The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, first emerged in
oximately 3000 BC, located around modern day Afghanistan and northwest India. The Indus
Valley was a fertile flood plain that encouraged a thriving agricultural society. Over hundreds of
Change Indus Valley Civilization made many advanced technological contributions that
changed the way people lived, including drainage systems, farming machinery, and
measurement tools.
The Indus Valley Civilization depended on monsoons to aid their farming culture. These
monsoons were seasonal winds that impacted the region, blowing warm and moist air from the
southwest in the summer and cold air form the northeast in the winter. The people did not use
Inmigation systems and instead used these monsoons to water their crops. However, if the rains
came too early, too heavy, or too late, the crops were destroyed.
The monsoons were a catalyst for a surge in development and technology for the people of
the Indus Valley Civilization. One of their largest contributions to society was their elaborate
underground drainage system. They used mud bricks to create the drainage system for waste.
The waste would travel from a central well through clay brick pipes into a shared drain, and
would then be disposed into a pit or used as fertilizer. Their civilization showed signs of being well-
planned, complete with housing and even bathrooms.
Religion played a major role in the economy and daily life of the Indus Valley Civilization. As a
result, religious buildings for worship, such as shrines and temples were designed. Many of them
were built around the river valleys that provided resources for farming. Much like Mesopotamia's
fertile crescent, the Indus Valley Civilization resided around a river valley. They built massi
canals and participated in sea trade, building boats and using trade as a means to thrive al
society. Like the Mesopotamians, the Indus Valley Civilization depended on the fertile soil to
grow their crops and support their farming lifestyle.
A decline soon began around 1500 BC. The monsoons continued to shift east, the water supply
began to dry up, and residents began to migrate. Moreover, a new group of nomads from
central Asia came into contact with the Indus Valley Civilization
called the Aryans. The Aryans settled into the area
and over several centuries, their language and
religious practices slowly overtook the Indus Valley
Civilization's language and religion.
The Aryans continued to advance the society by
Introducing Iron, and therefore the iron plow, a
mechanism used for Ideal farming. Most
Importantly, the Aryans Introduced the written.
language of Sanskrit around 1000 BC. Before, the
written language of the Indus Valley Civilization was
and still remains a mystery. The Aryans were able to
write down their legends and religious chants,
among other important information.
There is no agreement as to why the Indus Valley
Civilization came to an end. Among the possible.
theories are climate change, migration, severe
drought, decline in trade, and the arrival of the
Aryans. However, the Indus Valley Civilization's
contributions are still making an impact today.
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