Harappa

Definition

Harappa was one of the key urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2600 to 1900 BCE. This ancient city, located in present-day Pakistan, is known for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and extensive trade networks, highlighting the economic prowess of the Indus Valley people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harappa was strategically located near the Ravi River, which facilitated trade and agriculture in the region.
2. The city had a grid-like layout with well-planned streets, public baths, and sophisticated drainage systems that reflected advanced engineering skills.
3. Harappa was part of an extensive trade network that connected it with other regions, including Mesopotamia and Central Asia, highlighting its economic significance.
4. Archaeological evidence suggests that Harappa had a centralized authority or governance system to manage urban affairs and trade.
5. Artifacts such as seals found in Harappa indicate that the inhabitants engaged in long-distance trade and had a complex economic structure.

Review Questions

• How did Harappa's urban planning reflect the economic activities of the Indus Valley Civilization?
  • Harappa's urban planning showcased an organized grid layout with streets and drainage systems that facilitated both sanitation and movement of goods. This planning indicates that the city's economy was heavily reliant on agriculture and trade. The strategic placement near the Ravi River allowed for efficient transport of agricultural products and goods, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of urban development that supported economic activities.
• Discuss the importance of trade networks for Harappa and how they influenced its growth during the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Trade networks were crucial for Harappa's growth as they connected the city with distant regions such as Mesopotamia and Central Asia. This interaction facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also cultural ideas and technological innovations. The presence of seals and artifacts from these trade routes indicates that Harappa was a bustling hub for commerce, contributing to its wealth and stability within the broader context of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Evaluate the factors that led to the decline of Harappa and other urban centers in the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • The decline of Harappa and other urban centers in the Indus Valley Civilization can be attributed to a combination of environmental changes, such as shifting river patterns leading to reduced agricultural productivity, along with possible social upheaval or invasions. Archaeological evidence shows a gradual abandonment of urban sites around 1900 BCE. This decline has implications for understanding how complex societies respond to ecological challenges and resource management over time.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization: An ancient civilization that developed along the Indus River basin, known for its advanced urban centers like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, as well as its unique script and trade practices.

Mohenjo-Daro: Another major city of the Indus Valley Civilization, contemporaneous with Harappa, known for its well-preserved ruins and organized layout.

Cotton Textiles: A key export product of the Indus Valley Civilization, which played a significant role in trade networks and showcases their textile production expertise.