Harappan Culture
Gabrielle Daugherty 3rd World History
Language
The Harappan language is similar to the cuneiform language of the Mesopotamians and the Hieroglyphics of the Pharaoh's. This language was really hard to decipher because unlike the other languages nobody has found any inscriptions that are bilingual. This language has about 400 symbols that make up the language. Scientist believe the symbols are used to depict an object and phonetic sounds.
Culture
The Harappan cities show a remarkable uniformity in religion and culture. The housing suggested that the social devision was not great. Based on what was seen like for example clay and wodden childrens toys suggested that the society could afford to produce nonessential goods.
Role of Religion
The rulers of Harappan civilazations were believed to have close ties with religions. Archaeologist belived that their religion was a theocracy, but there were no signs of temples to prove this theory. People belive that they prayed for good harvest and saftey from floods. Figures show what could be representations of Shiva (a major hindu God)
Trade
The Harappan conduted a thriving trade with people in there oh religion. Gold and Silver came from the north in Afghanistan. the Indus rivier provided good transportation for trading goods. brightly colored cotton clloth was a very desirable trade. overland routes moved goods from Persia to the Caspian sea. the Indus river provided a link to the sea which lead to people being able to trade with destant people.
When it all ended
Around 1750 B.C the quality of building in the Indus valley cities declined. the cities fell into decay. the fate of these cities remanied a mystery until the 1970's. evidence was found. the plate movement probably caused earthquakes and floods, and altered the coarse of the Indus river.