Significance of Indus Valley Civilization

Published on 14 Oct 2025

The history of India begins with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as Harappan Civilization. It flourished around 2,500 BC, in the western part of South Asia, in contemporary Pakistan and Western India. In 1924, John Marshall, Director-General of the ASI, announced the discovery of a new civilisation in the Indus valley to the world.

Cultural Significance of Indus Valley Civilization

Social

Matrilineal society: IVC Society is considered to be matriarchal in nature as a large number of terracotta (fire-baked earthen clay) female figurines have been found from various sites.

Example: The worship of the Great Mother Goddess.

Social Organization: The presence of well-defined city planning and standardized architecture indicates a centralized authority or governing body in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Example: The absence of grand palaces and monumental temples implies a more egalitarian society compared to other contemporary civilizations.

Hierarchy: Excavations indicate a hierarchy in urban habitation. The citadel or the first locality was where the ruling class lived and the lowest tower was where the common people lived.

Example: Two localities are attributed to the city of Harappa.

Cultural Continuity: Several cultural practices, such as pottery-making techniques, textile traditions, and agricultural practices, have been passed down through generations in the region.

Economic

Trade and Commerce: The discovery of standardized weights, seals, and other artifacts indicates a well-developed economic system.

Example: Evidence suggests that they engaged in long-distance trade with regions such as Mesopotamia Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf.

Agricultural Practices: The Indus Valley Civilization had a sophisticated agricultural system, utilizing advanced techniques such as irrigation and crop rotation.

Example: The cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and cotton contributed to their economic prosperity.

Standardized Measurement Systems: The discovery of a graduated system of weights made of stone, terracotta, and bronze indicates a well-organized economic system and facilitates trade and commerce.

Writing System: The presence of written symbols on seals, pottery, and other artifacts suggests a sophisticated system of communication and record-keeping, which is yet to be deciphered.

Example: The style of Harappan Script was that of Boustrophedon, which is written from right to left.

Art and Craftsmanship: The civilization produced a wide range of artistic and craft objects, including pottery, terracotta figurines, jewelry, and bronze sculptures.

Example: Bronze dancing girl, Steatite statue of beard man.

Religious

Religion and Beliefs: The discovery of numerous figurines and seals depicting various deities and ritual scenes suggests the presence of a complex belief system.

Example: Small terracotta figurines, often depicting female fertility symbols, were likely used in religious ceremonies.

Burial Practices and Rituals: Dead bodies were placed in the North-South direction and food, pottery, and other items were also put in the grave along with the body.

Example: Coffins containing bodies have been found in Harappa, Kalibangan.

Town planning and Architecture

Urban Planning: The cities were well-organized, with grid-like street layouts, sophisticated drainage systems, and public buildings that showcase their advanced knowledge of city planning and engineering.

Example: The cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro exhibited remarkable urban planning.

Advanced Sanitation Systems: They featured a complex network of covered drains and sewage systems, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of public health.

Example: The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro is a prime example of their advanced water management system

Environmental Adaptation: The civilization adapted to the geographical and environmental conditions of the region. This demonstrates their ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.

Example: The construction of terraced fields and the use of irrigation systems allowed them to cultivate crops in areas with limited rainfall.

Indus Valley Civilization has had a profound influence on subsequent civilizations in the Indian subcontinent and the study of this ancient civilization continues to provide valuable insights into the development of human societies.

Religious Practices of Indus Valley Civilization from Art and Architecture

The religious practices of the Indus Valley Civilization can be inferred from the art and architecture discovered at various archaeological sites. While the precise details of their religious beliefs remain unclear, several aspects suggest their engagement in spiritual and ritualistic practices.

Terracotta Figurines: These figurines depict women with prominent features, including headdresses and bangles, emphasizing their divine status.

Examples: Female figurines "Mother Goddess" figurines, representing a deity associated with fertility and regeneration.

Seals: IVC seals were mainly made of steatite depicted animals, such as bulls, rhinoceroses, and elephants, possibly symbolizing sacred or powerful beings.

Example: Pashupati Seal portrays a seated figure surrounded by animals, potentially representing a deity or a powerful entity.

Male Deity: The male deity is represented on a seal with three horned heads, represented in the sitting posture of a yogi.

Example: Pushupati Mahadeva.

Sacred Bathing: The existence of large water tank structures indicates the significance of cleanliness and ritual purity in their religious observances.

Example: "Great Bath" at Mohenjo-daro signifies the importance of bathing rituals.

Fire Altars: Fire altars, linked to hearths or platforms, suggest fire-based rituals and religious significance.

Example: Fire altar findings from Kalibangan, Lothal.

Ritual Objects: Various ritual objects found in the Indus Valley sites, such as pottery vessels and small figurines, provide further clues about their religious practices.

Example: Pottery vessels with religious symbols and motifs suggest their use in ceremonial or religious contexts.

While these findings offer insights into their religious beliefs and rituals, the precise nature and complexity of their religious system still remain a subject of ongoing research and interpretation.