First Indian Civilization
VerifiedAnswer: Indus Valley Civilization
Explanation:
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, holds the distinction of being the first major civilization to flourish on the Indian subcontinent. This ancient civilization emerged around 3300 BCE and reached its peak between 2600 and 1900 BCE, making it one of the world's earliest urban civilizations alongside Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt.
This remarkable civilization extended across a vast area covering parts of present-day Pakistan, northwest India, and eastern Afghanistan. The civilization gets its name from the Indus River, along whose banks many of its major cities were established. Archaeological evidence shows that it was spread over an area of approximately 1.25 million square kilometers, making it the largest among the ancient world civilizations.
The two most famous cities of this civilization are Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, both of which showcase incredible urban planning skills. These cities featured well-organized street layouts, sophisticated drainage systems, and multi-story brick houses. The uniformity in city planning across different sites suggests a highly organized administrative system and shared cultural practices.
One of the most striking features of the Indus Valley Civilization was its advanced understanding of urban infrastructure. The cities had covered drains, public wells, and even public baths - the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro being a prime example. This level of civic planning was unprecedented for its time and shows the sophisticated nature of their society.
The people of this civilization were skilled in various crafts including pottery, metalworking, and bead-making. They developed a standardized system of weights and measures, which indicates a well-developed trade system. Archaeological findings suggest they had extensive trade networks reaching as far as Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and other parts of the Indian subcontinent.
The Indus Valley people also developed their own script, though it remains undeciphered to this day. Hundreds of seals with inscriptions have been found, suggesting a literate society with administrative records. These seals often feature animal motifs and are believed to have been used for trade and identification purposes.
The civilization mysteriously declined around 1900 BCE, and various theories have been proposed for its end, including climate change, river course changes, and natural disasters. Despite its decline, the Indus Valley Civilization laid important foundations for future civilizations in the Indian subcontinent and remains a testament to the ingenuity and organizational skills of India's earliest urban settlers.
