What do you understand by Mature Harappan civilization? Discuss some important sites of the Harappan civilization?

Mature Harappan Civilization:

The Mature Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was a sophisticated urban civilization that thrived in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. It represents one of the world's earliest urban cultures, characterized by advanced city planning, standardized architecture, and a script that remains undeciphered.

Important Sites of the Harappan Civilization:

1. Harappa:
   The city of Harappa, located in present-day Pakistan, was one of the major centers of the Harappan Civilization. Excavations revealed a well-planned urban layout with streets arranged in a grid pattern. Harappa exhibited advanced engineering with well-built brick structures, a large granary, and an elaborate drainage system.

2. Mohenjo-daro:
   Mohenjo-daro, situated in modern-day Pakistan, was one of the largest cities of the Harappan Civilization. The archaeological site displayed a remarkable level of urban planning with a central citadel and a lower town. The Great Bath, a large public bathing area, and the Great Granary are iconic structures, reflecting the sophistication of the city's architecture.

3. Dholavira:
   Dholavira, located in present-day Gujarat, India, was a unique Harappan site known for its elaborate water conservation system, including large reservoirs and channels. The city's layout featured three distinct parts: a citadel, a middle town, and a lower town. The Ten Indus Script Signs found at Dholavira have contributed to the understanding of the Harappan script.

4. Lothal:
   Lothal, situated in Gujarat, was a major Harappan port city. It contained a well-organized dockyard, suggesting a thriving maritime trade network. Lothal's acropolis featured a granary, indicating advanced agricultural practices. The site also revealed evidence of craft specialization, with a bead-making industry.

5. Kalibangan:
   Kalibangan, located in present-day Rajasthan, India, exhibited a unique fire-alter structure, suggesting ritualistic practices. The city was divided into a citadel and a lower town. Excavations revealed an advanced drainage system and evidence of plowing, indicating an agricultural economy.

6. Rakhigarhi:
   Rakhigarhi, in modern-day Haryana, India, is one of the largest Harappan sites. It features a well-laid-out city with residential and industrial areas. Recent discoveries include a cemetery and artifacts providing insights into Harappan burial practices.

7. Ganeriwala:
   Ganeriwala, located in present-day Pakistan, was a significant Harappan city. Archaeological findings include a large granary, suggesting the city's role in storing agricultural produce. The site also featured a citadel and lower town, typical of Harappan urban planning.

The Mature Harappan Civilization flourished along the Indus River and its tributaries, showcasing a high level of urbanization, trade, and cultural achievements. The standardized features observed across various sites, such as brick sizes and layouts, suggest a centralized authority or cultural coherence. The decline of the Harappan Civilization remains a topic of scholarly debate, with factors like environmental changes, geological events, or socio-political factors potentially contributing to its eventual decline.