The Harappans were expert town planners. Their cities were laid out in a grid pattern with wide streets and well-built houses. The houses were made of mud bricks and were often two or more stories high. The cities also had a well-developed drainage system.
Agriculture
The Harappan civilization was primarily agricultural. The Harappan people grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, cotton, and sesame seeds. They also raised cattle, sheep, and goats. The Harappans used a variety of agricultural techniques, including irrigation and crop rotation.
Trade
The Harappans were active traders. They traded with other civilizations in the Middle East and Asia. The Harappan people exported a variety of goods, including cotton textiles, pottery, and jewelry. They imported gold, silver, and other metals.
Art and Culture
The Harappans were a creative and artistic people. They produced a variety of art objects, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. The Harappan people also had a rich oral tradition. They composed poems, stories, and songs.
Religion
The Harappan people were polytheistic. They worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses, including the mother goddess, the bull, and the lingam. The Harappans also practiced ancestor worship.
Decline of the Harappan Civilization
The Harappan civilization declined around 1900 BCE. The decline was likely due to a combination of factors, including climate change, invasion, and disease. The Harappan people abandoned their cities and moved to smaller villages. The Harappan civilization eventually disappeared, but its legacy lives on in the culture of South Asia.