What caused the Indus valley civilization to disappear?(a) heavy flooding(b) drought
There is ongoing debate among scholars about the exact reasons for the decline and disappearance of the Indus Valley civilization. While not a conclusive answer, some theories suggest that a combination of factors, including heavy flooding and drought, may have contributed to its decline.
(a) Heavy flooding: The Indus Valley civilization was located in a region prone to annual monsoon rains. While these rains were crucial for agriculture and the civilization's prosperity, exceptionally heavy flooding may have overwhelmed the Harappan cities. Some evidence of erosion caused by flooding has been found at some Indus Valley sites, suggesting that periodic devastating floods may have occurred.
(b) Drought: On the other hand, some researchers argue that the decline of the Indus Valley civilization may have been attributed to extended periods of drought. They suggest that a shift in climate patterns led to a decrease in monsoon rain, resulting in water scarcity and destabilization of the agricultural system. This decline in agricultural productivity could have weakened the cities and led to their eventual downfall.
It is important to note that other factors, such as changes in trade networks, environmental degradation, socio-political instability, and possibly even external invasions, may have also played a role in the decline of the Indus Valley civilization. The precise combination and significance of these various factors, however, remain subjects of ongoing research and discussion.