Write a short note on Indus Valley Civilization.

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, flourished in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, characterized by its sophisticated urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and distinctive material culture.

The civilization's heartland was located in the fertile plains of the Indus River and its tributaries, encompassing present-day Pakistan, northwest India, and parts of Afghanistan. Major urban centers such as Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Lothal served as administrative, economic, and cultural hubs, featuring well-planned streets, brick-lined roads, and multi-story buildings.

The Indus Valley Civilization was notable for its advanced urban infrastructure, including an elaborate system of underground drainage channels, public baths, and granaries. Its cities were laid out on a grid pattern, with carefully planned streets, citadels, and residential areas, suggesting a high degree of centralized planning and social organization.

The civilization's material culture is characterized by the widespread use of standardized weights and measures, intricate pottery styles, and seals made from steatite depicting stylized animals and symbols. The Harappan script, found on seals and inscriptions, remains undeciphered, posing challenges to understanding the civilization's language and writing system.

The economy of the Indus Valley Civilization was based on agriculture, with evidence of sophisticated irrigation systems, crop cultivation, and animal husbandry. Trade networks extended across the region and beyond, facilitating the exchange of goods such as pottery, metals, semi-precious stones, and luxury items.

The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization around 1300 BCE remains a subject of debate among scholars, with possible factors including environmental changes, natural disasters, economic decline, and social upheaval. Despite its eventual decline, the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilization endures through its remarkable achievements in urban planning, technological innovation, and cultural sophistication, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Indian subcontinent.