Features of Indus Valley Civilization
Indus Valley Civilization (also known as Harappan Civilization) is an ancient India civilization that flourished more than 4000 years ago in the north-western parts of Indo-Pakistan sub-continent. It derived its name from river Indus, which is the main river of the region. The various features of Indus Valley Civilization are given below:
- This civilization is extended far beyond the Indus Valley. The main towns of Indus valley civilization were Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, Lothal.
- The significant features of Indus Valley civilization are personal cleanliness, town planning, construction of burnt-brick houses, ceramics, casting, forging of metals, manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles.
- Mohenjo-Daro people had finest bath facilities, drainage system, and knowledge of personal hygiene.
- They were equally conscious of plant medicine since there was occasional warfare.
- The town planning and other characteristics indicate that a homogeneous indigenous culture developed.
- The portrayal of a three-faced figure surrounded by various animals has been considered as Shiva in the form of Pasupati or Brahma, the originator of Brahmi School of learning.
- The seal has been available in the stupa area that is generally believed as college area. Computer study of the available seals has been started in different centers.
- The naksatras are of Harappan origin and these are related to later Dravidian names.
- Application of decimal scale in linear measure is another very important achievement of the Harappans.
- They had perhaps a fairly good idea of lunar astronomy, as envisaged from some of the seals since they were very much attached to navigation and fire worship as found in Kalibangan.
- The rectangular bath at each of the Harappan sites was considered a holy place.
- The Harappan people could prepare painted potteries of burnt clay, glazed potteries faience, terracotta, etc. The glazing of potteries is believed to be of Indian origin.
- The cities were supported by both trade and agriculture. The foundations of well-planned shipyards at Kalibangan and Lothal and granaries at all these main Harappan sites indicate how important they were in the economy of that time.
- Certain medicated and contemplative postures of the people, available among terracotta figurines suggest that they also developed the science of physical and mental discipline to a high degree.
