Important Indus Valley Sites and Archaeological Discoveries
The Indus Valley Civilization covered parts of Sind, Baluchistan, Afganistan, West Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Maharashtra.
Over 1000 Indus Valley Civilization sites have been discovered.
It’s not easy to connect the archaeological finds with their respective Harappan cities. But in exams questions are repeatedly asked from this topic.
This post is a humble attempt to compile the important Indus Valley Sites and the archaeological discoveries from there. Readers may note that a few of the major sites are already covered in our notes on the features of Indus Valley Civilization.
Indus Valley Civilization
Indian history began at the same time when the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) emerged. It is estimated that the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization) flourished from 3300 to 1300 BCE. The Indus Civilization reached its mature state between 2600 and 1900 BCE.
The 1900 BCE – 1500 BCE period saw the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation which coincided with a wave of migration of the Aryan people from the north, most likely the Iranian Plateau.
List of Major Sites of Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan Civilization
The first site of the Indus Valley Civilization was Harappa, which was founded in the 1920s by Madho Sarup Vats, Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni, and Marshall. The discovery of Mohenjo-daro is located in the Sindh (Sind) region near the Indus River. A list of Major Harappan Sites, their discovery, and Key artefacts found at these sites are mentioned below-
List of Archaeological Sites of Indus Valley Civilisation
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Archaeological Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
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Description/Discovery /Findings |
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Harappa
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1. Excavated by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921-1923.
2. Situated on the bank of river Ravi in Montgomery district of Punjab (Pakistan).
3. Stone dancing Natraja and Cemetry-37 have been excavated here.
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Mohenjo-Daro (Mound of Dead)
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1. Excavated by RD Bannerji in 1922.
2. Situated on the Bank of river Indus in Larkana district of Punjab (Pakistan).
3. Great Bath, Collegiate Building and the Assembly Hall are the special features of the site.
4. Pashupati Mahadeva (Proto Shiva) seal and fragment of woven cotton have been excavated.
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Chanhudaro (Sindh, Pakistan)
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1. Excavated by NG Majumdar in 1931.
2. Situated on the Bank of river Indus in Sindh, Pakistan.
3. It is only Indus Site with no Citadel.
4. Bronze figurines of bullock cart and ekkas and a small pot suggesting a kink well have been excavated.
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Lothal (Gujarat)
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1. Excavated by SR Rao in 1954.
2. Situated on the bank of river Bhogava.
3. City was divided into Citadel and the lower town and dockyard.
4. Evidence of rice has been found here.
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Kalibanga (Black Bangles), Rajasthan
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1. Excavated by BB Lal in 1961.
2. Situated on the bank of river Ghaggar
3. Evidence of ploughed field, wooden furrow, seven fire-altars, bones of camel and two types of burials (Circular grave and rectangular grave) have been found.
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Dholavira
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1. Excavated by JP Joshi in 1967-68.
2. Situated on the bank of river Luni of Kachchh district in Gujarat.
3. Evidence of unique water management system, Harapan inscription and stadium has been found here.
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Surkotada (Gujarat)
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1. Excavated by JP Joshi in 1972.
2. Situated between the rivers Sabarmati and the Bhogavo.
3. Evidence of horse, oval grave and pit burial has been found here.
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Banawali (Haryana)
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1. Excavated by RS Bisht in 1973.
2. Situated on the bank of river Saraswati.
3. Evidence of both pre-Harappan and Harappan culture and barley with good quality has been found here.
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The Indus Valley Civilisation is also named the Harappa civilisation after Harappa, the first of its sites to be excavated in the 1920s, in what was then the Punjab province of British India.The discovery of Harappa, and soon afterwards Mohenjo-daro, was the culmination of work beginning in 1861 with the founding of the Archaeological Survey of India in the British Raj.
The Indus civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization or Harappan civilization, was the Indian subcontinent’s first known urban culture and one of the world’s three early civilizations (the others being Mesopotamia and Egypt). Sophisticated settlements and the development of trade and society are the key features of the Harappan Civilization.
Important Cities in Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, flourishing around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Among its numerous settlements, seven cities stand out due to their size, urban planning, and archaeological significance: Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Kalibangan, Lothal, Chanhudaro, Dholavira, and Banawali. Each of these cities provides unique insights into the life, culture, and technological advancements of the Indus Valley people.
Mohenjo-Daro
Mohenjo-Daro, located in Sindh, Pakistan, is one of the most significant and well-preserved cities of the IVC. Key features include:
Urban Planning: The city was laid out in a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles, reflecting advanced urban planning.
The Great Bath: This large, public bathing area suggests the importance of ritualistic and hygienic practices.
Granary and Warehouses: Indicating organized storage and distribution of food.
Drainage System: An extensive network of covered drains and sewers, showcasing advanced engineering.
Harappa
Harappa, situated in Punjab, Pakistan, was another major city of the IVC. It shares many features with Mohenjo-Daro, highlighting a standardized approach to urban development. Notable aspects include:
Citadel and Lower Town: Harappa was divided into a fortified upper town (citadel) and a lower town, reflecting social stratification.
Artifacts: Advanced craftsmanship in bead-making, pottery, and metallurgy.
Granaries: Large granaries similar to those in Mohenjo-Daro, indicating a focus on food storage and distribution.
Kalibangan
Kalibangan, located in Rajasthan, India, is notable for its unique urban features and evidence of early agricultural practices. Significant aspects include:
Ploughed Fields: Evidence of furrows, indicating early agricultural techniques.
Fire Altars: Suggesting ritualistic practices.
Defensive Walls: The city had fortifications, indicating a concern for defense and security.
Lothal
Lothal, located in Gujarat, India, was a significant port city of the IVC. Its maritime activities are particularly noteworthy. Key features include:
Dockyard: One of the world’s earliest known dockyards, suggesting extensive trade and commerce.
Bead Factory: Evidence of a well-developed bead-making industry.
Seal Impressions: Numerous seals indicating a system of weights and measures for trade.
Chanhudaro
Chanhudaro, located in Sindh, Pakistan, is distinguished by its specialized industries. Unlike other cities, it was not heavily fortified. Key aspects include:
Craftsmanship: Evidence of bead-making, shellworking, and metal craftsmanship.
Urban Planning: Although smaller, Chanhudaro had well-planned streets and drainage systems.
Absence of Fortifications: The city was likely a centre of production rather than a military stronghold.
Dholavira
Dholavira, situated in Gujarat, India, is unique for its water conservation systems. Discovered in the 1960s, Dholavira features:
Water Management: Large reservoirs and an intricate system of water channels, are crucial for a city located in a semi-arid region.
Large Stadium: Evidence of large open spaces that could have been used for gatherings, rituals, or possibly sports.
Distinctive Layout: Divided into three sections – the citadel, middle town, and lower town.
Banawali
Banawali, located in Haryana, India, provides insights into both urban planning and rural life within the IVC. Notable features include:
Circular Houses: Unlike the rectangular houses common in other IVC sites, Banawali had circular houses.
Agricultural Tools: Numerous tools indicate a significant focus on agriculture.
Granaries and Fortifications: Similar to other IVC cities, Banawali had storage facilities and defensive structures....
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