INTRODUCTION

Harappan Civilization was also known as Indus Valley Civilization as the most
significant shreds of evidence of the achievements of the Indus Valley
civilization were excavated from Harappa. Indus Valley art emerged during the
second half of the third millennium BCE (i.e. from 2500 BC onwards). This
article will shed light on the Harappan Civilization.

The site of the ancient city contains the ruins of a Bronze Age fortified city,
which was part of the Harappan civilisation centred in Sindh and the Punjab,
and then the Cemetery H culture. The city is believed to have had as many as
23,500 residents and occupied about 150 hectares (370 acres) with clay brick
houses at its greatest extent during the Mature Harappan phase (2600 BC –
1900 BC), which is considered large for its time. Per archaeological convention
of naming a previously unknown civilisation by its first excavated site, the Indus
Valley Civilisation is also called the Harappan Civilisation.
The ancient city of Harappa was heavily damaged under British and French
rule, when bricks from the ruins were used as track ballast in the construction of
the Lahore–Multan Railway. The current village of Harappa is less than 1 km
(0.62 mi) from the ancient site. Although modern Harappa has a legacy railway
station from the British Raj period, it is a small crossroads town of 15,000
people today. In 2005, a controversial amusement park scheme at the site was
abandoned when builders unearthed many archaeological artefacts during the
early stages of building work.
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What is culture?
 Culture refers to the cumulative deposit of knowledge, experience, beliefs,
values, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles,
spatial relations, concepts of the universe, and material objects and
possessions acquired by a group of people in the course of generations
through individual and group striving.
 Culture is the systems of knowledge shared by a relatively large group of
people.
 Culture is communication, communication is culture.
 Culture in its broadest sense is cultivated behavior; that is the totality of a
person's learned, accumulated experience which is socially transmitted, or
more briefly, behavior through social learning.
 A culture is a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs,
values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about
them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from
one generation to the next.
 Culture is symbolic communication. Some of its symbols include a group's
skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, and motives. The meanings of the
symbols are learned and deliberately perpetuated in a society through its
institutions.
 Culture consists of patterns, explicit and implicit, of and for behavior
acquired and transmitted by symbols, constituting the distinctive
achievement of human groups, including their embodiments in artifacts;
the essential core of culture consists of traditional ideas and especially
their attached values; culture systems may, on the one hand, be
considered as products of action, on the other hand, as conditioning
influences upon further action.
 Culture is the sum of total of the learned behavior of a group of people
that are generally considered to be the tradition of that people and are
transmitted from generation to generation.

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Components of Culture: Culture can be broken down into several key
components, including:

Language: Communication is central to culture, and language is a primary

means of conveying cultural ideas and values.

Customs and Traditions: These are specific practices, rituals, and ceremonies that
hold cultural significance.

Beliefs and Values: These are the fundamental principles and moral codes that
guide behavior and decision-making within a culture.

Norms: These are the expected patterns of behavior within a society, defining
what is considered acceptable and unacceptable.

Art and Expression: This includes various forms of artistic expression such as
music, literature, dance, visual arts, and theater.

Religion and Spirituality: The beliefs and practices related to religion or

spirituality often play a central role in culture.

Cuisine: The food and culinary traditions of a culture are important markers of
identity.

Social Structures: The way societies are organized, including family structures,
hierarchies, and social roles.

Clothing and Fashion: The attire worn by individuals within a culture often
reflects historical, social, and environmental factors.

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What is civilization?
Civilization refers to an advanced stage of human social development
characterized by complex social, political, economic, and cultural systems. Key
features include the presence of urban centers, social stratification, organized
governance, economic specialization, technological advancements, cultural
achievements, writing systems, and often, engagement in trade and interaction
with other societies. Throughout history, various civilizations have emerged and
flourished, contributing to the richness and diversity of human history and
culture.

The word “civilization” relates to the Latin word “civitas” or “city.” This is why
the most basic definition of the word “civilization” is “a society made up of
cities.” But early in the development of the term, anthropologists and others
used “civilization” and “civilized society” to differentiate between societies they
found culturally superior (which they were often a part of), and those they found
culturally inferior (which they referred to as “savage” or “barbaric” cultures).

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Characteristics of Civilization:

Urban Centers: Civilizations are often associated with the development of cities
and large population centers. These cities serve as hubs for economic, cultural,
and political activities.

Agriculture: The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture is a

hallmark of civilization. The ability to cultivate crops and domesticate animals
allowed for a more stable and reliable food supply.

Writing and Record-Keeping: The development of writing systems (such as

cuneiform, hieroglyphics, and alphabets) enabled the recording of information,
communication, and the preservation of knowledge. Writing played a crucial
role in the administration and organization of complex societies.

Technological Advancements: Civilizations tend to exhibit significant

technological progress, including innovations in agriculture, engineering,
metallurgy, and manufacturing.

Trade and Economic Systems: Civilizations often engage in extensive trade both
within and beyond their borders. This trade contributes to economic growth,
specialization of labor, and the exchange of goods and ideas.

