Prelims Capsule: Summarizing Harappa civilization



Summarizing Harappa civilization


Click here to Download Prelims Capsule PDF (3rd March 2017)

We have tried to summarize all the important aspects related to Harappa civilization, still if some important points have been left, please add your inputs in the comments below, we would edit the post and include the mentioned important aspects


About


Flourished during the 2500-2000 BC.

Main sites include:-

  • Kalibangan (Rajasthan)
  • Dholavira (Gujarat)
  • Lothal (Gujarat)
  • Sarkotada (Gujarat)
  • Diamabad (Maharashtra)
  • Alamgirpur (U.P.)
  • Bhagwanpura(Haryana)
  • Banawali (Haryana)
  • Mauda(Jammu)

Architecture


Main features of the architecture includes:-

  • Towns in rectangular grid pattern
  • Roads cutting at right angle
  • Use of well baked burnt mud bricks
  • Use of gypsum mortar
  • Existence of granaries(with air ducts)
  • Prevalence of public baths
  • Advanced covered drainage system

Seals


Main features of seals:-

  • Shape: mostly square together with triangular, rectangular and circular
  • Material used: Steatite(most common) with agate, chert, copper, faience, ivory and gold
  • No evidence of Cow found
  • Pictographic script on seals of animals and mathematical too
  • Used for: commercial purpose, as amulets
  • Examples: Pashupati seals and unicorn seals

Sculptures


Bronze castings

  • Bronze statues were made using ‘Lost wax technique’
  • Examples are bronze dancing girl and bronze bull

Terracotta

  • Use of fire baked clay for making Terracotta sculptures
  • Generally used to make toys, animals, figures, miniature carts etc.
  • Example: mother goddess

Red sandstone

Red sandstone figureof a male torso has been found


Painted potteries


  • Also known as red and black pottery
  • Painting themes: trees, birds, animal figures, geometrical patterns
  • Uses: Storage of grains and water, decorative purposes

Ornaments


  • People were conscious of fashion
  • Materials used: precious metals, gemstones, bones and baked clay
  • Women ornaments: necklace, girdles, earrings and anklets
  • Fabric used: Cotton and wool

 


Comments

8 responses to “Prelims Capsule: Summarizing Harappa civilization”

  1. Serene Buddha Avatar
    Serene Buddha

    good one! evolution of Indus valley cities can be mentioned, lothal advanced, mohenjadaro developed, mehrgarh first among cities!! but anyway it is class as usual!!

  2. PRAVEEN CHOUDHARY Avatar
    PRAVEEN CHOUDHARY

    script, trade relations part can provide value addition.

  3. ForumIAS Avatar
    ForumIAS

    🙂 🙂

  4. thanks alot.

  5. ForumIAS Avatar
    ForumIAS

    Thanks for suggestions.

  6. Nishikant Avatar
    Nishikant

    Please cover entire art and culture in this manner, if possible. As the syllabus is scattered and needs to be covered from different places, these would be of immense help for revision. Thanks a lot.

  7. ForumIAS Avatar
    ForumIAS

    Ok. Thanks for the inputs.

  8. you missed about stone sculpture of yogi, whose eyes are semi closed and a showl is incircled it and hair is divided from middle.

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