Indus River Valley Geography Subcontinent Separated by mountains

Indus River Valley

Geography Subcontinent – Separated by mountains from Asia Three Mountain ranges Hindu Kush Karakoram Himalayas

Geography Two rivers form fertile plain. Indus River Ganges River

Geography Monsoons – Seasonal Winds that caused dry and wet seasons. Unpredictable

Geography Natural Barriers Mountain Desert The Ranges (Thar Desert) largest barrier is the largest mountain range, the Himalaya Mountains.

Civilization Largely Unknown No deciphered written language Farmers settled around the Indus River First major Cities Harappa Mohenjo-Dara Also known as Harappan Civilization Strong Central Government City planning and construction

Achievements Sophisticated City-Planning Cities were developed on a grid system Oven baked bricks for building Plumbing and sewage system Children's’ toys Used stamps and seals to identify goods. Toilet (hooray toilet)

Culture No distinct Social Classes Prosperous Few (Wealthy) Society Weapon, relatively peaceful Religious artifacts found that link to Hindu Culture Early representations of Shiva Economy on trade based

Mysterious End Around 1750 B. C. E. the quality of buildings started to decline. River possible changed directions No longer fertilizing the fields near the cities Possible over-farming Possible catastrophe (natural disaster) or possible invasion Ended around 1500 B. C. E.