Complex Social Structures: Civilizations are characterized by hierarchical social

structures, including rulers, nobility, clergy, and commoners. These structures
often involve systems of governance and laws.

Cultural Achievements: Civilizations produce rich and diverse cultures,

including art, music, literature, architecture, philosophy, and religion. These
cultural achievements contribute to the identity and legacy of a civilization.

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Argument
The question of whether culture precedes civilization is a topic of debate. Some
argue that culture is the foundation upon which civilization is built, while others
argue that civilization creates and shapes culture. In the case of the Harappa or
Indus Valley Civilization, evidence suggests that culture played a significant role
in the development of their civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization, which
thrived from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE in what is now modern-day
Pakistan and northwest India, was known for its advanced urban planning,
sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized brick size. These architectural
features demonstrate a high level of organization and technological
advancement.

Furthermore, the Indus Valley Civilization had a complex social structure

and trade networks. They had a system of writing, which has not yet been
deciphered, suggesting the development of a sophisticated language and
communication system. They also had a diverse range of pottery, jewelry, and
other artifacts, indicating a rich cultural tradition and artistic expression. All of
these aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization point to the existence of a well-
established culture. It is unlikely that such a high level of organization,
planning, and artistic expression could have developed without a strong cultural
foundation.

On the other hand, some argue that civilization creates and shapes culture.
They believe that civilization is the result of human development and progress,
and that culture emerges as a result of these advancements. According to this
perspective, civilization is a product of human society and its ability to organize
and develop complex systems. While it is true that civilization can create new
cultural norms, values, and practices, it is important to recognize that these
developments are often influenced by pre-existing cultural traditions. In the
case of the Indus Valley Civilization, their urban planning and architectural
achievements were likely influenced by their cultural values, beliefs, and
practices.

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The argument that culture preceded civilization in the Harappa or Indus Valley
Civilization is justified by several key points:

● Archaeological evidence dating back to the 7th millennium BCE supports the
existence of a well-established culture in the region, encompassing practices like
agriculture and pottery.

● The culture of the pre-urban Indus Valley people continued to influence the
emerging civilization, indicating a continuity of cultural practices. ● The Indus
Valley Civilization itself emerged around 3300 BCE, building upon the pre-
existing cultural foundations.

● The advanced features of this civilization, such as planned cities and

standardized systems, were an evolution of the pre-existing cultural practices.

● The transition from smaller settlements to large urban centers represented an

evolution of the culture, as it shaped how society organized itself, engaged in
trade, and developed infrastructure.

● This argument aligns with the broader understanding of how civilizations

often develop, with culture serving as the foundational framework for complex
societal structures

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My view
Culture and civilization are closely intertwined, and it can be challenging to
determine which one came first. In the case of the Harappan civilization, also
known as the Indus Valley civilization, it is believed that culture preceded
civilization.

However, it is believed that the development of this civilization was preceded by

a rich and complex culture. The evidence suggests that there were earlier
culture. It is important to note that the distinction between culture and
civilization is not always clear-cut. Culture encompasses the beliefs, customs,
arts, and social organizations of a group of people, while civilization often refers
to a more advanced stage of social, political, and economic organization. In the
case of the Harappan civilization, it can be said that culture laid the groundwork
for the subsequent development of a complex urban civilization.

Historical Significance:

The Harappan Civilization emerged around 3300 BCE in what is now present-
day Pakistan and northwest India. It is one of the world's earliest urban
civilizations, contemporaneous with ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Urban Planning and Architecture:

The Harappan cities, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, were meticulously

planned with a grid layout, advanced drainage systems, and standardized brick
sizes, indicating a high level of engineering and architectural sophistication.

Writing System:

The civilization had a script that remains undeciphered to this day, so our
understanding of their written records is limited.

Economy and Trade:

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The Harappans engaged in trade with other regions, including Mesopotamia.
Archaeological evidence suggests they had a well-developed trading network
and may have used a barter system.

Agriculture and Irrigation:

Agriculture was a crucial part of the civilization's economy, and they built
elaborate irrigation systems to support their agricultural activities, which
sustained their urban centers.

Social Organization:

The social structure of the Harappan Civilization is not fully understood, but it
is believed to have been hierarchical, with distinct classes or castes. Religion
and spirituality likely played a significant role in their society.

Decline and Disappearance:

The reasons for the decline and eventual disappearance of the Harappan
Civilization remain a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.
Possible factors include environmental changes, such as the drying up of the
Saraswati River, invasions, or economic challenges.

Scholarly Debates:

Scholars continue to debate various aspects of the Harappan Civilization,

including its language, religion, governance, and the nature of its decline. New
findings and research methodologies continually contribute to our
understanding of this ancient culture.

In conclusion, the Harappan Civilization is a topic of great historical and

archaeological interest. Its advanced urban planning, architecture, and cultural
achievements make it a fascinating subject for the study of ancient civilizations.
While many aspects of this civilization remain mysterious, ongoing research and
discoveries continue to expand our knowledge of this ancient culture and its
significance in the history of human civilization.

