Preparation Guide to the Indian Civil Services Exam

Archeological discovery:
- Expedition led by Marshall and R D Banerji

Theories on Origin of Harappan Civilization:
- Mortimes Wheeler in 1968: Civilization came from outside, most probably Mesopotamia. Rejected

Chronological Evolution:
This graph illustrates the possible evolution of the Indus Valley civilization.

Timeline for evolution of the Indus Valley Civilization

Period of existence of the Indus Valley Civilization:
2800/2900 BC to 1800 BC

Geographical Extent:
At that time, North-west India were not deserts. They had a hot, humid climate.
Major areas:

• Sind
• Baluchistan
• Kathiawar
• Punjab
• northern Rajasthan
• Gujurat

There were a few far away places that had centres of the Indus Valley Civilization. These were most probably trade centres. Ex:

• Shartughai (Afghanistan)
• Surakotada (Gujurat)

Important Centres

1. Harappa

Location: Bank of Ravi
Occupation:Administration, trade, craft, religion
- Premier city
- Located on trade routes to Central Asia, Afghanistan, Jammu

2. Mohenjodaro

Location: Bank of Indus
Population: 35,000 (largest city)
- Houses were built and re built on top of older ones
- Faced regular floods

3. Kalibagan

Location: Bed of river Ghaggar
- Largest concentration of population
- Evidence of early Harappan period

4. Lothal

Location: Coastal flats of Gulf of Cambay
-> Outpost for sea trade
-> Dockyard has been discovered

5. Sutkagen-Dor

Location: Makran coast. On the Pakistan-Iran border
-> Landlocked, dry plains
-> Citadel surrounded by walls.