Best History Notes on Indus Valley Civilisation available for BPSC and also for other Competitive Exams aspirants 2025

Best History Notes on Indus Valley Civilisation available for BPSC and also for other Competitive Exams aspirants 2025 Competitive Exams . I am starting all the important topics of History as per the Syllabus of BPSC. I am starting with History as it has a vast syllabus to cover. Please find notes here in systematic order since the Ancient age . First in line was the Indus Valley Civilisation. I will keep adding as History-1 and so on .

History-1

Ancient History

Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2600–1900 BCE)

Also known as Harappan Civilization, it was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, located primarily in present-day Pakistan and northwest India.

 1. Urban Planning

The IVC cities were known for highly advanced urban planning, indicating a strong central authority and civic organization.

Key Features:

• Grid Pattern: Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were laid out in a grid system – streets ran north-south and east-west, intersecting at right angles.
• Division into Citadel and Lower Town:
  • Citadel (Western part): Raised and fortified; housed granaries, administrative buildings, religious structures.
  • Lower Town (Eastern part): Residential area where common people lived.
• Standardized Bricks: Burnt bricks of uniform size (ratio 1:2:4) used for construction.

 Significance: Suggests planning was done before construction and indicates advanced knowledge of geometry and measurement.

 2. Drainage System

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the IVC.

Key Features:

• Covered Drainage: Every house was connected to a central drainage line running along the street.
• Inspection Chambers: Provided at intervals for cleaning and maintenance.
• Water Management: Separate drains for rainwater and wastewater; public wells were common.
• Soak Pits and Cesspools: Used to trap solid waste before liquid flowed into the drains.

Significance: Shows concern for hygiene, public health, and technical skill in water engineering.

 3. Harappa

• Location: Present-day Punjab, Pakistan; discovered in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni.
• City Structure:
  • Two distinct parts: Citadel and Lower Town.
  • Granary with ventilation; possibly a trade or storage hub.
• Artifacts: Terra-cotta figurines, seals, weights, and tools.

Significance – Harappan seals, made of steatite, often depicted animals and script, indicating literacy and trade links.

 4. Mohenjo-Daro

• Location: Sindh, Pakistan; discovered in 1922 by R.D. Banerjee.
• City Features:
  • Great Bath: Large tank-like structure, possibly used for ritual bathing.
  • Granary: Near citadel, had air ducts for preservation.
  • Assembly Hall: Large pillared hall possibly for gatherings.
• Residential Houses: Well-planned with courtyards, bathrooms, private wells.

Significance – Mohenjo-Daro is often termed the “City of Wells”, with more than 700 wells unearthed so far.

 Summary Table