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Justification on basis of works
already published
The Indus Valley Civilization, or the Harappan Civilization, has been extensively
studied by archaeologists, historians, and scholars over the years. These studies
have led to the publication of numerous works and research findings that
provide a robust basis for our understanding of this ancient civilization. Here's a
justification for the information provided based on previously published works:

Archaeological Excavations: Numerous archaeological excavations at sites like

Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and various other locations in the Indus Valley have
unearthed a wealth of artifacts, structures, and cultural remains. These
excavations have been documented and analyzed in scholarly publications,
providing a concrete foundation for our knowledge of the civilization's material
culture.

Script and Language Research: While the Indus script remains undeciphered,
scholars have extensively examined inscriptions and symbols found on seals,
pottery, and other artifacts. Various publications have explored the potential
meanings and significance of these inscriptions, contributing to our
understanding of the script's role in Harappan society.

Urban Planning and Architecture: The advanced urban planning and

architectural features of Harappan cities, such as their grid layouts and drainage
systems, have been thoroughly studied and documented in academic
publications. These studies provide detailed insights into the civilization's city
planning and engineering achievements.

Trade and Economy: Extensive research has been conducted on the Harappan
civilization's trade networks, economic systems, and the types of goods
exchanged with other ancient cultures. Published works have analyzed
archaeological evidence, including trade routes and imported items, to piece
together the economic aspects of the civilization.

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Social Structure and Religion: While some aspects of the social structure and
religious practices of the Harappan Civilization remain speculative, numerous
publications have explored these topics based on archaeological findings,
including figurines, seals, and religious artifacts.

Decline Theories: Scholars have proposed various theories regarding the decline
and possible causes of the Harappan Civilization. These theories have been
published and debated in academic literature, contributing to ongoing
discussions about the civilization's fate.

Legacy and Cultural Impact: Research on the legacy and cultural impact of the
Harappan Civilization on later societies, including Vedic and post-Vedic
cultures in the Indian subcontinent, has been well-documented in scholarly
works.

Ongoing Research: The study of the Indus Valley Civilization is a dynamic field,
and new research findings continue to be published regularly. These
publications include updated interpretations, discoveries, and insights that
build upon the existing body of knowledge.

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EXAMPLES
some examples of the Harappa Valley Civilization, also known as the Indus
Valley Civilization are :

Harappan Seals: These small, square or rectangular seals are made of steatite (a
type of soapstone) and often bear intricate engravings of animals, deities, and
symbols. They are considered some of the most iconic artifacts of the civilization
and have been found at various Harappan sites.

Great Bath: The Great Bath is a well-preserved structure located in the ancient
city of Mohenjo-Daro. It is a large rectangular pool with steps leading down into
it. The purpose of this structure is still debated, but it is believed to have had
religious or ritual significance.

Harappan Pottery: Harappan pottery is distinctive for its fine craftsmanship

and unique designs. Painted pottery, often featuring black-on-red motifs, is
commonly found at Harappan sites. The pottery served both utilitarian and
decorative purposes.

Copper and Bronze Artifacts: Harappan artisans were skilled in metallurgy, and
they produced various copper and bronze artifacts, including tools, figurines,
and ornaments. Copper tablets with inscriptions have also been discovered.

Urban Layout: The well-planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, with
their grid-like streets, drainage systems, and multi-story buildings, are physical
evidence of advanced urban planning and architecture.

Harrapan Jewelry: Intricately designed jewelry made from materials like gold,
silver, and semi-precious stones has been found in Harappan archaeological
sites. These pieces include necklaces, bangles, and earrings.

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Conclusion
Certainly, here's a detailed conclusion regarding the Indus Valley Civilization
(Harappan Civilization) based on the information provided:

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, represents
one of the most remarkable and enigmatic chapters in human history. This ancient
civilization, which thrived in the Indus River Valley of what is now modern-day
Pakistan and northwest India from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, has left
an enduring legacy in our understanding of early urban societies.

The civilization is characterized by several key features, including advanced urban

planning, intricate architectural achievements, and a thriving trade network. Cities
such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, with their grid-like streets, multi-story
buildings, and complex drainage systems, provide tangible evidence of the
remarkable urban sophistication of the Harappan people. These cities were not
only centers of economic and political activity but also likely held religious and
ritual significance, as indicated by structures like the Great Bath.

The Harappan people demonstrated advanced craftsmanship, as seen in their

finely detailed seals, pottery, jewelry, and figurines. Their pottery, often adorned
with intricate black-on-red designs, serves as both utilitarian and artistic
expressions of their culture. Copper and bronze artifacts, including tools and
figurines, showcase their metallurgical expertise.

The presence of standardized weights and measures, along with the discovery of
seals and inscriptions, suggests a well-organized system of trade and commerce
that extended beyond the Indus Valley to regions like Mesopotamia. This trade
network played a crucial role in the economic vitality of the civilization.

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