Harappa Civilization

Harappan Civilization

One of the most fascinating yet mysterious cultures of the ancient world is the Harappan Civilization

Harappan Civilization

This culture existed along

the Indus River in present day Pakistan from

about 2300 BCE to 1700 BCE.

Harappan Civilization All of the cities

and civilizations at this time were

centered around large areas along both sides of

the Indus River

Harappan Civilization

As these civilizations grew more in population improvements in agriculture and irrigation

transpired.

Harappan Civilization

Agriculture - The science, art, and business of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock; farming.

Harappan Civilization

Irrigation – Artificial watering of land by uses of aqueducts, irrigation

canals and other sources.

India’s First Cities

Large populations develop their own unique cultures and large civilizations

began to form. 

India’s First Cities

The first civilization was the Harappan… who were named

after the city Harappa

India’s First Cities

It was near this city that ruins of the Harappan civilization was first discovered.

India’s First Cities

India’s First Cities

The houses had flat roofs and many had staircases that allowed people to

climb to the roof from the street

India’s First Cities

India’s First Cities A second major city in the Indus River Valley

at this time was Mohenjo-Daro It was 375 miles south of the city of Harappa.

India’s First Cities Mohenjo-Daro also means "Mound of the Dead”. The cities ruins were discovered in the 1920’s

(Left: House Walls, Right: Water drains)

India’s First Cities Both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were

structurally advanced. Each city had a towering Citadel that acted as a fortress for defense purposes.

India’s First Cities These immense Citadels would act as

vantage points to scout for invading armies and general public well being

Harappan Achievements Achievement Unlocked

The Harappan Civilization was an extremely advanced society.

Harappan Achievements Most houses had bathrooms with indoor plumbing and some type of running water…

Water Well

Harappan Achievements

Artisan – Craftsman or skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft.

Harappan Achievements

Harappan Artisans were known for their excellent pottery, jewelry, ivory

objects and cotton clothing

Harappan Achievements

Harappan Achievements

Harappan Achievements

They used advanced high quality tools and developed a system of weights and

measures.

Harappan Achievements

The Harappan people were literate and used a Indus Script.

Harappan Achievements This language was short strings of symbols

associated with the Indus Valley Culture. The language to this day still remain coded...we still

do not understand the language due a lack of interpreting.

Harappan Civilization Only small parts of this language has

been deciphered , leaving numerous questions about this civilization

unanswered. (Seal that was used on goods)

Harappan Achievements

It is also most likely that the Harappa's had a strong government and worshiped

kings and deities.

Not a happy ending

The Harappan Civilization ended by the early 1700’s BCE…but no one is sure why.

Not a happy ending Perhaps invaders destroyed the

cities…

Not a happy ending Maybe there was a climate change causing

large scale natural disaster like a flood or earthquake.

Unfortunately because we can’t read their coded language we may never know.