Harappa Civilization
Harappan Civilization
One of the most fascinating yet mysterious
cultures of the ancient world is the
Harappan Civilization
Harappan Civilization

This culture existed
along the Indus
River in present
day Pakistan from
about 2300 BCE
to 1700 BCE.
Harappan Civilization
All of the cities
and civilizations
at this time
were centered
around large
areas along
both sides of
the Indus River

Harappan Civilization
As these civilizations grew more in population
improvements in agriculture and irrigation transpired.

Harappan Civilization

Agriculture - The science, art, and business of
cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising
livestock; farming.
Harappan Civilization

Irrigation – Artificial watering of land by uses
of aqueducts, irrigation canals and other
sources.
India’s First Cities
Large populations develop their own unique
cultures and large civilizations began to form.

India’s First Cities

The first civilization was the Harappan…
who were named after the city Harappa
India’s First Cities
It was near this city that ruins of the
Harappan civilization was first discovered.

India’s First Cities
India’s First Cities
The houses had flat roofs and many had
staircases that allowed people to climb to the
roof from the street

India’s First Cities
India’s First Cities
A second major city in the Indus River Valley at
this time was Mohenjo-Daro
 It was 375 miles south of the city of Harappa.

India’s First Cities
Mohenjo-Daro also means "Mound of the Dead”.
 The cities ruins were discovered in the 1920’s (Left:
House Walls, Right: Water drains)

India’s First Cities
Both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were
structurally advanced.
 Each city had a towering Citadel that acted as
a fortress for defense purposes.

India’s First Cities

These immense Citadels would act as vantage
points to scout for invading armies and
general public well being
Harappan Achievements
Achievement Unlocked
 The Harappan Civilization was an extremely
advanced society.

Harappan Achievements
Most houses had bathrooms with indoor
plumbing and some type of running water…


Water Well
Harappan Achievements

Artisan – Craftsman or skilled worker who
practices some trade or handicraft.
Harappan Achievements
Harappan Artisans were known for their
excellent pottery, jewelry, ivory objects and
cotton clothing

Harappan Achievements
Harappan Achievements
Harappan Achievements
They used advanced high quality tools and
developed a system of weights and measures.

Harappan Achievements

The Harappan people were literate and
used a Indus Script.
Harappan Achievements
This language was short strings of symbols associated
with the Indus Valley Culture.
 The language to this day still remain coded...we still do
not understand the language due a lack of interpreting.

Harappan Civilization
Only small parts of this language has been
deciphered , leaving numerous questions about
this civilization unanswered.
 (Seal that was used on goods)

Harappan Achievements

It is also most likely that the Harappa's had a strong
government and worshiped kings and deities.
Not a happy ending

The Harappan Civilization ended by the early
1700’s BCE…but no one is sure why.
Not a happy ending

Perhaps invaders destroyed the cities…
Not a happy ending

Maybe there was a climate change causing large scale
natural disaster like a flood or earthquake.
 Unfortunately because we can’t read their coded
language we may never know.