Mysteries of the Indus Valley civilization
Kind of government
City planning
Established of farming
Reading their writing
Reasons for disappearing
Used weights and measurements
The Indus Valley civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. Despite its importance, many aspects of this ancient civilization remain shrouded in mystery.
Government:
The exact system of government in the Indus Valley civilization is not well understood. There is no evidence of massive palaces or extensive artwork glorifying rulers, suggesting a relatively equal society with no centralized monarchy. Some theories suggest that it may have been a loose confederation of city-states.
City Planning:
The cities of the Indus Valley civilization were remarkably well-planned. The cities were designed on a grid system with streets laid out in a logical manner. They had advanced drainage systems with underground sewers and an elaborate water supply network. The cities also featured intricate water reservoirs, public baths, and well-organized housing.
Establishment of Farming:
The Indus Valley civilization was one of the earliest urban civilizations and had a sophisticated agricultural system. They cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, mustard, and sesame. Extensive use of irrigation canals suggests that surplus agriculture production was important for sustaining the urban population.
Reading Their Writing:
The Indus Valley civilization had a script that remains undeciphered. Known as the Indus script, experts have been unable to decipher its meaning. Its script is found on seals, tablets, pottery, and small objects. The absence of large epigraphic texts has hampered efforts to understand the system of writing.
Reasons for Disappearance:
There is ongoing debate about the reasons behind the decline of the Indus Valley civilization. Some theories suggest that climate change, such as a shift in monsoonal patterns or an earthquake, caused substantial damage to the cities. Others propose that social or political instability, invasion, or a large-scale migration contributed to the collapse.
Use of Weights and Measurements:
The Indus Valley civilization had a standardized system of weights and measures. Archaeological findings include various objects such as cubical or cylindrical weights made of stone or terracotta, indicating the existence of a well-organized trade system. The standardized weights suggest a level of economic planning and regulation.