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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.