The Decline of India's Oldest Civilization
Civilizations don't suddenly just disappear. And yet initially, this is what scholars thought happened to the
Harappan civilization (ca. 2600–1900 BCE). While some of the factors that led to the civilization's decline
have been identified, several facts are still unknown
One of the early theories was that they were wiped out by an invasion. This theory was partly based on
references to fortified cities around the civilization. It was also based on 37 sets of skeletal remains found
at Mohenjo-Daro. However, the textual references are not at all specific. As for the skeletal remains, they
belong to different phases, and none of them were found on the citadel, where one would have expected
a major battle to have taken place. In fact, archaeology has not revealed any evidence of a military
assault at any Harappan site.
On the other hand, there is evidence that the Harappans were dealing with different sorts of natural
disasters. Several layers of silt at Mohenjo-Daro show that the people of this city repeatedly faced heavy
floods. There is evidence of an earthquake at a few Harappan sites. It has also been suggested that a
rise in the Arabian Sea coastline due to tectonic movements could have caused floods and a rise in soil
salinity and may have seriously disrupted the Harappans' coastal communications and trade.
Climatic change, specifically a decrease in rainfall, has also been cited by some scholars as a reason for
the Harappan civilization's decline. There are two different theories. First, study of pollen grains found in
the sediments of certain lakes suggests that the decline of the civilization coincided with a small but
significant decrease in rainfall. However, another study from the same region indicates that although
there was indeed a decrease in rainfall, this decrease happened well before the development of the
civilization. The question of climatic change and its possible connection with the civilization's decline
therefore remains a matter of debate.
Apart from what the environment was doing to the Harappans, there is the question of what the
Harappans were doing to their environment. There is one theory the Harappans were recklessly
damaging their environment. Over cultivation, overgrazing, and excessive cutting of trees for fuel and
farming led to decreasing soil fertility, soil erosion, floods, and increasing soil salinity. All this may have
forced people to move to newer areas.
The Harappans had flourishing internal and long-distance trade networks, and there is a theory that a
decline in trade was an important factor in the decline of the civilization.
All this can be connected to the larger patterns of settlement history. In parts of the northwest, there is
clear evidence that some settlements were declining, others abandoned. But as we move toward the
eastern and southern parts of the Harappan culture zone, we actually see an increase in the number of
settlements. The data shows that the Harappans were migrating eastward and southwards.
The Decline of India’s Oldest Civilization
Writing Assignment
Directions: After reading the article, you will write a 2 paragraph essay on what you think
happened to the Harappan civilization. Refer to the outline below to help you organize your
thoughts.
Paragraph 1:
 What do you think happened to the Harappan civilization?
 Why do you think that way?
 Reason #1 – What evidence/information do you have to support your answer? (3
sentences)
 Be specific!
Paragraph 2:
 Reason #2 – What other evidence/information do you have to support your
answer? (3 sentences) Be specific!
 Sum up or restate what you think happened to the Harappan civilization.
 Closing statement as to why you think that way.