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. This post is an attempt to compile the important Indus Valley Sites and the archaeological discoveries from there.

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 about this topic.

Readers may note that a few of the major sites are already covered in our notes on the features of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Related read: Arts of Indus Valley Civilization (Indian Culture Series – NCERT)

Important Indus Valley Sites and Their Archaeological Discoveries

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) (2500 BCE–1900 BCE), also known as the Harappan Civilization, spanned modern-day India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan.

Its excavation revealed one of the world’s earliest urban societies, showcasing advanced town planning, trade, and cultural sophistication.

Key sites and their notable findings include:

Harappa

1. Cemetery H & R37.
2. Coffin burial.
3. Granary outside the fort.
4. Phallus worship.
5. Graveyard.
6. Mother goddess.

Mohenjo-Daro

1. Prepared Garments.
2. Temple-like Palace.
3. Pashupati seal.
4. Statue of a dancing girl.
5. Ivory weight balance.
6. The Great Bath.
7. The Great Granary.
8. Priest-king statue.

Kalibangan

1. Lower fortified town.
2. Fire Altar.
3. Boustrophedon style.
4. Wooden drainage.
5. Copper Ox.
6. Evidence of earthquake.
7. Wooden plough.
8. Camel’s bone.

Lothal

1. Port Town.
2. Evidence of Rice.
3. Fire Altar.
4. Graveyard.
5. Ivory weight balance.
6. Copper dog.

Rangpur

1. Evidence of Rice.

Surkotada

1. Horse bone.
2. Stone-covered grave.

Malavan

1. Canals.

Chanhudaro

1. Bangle factory.
2. Inkpot.
3. The only city without a citadel.
4. Carts with a seated driver.

Balakot

1. Bangle factory.

Daimabad

1. Bronze Buffalo.

Amri

1. Actual remains of Rhinoceros.

Alamgirpur

1. Impression of cloth on a trough.

Ropar

1. Buildings made of stone and soil.
2. The dog is buried with humans.
3. One inscribed steatite seal with typical Indus pictographs.
4. Oval pit burials.

Banawali

1. Oval-shaped settlement.
2. The only city with radial streets.
3. Toy plough.
4. The largest number of barley grains.

Dholavira

1. Only site to be divided into three parts.
2. Giant water reservoir.
3. Unique water harnessing system.
4. Dams.
5. Embankments.
6. A stadium.
7. Rock-cut architecture.

Urban Planning Features

• Grid Layout: Cities were built on a grid pattern with wide streets intersecting at right angles.
• Drainage System: Advanced underground drainage channels and soak pits.
• Brick Architecture: Uniformly baked bricks were used for buildings.
• Granaries: Centralized storage facilities indicating surplus production and state control.

Trade and Economy

• Artefacts: Beads, seals, and jewellery found at various sites highlight craftsmanship and trade.
• Seals: Typically made of steatite, often depicting animals and the undeciphered script.
• Maritime Trade: Lothal’s dockyard and Mesopotamian trade links reflect significant maritime activities.

Art and Culture

• Terracotta Figurines: Depictions of animals, humans, and deities.
• Sculptures: The “Dancing Girl” and the “Priest-King” statue from Mohenjo-Daro.
• Pottery: Painted with geometric and animal motifs, showcasing aesthetic sensibilities.

Importance of Discoveries

The archaeological findings of the Indus Valley Civilization offer invaluable insights into:

• Early urbanization and governance.
• Technological advancements in water management and metallurgy.
• Cultural and economic exchanges with other ancient civilizations.

These discoveries continue to shape our understanding of one of the most sophisticated ancient societies.

Decline and Legacy

The civilization’s decline around 1900 BCE is attributed to multiple factors:

• Climate change and drying of rivers like the Saraswati.
• Shifts in trade routes and economic disruptions.
• Possible invasions or migrations.

Conclusion

The discoveries at these sites reveal the IVC’s advanced urban planning, trade networks, craftsmanship, and societal organization. These findings provide a glimpse into the life, economy, and culture of the Harappan people.

Despite its fall, the IVC’s influence persists in subsequent cultures in South Asia, evident in pottery, symbols, and urban planning principles.

Also read:

• Indus Valley script
• Gems and Jewelry Industry in India
• Harappan civilisation: enigma remains even after 100 years of exploration-The Hindu

Compiled by: Jishnu J Raju.