MAINS SYNOPSIS UPSC – DEC 6

Syllabus: GS I Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Examine the technological and cultural achievements of the Harappan Civilization. How do these achievements continue to be relevant in modern India, and what lessons can we draw from this ancient culture to address contemporary challenges?

(15 marks, 250 words)

Harappan Civilization: 

The discovery of the Harappan Civilization, one of the world’s oldest urban societies, has significantly reshaped the understanding of ancient South Asian history. Recognized for its advanced urban planning, technological sophistication, and maritime trade, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity in ancient times.

Historical Context and Discovery

• On September 20, 1924, John Marshall, then Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announced the discovery of the “Civilization of the Indus Valley.”
• The civilization was later termed the Harappan Civilization, named after the site of Harappa in present-day Pakistan.
• Key Contributors:
  • Daya Ram Sahni (1921-22): Excavated Harappa, discovering seals, pottery, and beads.
  • Rakhal Das Banerji (1922): Excavated Mohenjo-daro, unearthing seals and copper items.
• Geographical Spread: Spanned over 1.5 million sq. km, covering parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Chronology and Phases

1. Early Harappan Phase (3200 BCE – 2600 BCE): Initial village settlements and trade.
2. Mature Harappan Phase (2600 BCE – 1900 BCE): Peak of urbanization with advanced city planning and trade networks.
3. Late Harappan Phase (1900 BCE – 1500 BCE): Decline and collapse due to various factors, including climate change and migration.

Major Harappan Sites

Site	Location	Significance
Mohenjo-daro	Pakistan	Known for the Great Bath, advanced drainage systems, and uniform brick construction.
Harappa	Pakistan	Featured granaries, seals, and evidence of a well-organized society.
Dholavira	Gujarat, India	Famous for its water management system, reservoirs, and step-wells.
Rakhigarhi	Haryana, India	Largest Harappan site in India, showcasing urban planning and sewage systems.
Lothal	Gujarat, India	Had the world’s first dockyard, highlighting maritime trade with Mesopotamia and other regions.
Kalibangan	Rajasthan, India	Known for the world’s first furrowed field, showing evidence of early agricultural practices.
Daimabad	Maharashtra, India	Southernmost site, with evidence of copper tools and urban characteristics.

Technological and Cultural Achievements

1. Urban Planning:
   
   • Cities were laid out in a grid pattern with separate residential and public areas.
   • High and low sections within cities suggest social or administrative stratification.
2. Water Management and Sanitation:
   
   • Cities featured wells, reservoirs, and underground drainage systems, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene.
   • Advanced bathroom and terracotta pipe systems in homes highlight their focus on public health.
3. Construction Techniques:
   
   • Standardized burnt bricks were used across all sites, showcasing a regulated construction system.
   • Fortifications and walls provided protection from floods and invaders.
4. Metalwork and Craftsmanship:
   
   • Skilled in working with bronze and copper, producing tools, ornaments, and intricate beads.
   • Crafted long carnelian beads using precise drills, demonstrating advanced technology.
5. Pottery and Terracotta:
   
   • Harappans made beautifully painted pottery and terracotta figurines, reflecting their artistic sensibilities.
6. Trade and Seafaring:
   
   • Maritime trade was well-established, with evidence of Harappan seals found in Mesopotamia.
   • Lothal’s dockyard and Sabarmati River connections underscore their seafaring expertise.
7. Seals and Script:
   
   • Carved seals, often depicting animals and symbols, were used for identification and trade.
   • Their script remains undeciphered, adding to the mystery of their administrative systems.
8. Mathematics and Standardization:
   
   • Developed precise weights and measures, based on binary and decimal systems, for trade and taxation.

Significance of the Discovery

1. Rewriting History:
   
   • Prior to this discovery, historians believed settled life in South Asia began around the 6th century BCE.
   • The Harappan Civilization pushed this timeline back by over 3,000 years.
2. Global Connections:
   
   • The Harappans had maritime trade links with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other ancient cultures.
3. Technological Pioneers:
   
   • Their advancements in urban planning, sanitation, and trade networks rival those of contemporary civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Unresolved Mysteries

1. Undeciphered Script:
   
   • The inability to decode their language limits understanding of their administration and culture.
2. Decline of the Civilization:
   
   • Possible causes include:
     • Climate Change: Drying of the Saraswati River and changing monsoon patterns.
     • Invasion: The Aryan invasion theory, though debated, suggests external aggression.
     • Economic Decline: Disruptions in trade networks and agricultural productivity.

Lessons for Modern India

• Urban Planning: The grid system, sanitation, and water management offer insights for modern city planning.
• Sustainability: Their adaptability to environmental challenges highlights the importance of resource management.
• Economic Integration: The extensive trade networks underscore the need for global economic connectivity.

Conclusion

The Harappan Civilization stands as a beacon of ancient human achievement, demonstrating remarkable advances in technology, trade, and urban planning. Despite the mysteries surrounding its decline, its legacy continues to inspire modern governance and urban development. Understanding this civilization is crucial not just for appreciating India’s rich heritage but also for deriving lessons applicable to contemporary challenges.