Decline of the Harappan Civilization: Theories and Evidence

UNIT Seven HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION-Three

Seven point zero OBJECTIVES

After reading this unit, you will learn about:

· the problems faced by scholars in understanding the decline of Harappan civilization;

· the theories put forward for the decline of Harappan civilization;

· why over the years, the scholars have stopped looking for the causes of decline; and

· the evidence of the survival and continuities of the Harappan civilization.

Seven point one INTRODUCTION

In the previous units we have discussed the various aspects of the origin and growth of Harappan civilization. However, the disappearance of the various aspects of its maturity i.e. writing, town planning, uniformity, etc. in the subsequent phase is rather puzzling. In this Unit we will examine the various arguments put forward to solve this mystery.