Just like some of the countries Egypt, China and Mesopotamia, India too, was blessed with a prospering civilisation of its own. It’s name is Indus Valley Civilisation and it was located on Indus river.

It was believed to be flourishing around 7000 – 3500 BC ago. It was mostly located in the Northern India and Pakistan.

Nearly a century ago, the excavation work was done and cities and artefacts remains were found. They were an important link to show some light on ancient Indian cultures, cities, art, technology and engineering capabilities.

Their cities have shown a very efficient sanitation system which is known as the world’s first known urban sanitation systems which could still compete with present day sanitation system in some area in India and Pakistan. There was also efficient water management systems which included a system that could provide water through well to the individual homes. separate rooms/chambers were used for bathing and waste water were directed to covered drains which used to run through streets. Even in the present day, the village houses near the civilisation site may resemble to the houses of ancient settlement.

They used to protect the cities with the protective walls against flood and enemy.

First use of measuring weight has been found at excavation side. Early use of canal system for irrigation purpose shows their knowledge of engineering and agriculture.In one of site in Gujarat, India, shipping docks have been found which points to a possible flourishing trades practice and their maritime knowledge.

Indus valley’s inhabitants were also great artists which is obvious from various sculptures, pottery, seals, gold jewellery, detailed figurines in terracotta bronze and steatite that have been found at excavation sites. Not only their art is impressive but an evidence which shows that they were much ahead of their time. Some of figurines were impressive enough that some of scholar has reacted in surprise because such artefacts were not seen before Greek period in human history, but Greek came 3000 years after them .

They have their own script and around 400 to 600 distinct symbols which have been found through excavated seals, small tablets and ceramic works etc.

According to the modern theories, the civilisation is believed to extinct around 1500 BC because of a foreign invasion. Also, the script of Indus valley civilisation is not deciphered yet. If deciphered, it will shed more light on the ancient Indian culture and civilisation in whole.