The Harappan Civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, is one of the most important topics for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) syllabus. Candidates who are preparing for the upcoming prelims examination on May 25, 2025, must go through this topic. The article below provides a detailed overview of the Harappan Civilisation, its new discoveries, and its relevance to the UPSC Prelims syllabus. Additionally, we will also be discussing the importance of history for UPSC candidates, along with previous year trends and the number of questions asked from history in the Prelims exam.
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Indus Valley Civilisation
The UPSC prelims syllabus under the "History of India and Indian National Movement" section explicitly mentions ancient history, which includes early civilisations like the Harappan Civilisation; answering the question requires a deep understanding of features of the civilisation (urban planning, economy, and society), significant sites and their contributions, the reason for the decline of the civilization and its connection to later historical developments.
In UPSC Prelims trend analysis of the previous 10 years, it is found that approximately 16-20 have been asked continuously from the history section, and 2-3 questions have been asked continuously from the Indus Valley civilisation. For example, in the UPSC Prelims exam of 2021, the question asked about Dholavira’s UNESCO World Heritage status, which highlighted the significance of linking ancient history with current events.
Overview of Harappan Civilisation
The Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the ancient civilisations that existed back in the day, approximately between 3200 BCE and 1300 BCE. It was considered to be world's earliest urban civilisations. It was discovered in the Indus River Valley and covers parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The key features of this civilisation include:
Urban Planning: In the discovery, cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were found that is known for their advanced urban planning, with grid-like streets, drainage systems, and well-constructed buildings.
Agriculture and Trade: The Harappans practiced agriculture, domesticated animals, and engaged in extensive trade with regions like Mesopotamia.
Art and Craft: As per the discoveries, it was found that people in Harappan Civilisation were skilled in pottery, bead-making, and metallurgy. The famous Dancing Girl and Priest-King statues are examples of their artistic excellence.
Script and Language: The Harappan script still remains undeciphered, posing a challenge to historians and archaeologists.
New Discoveries in Indus Valley Civilisation
Recently excavations have been made and research reveals insights into the Harappan Civilisation. The recent discoveries not only add value to the Harappan Civilisation but also value to the preparation of the UPSC exam; along with this, it also outlines the importance of the integration of current events with static topics in UPSC.
Rakhigarhi: It is located in Haryana, India, and is now considered the largest Harappan site after the recent excavation done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). After the discoveries, it surpasses Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
Recent excavation provides insights into granaries, drainage systems, and residential complexes and the daily life of the Harappans. DNA studies on skeletal remains found on the site of Rakhigarhi provide clues about the genetic makeup of the Harappan people, that links them to modern-day South Asians.
Dholavira: This site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2021. Dholavira is known for its water conservation systems, including reservoirs and channels; it highlights the Harappans' engineering skills.
Evidence of Climate Change and Decline: Many studies suggest that climate change, including a shift in monsoon patterns and the drying up of the Ghaggar-Hakra River, may have contributed to the decline of the Harappan Civilisation.
UPSC Previous Year Questions on Harappan Civilisation
Q. Which of the following characterises the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation? (2013)
(1) They possessed great palaces and temples
(2) They worshipped both male and female deities.
(3) They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 only
c. 1, 2, and 3
d. None of the above
Answer: b
Q. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilisation, consider the following statements: (2011)
(1) It was predominantly a secular civilisation, and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
(2) During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c
Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelising water into connected reservoirs?
a. Dholavira
b. Kalibangan
c. Rakhigarhi
d. Ropar
Answer: a
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