Chapter-3
Discovery of Harappa: Unearthing Ancient Treasures
Over a century and a half ago, the railway construction in Punjab, India, led engineers to the site of Harappa in present-day Pakistan. Initially perceived as a mound of bricks, Harappa’s ancient structures were unwittingly dismantled for railway construction. Nearly 80 years later, in a twist of fate, archaeologists recognized Harappa as one of the oldest cities in the subcontinent, dating back to approximately 4700 years ago.
Unique City Planning: Citadel and Lower Town Dynamics
Harappan cities, scattered across Punjab, Sind, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana, showcased a distinct city planning pattern. The cities typically had a citadel to the west, smaller but elevated, and a larger, lower town to the east. Baked brick walls, meticulously laid out in an interlocking pattern, surrounded each part, ensuring their durability over millennia. These cities were characterized by unique artifacts like red pottery with black designs, stone weights, seals, special beads, copper tools, and paralleled-sided long stone blades.
City Structure: From Great Baths to Elaborate Storehouses
Within these cities, unique structures adorned the citadels. For instance, Mohenjodaro boasted the Great Bath, a sophisticated tank likely used for ceremonial purposes. Some cities featured fire altars, possibly for sacrificial rituals, while others, like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, and Lothal, had elaborate storehouses. The houses, often one or two stories high, had covered drains, carefully laid out in straight lines with inspection holes for cleaning.
Life in the City: Rulers, Craftspersons, and Scribes
Harappan cities were bustling centers of activity. Rulers likely oversaw the construction of special buildings and engaged in long-distance trade to acquire precious materials. Scribes, proficient in writing, played a role in creating seals and possibly recording information. Craftspersons, both men and women, crafted various items in their homes or specialized workshops. The discovery of terracotta toys suggests a vibrant life for Harappan children.
Craftsmanship and Specialization: Stone, Shell, and Metal Artifacts
Harappans displayed remarkable craftsmanship using stone, shell, and metals like copper, bronze, gold, and silver. Seals, with carved animals, and pots adorned with black designs exemplify their artistic abilities. Specialization was evident in the intricacies of crafted objects, possibly the work of expert craftspersons.
Raw Material Procurement: From Local to Distant Sources
While some raw materials were locally available, Harappans sourced copper, tin, gold, silver, and precious stones from distant regions. Copper possibly came from present-day Rajasthan and Oman, tin from Afghanistan and Iran, gold from Karnataka, and precious stones from Gujarat, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Harappan Towns in Gujarat: Dholavira and Lothal
Dholavira, situated on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch, displayed a unique city plan with three parts and massive stone walls. It featured a large open area for public ceremonies and Harappan script inscriptions on white stone letters. Lothal, near the Gulf of Khambat, served as a crucial center for crafting stone, shell, and metal objects, including a workshop dedicated to bead-making.
The Mystery of the End: The Decline of Harappan Civilization
Around 3900 years ago, a significant transformation occurred, leading to the abandonment of Harappan cities. The use of writing, seals, and weights ceased, and garbage accumulated on the streets. Theories about the decline include river drying, deforestation, or floods, but none fully explain the simultaneous collapse of all cities. It appears rulers lost control, prompting people to abandon these urban centers. New settlements emerged about 1400 years later, marking the end of the Harappan civilization.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into an Ancient Civilization
Harappa’s story unveils a sophisticated ancient civilization with advanced city planning, intricate craftsmanship, and a mysterious decline. The cities were hubs of diverse activities, from ruling and trading to specialized craftsmanship. The artifacts left behind provide invaluable insights into the daily lives and complexities of the Harappan people, leaving us with a tantalizing glimpse into the past.