Overview
This lecture discusses the emergence and advancements of ancient river valley civilizations, focusing on the Indus Valley, its urban planning, innovations, and literacy, and compares it to other early civilizations.
Early River Valley Civilizations
- Mesopotamia is known as the Cradle of Civilization for first cities, writing systems, laws, and government.
- Early civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus, China) developed along rivers for farming and trade.
- Rivers like Tigris, Euphrates, Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra provided fertile land and supported agriculture.
Mesopotamian Achievements
- Nebuchadnezzar II built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon for his wife Amitis.
- Key contributions include the Code of Hammurabi, Hanging Gardens, and ziggurats.
- Lex talionis is the principle of "an eye for an eye"—punishment matches the crime.
- Division of labor led to agricultural surplus and job specialization in Sumer.
Indus Valley Civilization
- Located in present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
- Three main geographic zones: Northern Plains (fertile), Deccan Plateau (dry), Coastal Plain (trade & fishing).
- Natural barriers: Himalayas and Hindukush mountains; Kyber Pass allowed movement.
- Major cities: Harappa and Mohenjodaro—well-planned with grid layouts, citadels, and advanced infrastructure.
Urban Planning and Innovations
- Indus cities had wide, straight, paved roads and organized layouts.
- Infrastructure included drainage systems, toilets, sewers, and public baths (Great Bath).
- Used bricks for construction, and scales, measures, and seals for trade.
- Developed a unique pictogram writing system (Indus script), not yet deciphered.
Society and Culture
- Harappa and Mohenjodaro showed centralized government under kings.
- Evidence of trade with Mesopotamia and well-crafted jewelry, seals, and pottery.
- Houses made of sun-dried bricks; some furniture from bronze and copper.
- Decline possibly due to river course changes or Aryan invasion.
- Aryans introduced small communities, caste system, and foundations of Hinduism.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cradle of Civilization — The area where civilization first began, notably Mesopotamia.
- Lex talionis — Principle that punishment should be proportional to the crime.
- Citadel — Fortified center used for government and social activities.
- Indus script — Undeciphered writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Great Bath — Large public bath in Mohenjodaro used for ritual bathing.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the characteristics and innovations of each river valley civilization.
- Be able to identify key geographic features of the Indian subcontinent.
- Prepare examples of how systems like urban planning impact societies.