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The History of Ancient India
In this lesson, students will identify characteristics of civilization in the Indus river valley.Students will be able to define and/or identify the following terms:
HarappaMohenjo-Daro
Urban Planning
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The Indus River begins in the Himalayas.When the snows melt, the river floods.
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The Indus river allowed people to farm.It made irrigation and transportation
possible. A great civilization developedin the Indus river valley.
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Harappan Civilization
• The early civilization that developed in the Indus river valley is frequently referred to as Harappan civilization.
• The name “Harappan” comes from one of the cities in the Indus river valley.
• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were two important cities of this early river valley civilization.
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This ruin reveals the careful planning ofthe Indus river city of Harappa.
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The buildings of Mohenjo-Daro were alsocarefully planned.
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Urban Planning
• Urban planning refers to the careful planning of a city.
• In Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, every brick in every city was exactly the same size during a period of time.
• Like modern cities, buildings had to conform to government standards.
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This hole and drain suggest that indoorbathrooms and toilets may have existed.
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Harappan civilization had writing. However,archaeologists are still deciphering it.
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This map reveals the location of Harappancivilization.
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Harappan civilization began around3000 B.C.
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The cities were surrounded by walls.Walls were used to protect the inhabitants
of the cities.
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Harappan civilization declined around1500 B.C. It is possible that the monsoon
failed or an earthquake occurred.
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Questions for Reflection:• What is the relationship between the Indus
river and the Himalayas?• Why is India’s earliest civilization referred
to as Harappan civilization?• Define urban planning.• How did Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
exhibit aspects of urban planning?• List three accomplishments of Harappan
civilization.
