100.

 The year 2024 marks 100 years since the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) in 1924. This ancient civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished around 3300–1300 BCE in what is now India and Pakistan. Here’s a look at its discovery, significance, and what we've learned over the past century

The Discovery (1924)

The Indus Valley Civilization came to light through excavations led by British archaeologist John Marshall, then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The two major sites—Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan) and Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan)—revealed an advanced urban civilization, pushing back India's recorded history by thousands of years.

The first hints of an ancient culture were noted in 1853 by Alexander Cunningham, but it was in the 1920s that systematic excavations confirmed an entire civilization. Marshall officially announced the discovery in 1924, describing it as comparable to Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Key Features of the Indus Valley Civilization

The IVC was remarkable for its urban planning, architecture, and culture:

1. Well-Planned Cities: Grid-based layouts, drainage systems, public baths, and multi-story houses made of standardized bricks.

2. Writing System: The yet-undeciphered Indus script suggests a highly literate society.

3. Trade Networks: Extensive trade with Mesopotamia, Iran, and Central Asia.

4. Advanced Engineering: Sophisticated water management, including reservoirs and underground drainage.

5. Diverse Economy: Agriculture (wheat, barley, cotton), metallurgy (copper, bronze), and craft industries (bead-making, pottery).

6. Religion and Culture: Symbols like the Pashupati seal (proto-Shiva figure), mother goddess figurines, and sacred animals indicate early religious practices.

100 Years of Research and Discoveries

Over the past century, excavations have revealed over 2,000 sites across India, Pakistan, and even Afghanistan. Some of the most significant finds include:

Dholavira (Gujarat, India): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing an elaborate water conservation system.

Rakhigarhi (Haryana, India): The largest known Indus Valley site, revealing burial practices and DNA evidence linking it to modern populations.

Balu and Farmana (Haryana, India): Evidence of early agriculture and food habits.

Unanswered Questions and Challenges

Despite a century of study, many mysteries remain:

Indus Script: Still undeciphered, leaving their language and administrative details unknown.

Decline of the Civilization: Theories range from climate change and drying rivers (like the Sarasvati) to external invasions or internal decline.

Connection to Later Cultures: The extent to which the Indus Valley influenced the Vedic civilization is still debated.

Centennial Celebrations and Future Research

The 100th anniversary has renewed global interest in the IVC. India and Pakistan are hosting exhibitions, academic conferences, and conservation projects. Recent advancements in DNA studies, satellite imagery, and AI-assisted script analysis may soon answer some long-standing questions.

The Indus Valley Civilization stands as a testament to India's ancient heritage and technological brilliance, offering invaluable insights into early human urbanization.