Indus Valley Archaeological Sites
The Indus Valley Civilization (Bronze Age, c. 2600–1900 BCE) represents one of humanity's earliest urban cultures, characterized by standardized grid layouts, burnt-brick architecture, and sophisticated drainage networks. Key excavation sites include Harappa on the Ravi River (first excavated by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921), Mohenjo-daro on the Indus (notable for the Great Bath and Priest-King sculpture), and Lothal in Gujarat, which featured a tidal dockyard connected to the Sabarmati trade corridor. Dholavira in the Rann of Kutch stands out for its unique tripartite urban division and stone-cut water reservoirs, earning UNESCO recognition in 2021. Questions frequently evaluate regional excavation findings, such as ploughed fields at Kalibangan and fire altars at Rakhigarhi.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- Harappa was excavated in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni, while Mohenjo-daro was excavated in 1922 by R. D. Banerji under Sir John Marshall.
- Lothal in Gujarat contains the world's earliest known tidal dockyard, facilitating Bronze Age maritime trade with Mesopotamia.
- Dholavira features an advanced stone water harvesting system and a unique tripartite fortification plan (Citadel, Middle Town, Lower Town).
- Kalibangan in Rajasthan yielded archaeological evidence of furrowed agricultural fields and ritual fire altars.