History has an important role in both the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam and the Main Examination. A considerable fraction of the total questions asked in General Studies Paper I for UPSC IAS Exam three segments- Ancient India, Medieval India and Modern India. A rational mix of hard work and an appropriate strategy will ease the UPSC IAS Exam preparation.
This article will talk about one of the four earliest civilizations in the world – Indus Vally Civilization (IVC). Aspirants will aso find information about major sites found in IVC.
Indus Valley Civilization:- Download PDF Here
What is Indus Valley Civilization?
The Indus valley civilization is also known as Harappan Civilization and is famous for its systematic planning based on the grid system.
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization spreading from today’s North-East Afghanistan to Pakistan and North-West India. This civilization flourished in the river basins of the Indus and the Ghaggar-Hakra River.
There are seven important cities in the Indus valley civilization:
- Mohanjodaro
- Harappa
- Kalibangan
- Lothal
- Chanhudaru
- Dholavira
- Banawali
Surkotada, Lothal, and Dholavira are the important port towns in the Indus valley. Harappa, Mohanjodaro, Banawali and Dholavira are considered as the four main Harappan Sites. Till 1999, over 1,056 urban areas and settlements had been found. 96 sites have been excavated, mostly in the region of the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra Rivers and their tributaries. Among the settlements were the most important urban centres of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Ganeriwala, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.
Major Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
Here we are giving the list of major sites in the Indus valley civilizations along with its location, major findings which are very useful for UPSC IAS Prelims examination.
| Year | Site | Location | Excavated by | Major findings |
| 1921 | Harappa | Sahiwal District, Punjab in the banks of Ravi | Daya Ram Sahni |
|
| 1922 | Mohenjo-Daro | Larkana District Of Sind on the bank of Indus | R. D Banerjee |
|
| 1929 | Sutkagendor | Baluchistan on Dast river | Stein |
|
| 1931 | Chanhudaro | Mullan Sandha, Sind on the Indus river | N G Majumdar |
Note: It is the only city without a citadel |
| 1935 | Amri | Close to Balochistan, on the bank of Indus river | N G Majumdar |
|
| 1953 | Kalibangan | Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan on the bank of Ghaggar river | Amlanand Ghose |
|
| 1953 | Lothal | Gujarat on Bhogva river near the Gulf of
Cambay |
R. Rao |
|
| 1964 | Surkotada | Gujarat | J P Joshi |
|
| 1974 | Banawali | Fatehabad district of Haryana | R S Bisht |
|
| 1985 | Dholavira | Gujarat in Rann of Kutchchh | R S Bisht |
|
Frequently Asked Questions about Major Sites in Indus Valley Civilisation
Which is the important Indus Valley site?
Which is the smallest site of Indus Valley Civilization?
Indus Valley Civilization:- Download PDF Here
Related Articles:
| Ancient History NCERT Notes | Medieval History NCERT Notes |
| Modern History NCERT Notes | World History for UPSC |
| UPSC FAQ | UPSC History Optional Booklist |
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