Question

When and how was the site of Harappa first discovered?

Answer 1

Hint: The Indus valley civilization was the Bronze Age civilization which lasted from 3300 BC to 1300 Bc. This is one of the very early among three civilizations of East and South Asia. The civilization was noted for its drainage system, baked bricks and urban planning.

Complete answer: The Indus valley civilization is also called the Harappan civilization because Harappa was the first site to be excavated in the early 1920s. This site was then in the Punjab province under British India and now lies in Pakistan. Charles Mason, a British traveller in 1826 found some brick mounds and thought them to be castles. After 30 years in 1856, some engineers who were building the railway found the brick mounds. However, they did not pay much attention and continued building the railway. This was the first evidence of the Harappan civilization. In the 1920s archaeologists discovered the two lost cities of Mohenjo -Daro and Harappa.
The founding of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1861 during the British rule in India led to the excavation of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. The Indus valley civilization was named after the Indus river where the civilization was identified and excavated. The population of the civilization is estimated up to 5 million along with a 900-mile territory.
The Indus Valley civilization extended from Balochistan in Pakistan in the West, to Uttar Pradesh in the east, to northeastern Afghanistan in the North to Gujarat in the South. The Indus Valley Civilization is divided into three phases: the early Harappan phase, the mature Harappan phase and the late Harappan phase. The important cities of Indus Valley civilization are Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan, Dholavira, Rupar and Lothal.
The Indus valley civilization is famous for town planning and advanced engineering. Cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa had citadels to the West which were built on a higher platform and the residential area was in the east. Both of these were surrounded by high brick walls. The streets cut each other at right angles and were 13 -34 feet wide. Evidence proves the existence of lampposts and dustbins. The Indus Valley civilization was famous for its drainage system. Each house had its own drainage which was connected to the main drainage. The drains were lined with bricks, covered and had manholes at each interval. There was also an underground drainage system. The Great Bath is one of the most important features of Mohenjodaro. The bath was surrounded by 8 feet thick walls. It also had arrangements for hot water in some rooms. The granaries of Mohenjodaro were also massive. The largest being 45.71metres long and 15.23 metres wide.

Note: The people of Indus valley civilization led a civilized and advanced life. They also enjoyed equal status. The people were able to attend great accuracy in calculating time, mass and length. They were the first ones to develop a system of uniform measurements. The Harappan civilization was also rich in arts and crafts. Terracotta works have been discovered. Gold jewellery, bronze vessels, seals and pottery were also excavated.