Have you ever wondered why the ancient Indus Valley Civilization is so often referred to as the Harappan Civilization? Understanding Why Indus Valley Civilization Is Called Harappan Civilization requires exploring the circumstances surrounding its discovery and the naming conventions used in archaeology.
The Tale of the First City Harappa’s Significance
The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest urban societies, flourished in the Indus River valley (present-day Pakistan and northwest India) from around 3300 to 1700 BCE. Its existence remained largely unknown to the modern world until the early 20th century. The key to understanding its nomenclature lies in the pioneering work of archaeologists who began unearthing its secrets. The civilization takes its name from Harappa because Harappa was the first site of this civilization to be excavated.
Think of it this way. Imagine discovering a new species of bird. You’d likely name it after the location where you first found it. The same principle applies to archaeology. Here’s a simplified timeline of key discoveries:
- 1921: Excavations begin at Harappa in Punjab, led by Daya Ram Sahni.
- 1922: Excavations begin at Mohenjo-daro in Sindh, led by R. D. Banerji.
- Subsequent years: Numerous other sites are discovered across a vast region.
The initial discoveries at Harappa were crucial. Because Harappa was the first site to be recognized as belonging to this previously unknown civilization, the entire culture came to be identified as the Harappan Civilization. Further excavations confirmed the existence of a widespread and interconnected culture, but the name “Harappan” stuck. The name is now used as standard to describe the wider civilization to which Harappa belonged. The civilization had many sites, it was not just a single city. Some of the notable cities include:
- Mohenjo-daro
- Dholavira
- Lothal
- Kalibangan
Delving into archaeological reports from the early 20th century can provide a fascinating glimpse into the discovery and naming of the Harappan Civilization. Understanding the initial excavation reports, particularly those detailing the findings at Harappa itself, offers a deeper appreciation for the “first find” significance.