What evidence have archaeologists found of a highly developed civilization in the Indus River Valley?

http://www.harappa.com/har/har0.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilization

http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Ancient/Indus2.html

http://members.aol.com/Donnclass/Indialife.html

http://www.answers.com/topic/indus-valley-civilization

http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/indus/home_set.html

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What’s the answer

Archaeologists have found several pieces of evidence that suggest the existence of a highly developed civilization in the Indus River Valley.

1. The archeological site at Harappa, located in present-day Pakistan, provides significant evidence. Excavations at Harappa have revealed a well-planned city layout with organized streets, brick houses, and a sophisticated drainage system.

2. Another site, Mohenjo-daro, also in present-day Pakistan, showcases similar features, including a complex urban planning system and advanced architecture. The discovery of large public buildings, such as granaries and assembly halls, suggests a highly organized and centralized administration.

3. Indus Valley artifacts, such as pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and seals, have been discovered. These artifacts demonstrate a knowledge of metallurgy, craftsmanship, and artistic skills. Many of the seals bear inscriptions in a script that is yet to be deciphered, indicating a developed system of writing.

4. The advanced agricultural practices in the Indus Valley civilization are demonstrated by the construction of irrigation systems, such as canals and reservoirs. This suggests a high level of agricultural productivity and a well-developed understanding of water management.

5. The extensive trade networks of the Indus Valley civilization are evident from the discovery of various imported goods, including gold, precious stones, and artifacts made from materials such as lapis lazuli and turquoise. This indicates long-distance trade and cultural exchange with other regions.

Overall, the presence of urban planning, advanced craftsmanship, a writing system, organized administration, agricultural practices, and trade networks are key pieces of evidence that highlight the highly developed nature of the Indus River Valley civilization.

Archaeologists have found several pieces of evidence that suggest the existence of a highly developed civilization in the Indus River Valley. Some of the key findings include:

1. City Planning: The Indus Valley Civilization had well-planned cities with sophisticated urban infrastructure. The most famous of these cities is Mohenjo-daro, which had a highly organized grid-like street layout, advanced water supply and drainage systems, public buildings, and even a complex sewerage system.

2. Architecture: The cities in the Indus Valley had multi-story brick houses built with standardized sizes and shapes of bricks. The architecture also featured intricate carvings and decorations on walls and columns.

3. Crafts and Artifacts: Archaeologists have discovered a wide range of artifacts, such as pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and figurines, which indicate skilled craftsmanship. These items reflect a high level of sophistication in their design and execution.

4. Trade Networks: The excavation sites have yielded evidence of long-distance trade networks, including the discovery of objects made from materials sourced from distant regions. These findings suggest that the Indus Valley Civilization had advanced knowledge in navigation and trade routes.

5. Writing System: The Indus Valley Civilization had a unique writing system known as the Indus script. Although archaeologists have not deciphered this script yet, the presence of a writing system indicates a highly developed society with complex administrative systems.

To find more detailed and specific evidence, I recommend exploring the websites you provided. These sources contain extensive information and research conducted by archaeologists on the topic of the Indus Valley Civilization. They will offer a deeper understanding of the archaeological findings and their implications.