The Indus Valley Civilization was predominantly located in northwestern South Asia, including modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. The major sites of this ancient civilization, such as Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Ganeriwala, are situated in present-day Pakistan. Additionally, some archaeological evidence suggests that the civilization extended into parts of northwestern India, but its core areas were within the boundaries of today’s Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Mohenjo Daro (Sindh, Pakistan)
The largest and most advanced city of the Indus Valley Civilization, renowned for its exceptional urban planning and outstanding public architecture. The Great Bath, a vast rectangular tank used for ritualistic cleaning; the Great Granary, which represents central grain storage; and wide streets set out in grid patterns. The city possessed a sophisticated drainage system that transported wastewater outside of the city, demonstrating outstanding civic engineering.
Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan)
The city gave its name to the entire civilization and served as a significant urban hub on the Ravi River. Granaries, which stored grains for the community, were featured, as well as numerous apartment blocks. The finding of several seals and ceramics at Harappa demonstrates its importance in trade and craftsmanship. It also featured an extensive drainage system and large public wells.
Dholavira(Gujarat, India)
Known for its outstanding water management technologies and forward-thinking urban development. Dholavira, one of the greatest Harappan ruins, is well-known for its huge reservoirs and water channels used to collect and store rainfall. The city consisted of an inner fortified section and peripheral towns separated by walls. An etched “signboard” in Harappan script was unearthed here, indicating the civilization’s use of written language.
Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India)
Rakhigarhi is the largest Harappan site discovered in India, comprising over 350 hectares. Rakhigarhi is made up of a network of mounds that demonstrate a meticulous design for residential zones. The dig uncovered multi-room dwellings, signs of grain storage, and a craft production center. It has also supplied significant information on Harappan burial procedures.
Lothal (Gujarat, India)
An ancient port city that demonstrates the Indus Valley Civilization’s nautical capabilities and vast commerce network. Known for its dockyard, which linked it to trade routes along the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. Lothal boasted well-organized city quarters, warehouses for products, and skilled bead-making and pottery workshops. Numerous seals and weights discovered here suggest trade activity.
Kalibangan (Rajasthan, India)
A major site in Rajasthan with evidence of agricultural advancements and early plowed fields.
Kalibangan contains vestiges of a pre-Harappan village and mature Harappan architecture. It is distinguished by its mud-brick platforms and fire altars, which indicate ceremonial practices. This site also showed early signs of plowed agricultural areas, indicating advancements in farming techniques.
Ganweriwala (Cholistan Desert in Pakistan)
A prominent Harappan site along the now-dry Ghaggar-Hakra River provides insights into the civilization’s water management and river-based settlements. Although not as thoroughly excavated, Ganweriwala is considered a big metropolis. It demonstrates a grid-like street design and vast storage facilities, indicating a considerable settlement in Cholistan.
Shortugai (northeast Afghanistan)
A commercial center that linked the Indus Valley Civilization to Central Asia, most recognized for its involvement in the trade of lapis lazuli and other valuable stones.
The site was strategically positioned near natural resources and trade routes, indicating the Harappans’ extensive trade networks. Shortugai functioned as a link between the Indus cities and the Oxus Civilization in the north.
These significant cities and regions represent the extent of the Indus Valley Civilization, which encompassed modern-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Each site has its own distinct traits and contributions to the greater Harappan narrative, whether in terms of urban design, craftsmanship, trade, or religious traditions.