Rise of Indus Valley Civilization:

Emergence (circa 3300 BCE):

– The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, emerged around 3300 BCE along the Indus River and its tributaries.

– Early agricultural communities developed sophisticated farming techniques, leading to surplus production and population growth.

Urbanization (circa 2600 BCE):

– The civilization saw the rise of well-planned cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, characterized by advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and standardized brick sizes.

– Trade networks expanded, connecting the Indus Valley with Mesopotamia, Persia, and other regions, facilitating economic prosperity.

Cultural and Technological Advances:

– Notable achievements included metallurgy (bronze tools and weapons), bead-making, and the development of a writing system (still undeciphered).

– Artifacts suggest a society with a high degree of social organization and cultural uniformity.

Decline of Indus Valley Civilization:

Gradual Decline (circa 1900 BCE):

– Signs of decline began around 1900 BCE, with evidence of urban decay, reduced trade, and the abandonment of cities.

– Environmental factors such as changing river courses, deforestation, and droughts may have contributed to agricultural decline and urban collapse.

Possible Invasions:

– Some theories suggest invasions by nomadic Indo-Aryans could have disrupted the civilization, although evidence is inconclusive.

Dispersal and Legacy:

– By 1300 BCE, major cities were largely abandoned, and the population dispersed into smaller, rural communities.

– Despite its decline, the Indus Valley Civilization left a lasting legacy in terms of urban planning, craft techniques, and cultural practices in subsequent Indian civilizations.