The End of the Civilization
Around 1800 BCE, most of the Mature Harappan sites in areas like Cholistan were deserted, while there was a population expansion into new settlements in regions like Gujarat, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. The few Harappan sites that remained occupied after 1900 BCE underwent a transformation in material culture, with the disappearance of distinctive artifacts such as weights, seals, and special beads. Writing, long-distance trade, and craft specialization also vanished. There was a significant reduction in the quantity and variety of materials used for manufacturing, and house construction techniques deteriorated, with fewer large public structures being built. Overall, the material remains and settlements indicate a shift towards a rural way of life in what are termed “Late Harappan” or “successor cultures.”
Various explanations have been proposed for these changes, including climatic shifts, deforestation, excessive floods, river migrations, and landscape overuse. While some of these factors may have affected specific settlements, they fail to account for the collapse of the entire civilization. It seems that a unifying element, possibly the Harappan state, ceased to exist. This is evidenced by the disappearance of seals, script, distinctive artifacts, the transition from a standardized weight system to local weights, and the decline and abandonment of urban centers. It would take over a millennium for new cities to emerge in a completely different region of the subcontinent.
Chapter 1: Bricks,Beads and Bones| Class 12 Notes History
Crafted from a stone called steatite, Harappan seals typically feature animal motifs and symbols from a script that has yet to be deciphered. Despite the mystery surrounding the script, archaeologists have gleaned significant insights into the lives of the people inhabiting the region through the examination of their dwellings, pottery, jewelry, tools, and seals – collectively known as archaeological evidence.
This evidence serves as a window into the Harappan civilization, shedding light on various aspects of their society. However, while archaeological findings provide valuable insights, interpretations of these discoveries are subject to change as new evidence emerges. Although there are still unknown aspects of the civilization that may remain elusive, ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the Harappan civilization!
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