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Reading Indus Valley Civilization facts help students understand one of the earliest urban civilizations in human history. It is famous for its undeciphered Indus script, sophisticated city planning, tools and utensils made from bronze and copper, and sanitation. Moreover, it has always been a topic of interest among students who wish to enhance their knowledge by learning interesting GK facts. Here is a blog with 27+ Indus Valley Civilization facts for students and history lovers to learn some new information.
Table of Contents
10 Interesting Facts about Indus Valley Civilization
Facts about the Indus Valley Civilization provide students with a glimpse of early urban life in India. Known for its excellent craftsmanship and architecture, this civilization flourished along the banks of the Indus River. Here are some interesting facts about the Indus Valley Civilization for students:
1. Indus Valley is the earliest known urban civilisation in India.
2. The modern name of this civilization is derived from its location in the Indus River valley.
3. It is also known as the Harappan civilization or the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization.
4. This civilization flourished around 3300-1300 BCE.
5. The Indus Valley Civilization is categorised into three phases including the Early Harappan Phase (3300 – 2600 BCE), the Mature Harappan Phase (2600 – 1900 BCE), and the Late Harappan Phase (1900 – 1300 BCE).
6. The next fact about the Indus Valley Civilization is that it is the most extensive civilisation among the three earliest which are Mesopotamia and Egypt.
7. Researchers first found traces of Indus Valley civilization in 1921 at Harappa in Punjab. The next discovery was made in 1922 at Monhenjodaro near the Indus River in the Sindh region.
8. It is believed that the Indus civilization had two large cities, Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
9. This civilization is recognised for its urban planning, baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, and water supply systems.
10. Archaeologists have found more than 1052 cities and settlements in the regions surrounding the Indus River.
Also Read: 40 Historical Facts About Harappan Civilization
Unknown Facts About Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization stands out for its undeciphered writing system, advanced urban infrastructure, and mysterious decline. Here are some facts to help you understand more about this civilization and its people:
1. People in the Indus Valley Civilization developed a writing system called the Indus Script or Harappan Script.
2. No one has been able to decipher the Indus Script.
3. Archaeologists believe that the total population of the Indus Valley Civilization was around 5 million.
4. The civilization began to decline around 1900 – 1500 BCE for unknown reasons.
5. Popular theories behind the downfall of the civilization include climate change, the drying up of the river, the overpopulation of the cities, and a decline in trade with Egypt and Mesopotamia.
6. People of the civilization were primarily artisans, farmers, and merchants.
7. The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro is believed to have been used for ritual purification rites.
8. Archaeologists did not find traces of temples, palaces, or armies.
9. It is possible that people of the Indus Valley Civilization worshipped a Mother Goddes deity and a male consort, often depicted as a horned figure with wild animals.
10. They used copper and bronze to make tools such as chisels, axes, spears, and knives.
Also Read: Indus Valley Civilization: Time-Period, Culture & Excavation Sites
Important Points of the Indus Valley Civilization
From agricultural advancements to mastery in metalwork, craftsmanship, and town planning, the Indus Valley Civilization has many noteworthy achievements. Here are some important points of the Indus Valley Civilization for students:
1. The four main varieties of metals found include crude copper lumps, refined copper, an alloy of copper, and bronze with a tin alloy.
2. People used to grow field peas, mustard, sesame, and barley.
3. They domesticated many animals such as cats, dogs, cattle, fowl, camels, buffalo, and pigs.
4. Terra-cotta figurines are the most popular art form of Harappans.
5. Researchers have also found small seals made from soapstone or steatite with figurines like a unicorn, bull, elephant, bison, rhinoceros, and tiger.
6. Remnants of ornaments like bracelets, pendants, and necklaces have also been excavated.
7. Researchers found evidence of woven cloths at Mohenjaro, indicating that people were well acquainted with spinning and weaving.
8. It is believed that trade played an important role in the Indus Valley Civilization as regulated weights, measures, and seals have been found at various places.
Interesting Reads
FAQs
5 interesting facts about the Indus Valley Civilization include that it is the earliest known urban civilisation in India, its modern name is derived from its location around the Indus River valley, it is also called the Harappan or the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, it flourished around 3300-1300 BCE, and lastly, it is categorised into three phases including the Early Harappan Phase, the Mature Harappan Phase, and the Late Harappan Phase.
The Indus River Valley civilization is famous for its urban planning, political structure, and technical understanding of people. In other words, this civilisation was way ahead of its time. People made baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, and clusters of nonresidential buildings.
The 3 features of the Indus Valley Civilization include urban planning with grid layouts, an advanced drainage system, and the use of seals containing different animal figures.
The 10 important Indus Valley Civilization sites are Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Lothal, Dholavira, Rangpur, Surkotda (Gujarat), Banawali (Haryana), Ropar (Punjab) Harappa (on river Ravi), Mohenjodaro (on the Indus River in Sindh), and Chanhudaro (in Sindh).
The Indus civilisation is named due to its location around the Indus river system. The early sites of the civilization were excavated in the river’s alluvial plains.
Harappa was discovered in 1921 by Dayaram Sahni. These excavations were done under the guidance of Sir John Marshal and Colonel Meke.
Hope you enjoy reading these Indus Valley Civilization facts. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!