The Indus Valley Civilization is often separated into three phases: the Early Harappan Phase from 3300 to 2600 BCE, the Mature Harappan Phase from 2600 to 1900 BCE, and the Late Harappan Phase from 1900 to 1300 BCE. The Silk Road passed through this very region, creating a crossroads of cultures rich in history and artefacts. The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was an advanced urban society that flourished along the Indus River in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. It was one of the earliest civilizations in the world, and its legacy is still felt in the region today. The Harappans built well-planned cities with brick houses, grid-patterned streets, and drainage systems. The Harappans were skilled in metallurgy, seal carving, and making figurines and toys. The Harappans traded with other civilizations, including Mesopotamia and southern India, for goods like cotton, gold, and copper. The Harappans farmed wheat, barley, cotton, dates, and other fruits. The Harappans wore ornaments made of gold, silver, ivory, shell, clay, and semi-precious stones. The Harappan Civilization was discovered in the 1920s when archaeologists excavated the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The civilization is named after Harappa, the first site to be excavated. The Harappan Civilization declined by 1300 BCE. The reasons for its decline are not clear, but climate change and migration are likely factors.
