Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indus Valley Script
Why in the News?
In a landmark announcement, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin offered a $1 million prize to anyone who successfully deciphers the ancient Indus Valley Script.
Recent Efforts and Theories
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About the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)
- The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, with earlier settlements dating back to 3200 BCE.
- The origins of this civilisation are traced back to Mehrgarh in Balochistan, which dates to 7000 BCE.
- It is considered one of the three earliest civilizations, alongside Egypt and Mesopotamia.
- The civilization covered over 1.5 million sq. km, stretching across modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
- Remains of the civilization include:
- Well-planned cities with a grid layout, intersecting streets, and fortified structures.
- Advanced drainage systems with underground sewers and covered drains, showing a strong emphasis on hygiene.
- Granaries, warehouses, and dockyards, indicating the presence of structured trade and food storage mechanisms.
- The discovery of seals made of steatite, often engraved with animals and an un-deciphered script, suggesting a sophisticated administrative system.
- Craftsmanship in pottery, bead-making, terracotta figurines, metal artefacts, and weaving.
- Water management systems such as reservoirs, wells, and baths, indicating an advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering.
- Two ASI archaeologists were credited with the discovery:
- Daya Ram Sahni excavated Harappa in 1921-22, discovering seals, pottery, and beads.
- Rakhal Das Banerji began excavating Mohenjo-daro in 1922, finding similar items such as seals and copper objects.
- John Marshall noticed the similarity between the objects found at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, despite the sites being 640 km apart.
What were the Artifacts and Sculptures found at the site?
- The IVC is renowned for its remarkable artifacts and sculptures, reflecting its advanced culture and daily life.
- Key finds include seals with animal motifs and inscriptions, terracotta figurines of animals and mother goddesses, and intricately crafted beads and ornaments made of gold, silver, and semi-precious stones.
- Iconic sculptures like the bronze “Dancing Girl” and steatite “Priest-King” highlight artistic sophistication.
- Practical items like pottery, toys, and tools demonstrate technological advancement and societal organization.
- These discoveries shed light on the civilization’s trade, religious beliefs, and aesthetic achievements.
PYQ:[2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Valley Civilization? 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the statements given above is correct |
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