evidence of kings or monarchy
- Likely ruled by merchants or city councils
- Society was peaceful, no large weapons found
6. Society & Social Life
| Aspect | Features |
|---|---|
| Class system | Rich merchants + common people |
| Food | Wheat, barley, milk, meat, dates |
| Dress | Cotton clothes (first use of cotton) |
| Ornaments | Beads, bangles, necklaces |
| Toys | Terracotta toys, carts |
| Script | Pictographic (still undeciphered) |
Very Important:
Harappans were the first to use cotton in the world.
7. Economy of Indus Valley
Agriculture
Main Crops:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Cotton
- Dates
- Mustard
Tools:
Wooden plough (Kalibangan)
Trade
- Inland & overseas trade
- Lothal → major port town
- Trade with Mesopotamia (Sumer)
- Standardized weights & measures
Crafts
- Pottery
- Bead making (Chanhu Daro)
- Metal work
- Terracotta figurines
8. Religion
Harappan religion was non-Vedic.
Key Features
- Worship of Mother Goddess
- Worship of Pashupati (Proto-Shiva)
- Worship of animals
- Sacred symbols: Swastika, Peepal tree
Absent Features
- No temples found
- No evidence of worship of gods like Indra or Agni (Vedic gods)
Memory Trick:
"MPPPS → Mother Goddess, Pashupati, Peepal, Proto-Shiva, Symbols"
9. Seals & Scripts
Seals
- Made of steatite
- Used for trade, identity
- Famous seals: Pashupati seal, Unicorn seal
Script
- Undeciphered
- Right-to-left writing
- Mostly pictographic symbols
10. Art & Culture
Sculpture
- Bronze Dancing Girl (Mohenjo-daro)
- Bearded Priest (Mohenjo-daro)
Pottery
Red pottery with black designs
Toys
- Cart toys
- Animal toys
- Dice & games
11 Important Buildings & Structures
| Structure | Location | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bath | Mohenjo-daro | Ritual bathing |
| Granaries | Harappa | Food storage |
| Dockyard | Lothal | Trade & shipping |
| Water reservoir | Dholavira | Water harvesting |
12. Decline of Indus Valley Civilization
Many theories; no single reason confirmed.
Possible Reasons
- Climate change
- Floods
- River shifting
- Deforestation
- Invasion theory (less accepted now)
- Disease outbreak
Quick Revision Table (SSC GD Favourite)
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Oldest city | Harappa |
| Most important city | Mohenjo-daro |
| Largest city in India | Rakhigarhi |
| Port city | Lothal |
| Best water management | Dholavira |
| Ploughed field | Kalibangan |
| Horse evidence | Surkotada |
| Script | Undeciphered |
| Chief material | Burnt bricks |
| Religion | Mother Goddess & Pashupati |
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