World Historical

1. October Issue US $9.95 CAN $8.95 NEW ISSUE! World Historical • Archaeologists Uncover New Section of Harappan City! • S*P*R*I*T*E* • Find Out the Top 6 Aspects of Indus Valley Civilization! • Is Your Personality More Dravidian or Aryan? Take our Quiz and Find Out!! ******************CAR-RT SORT** SHIPPING SUBCRIPTIONS MRS. NATASHA HENDERSON C/O FLVS TEACHERVILLE, USA 12345-678

2. The Social Aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley Civilization had a diverse social structure made up of farmers, artisans and traders. Although the mountain ranges prevented invasion, they also allowed the people of this area to develop on their own, free of outside influences. The Mohenjo-Daro and Harappan cities were very complex, very well organized and evenly spaced throughout. Mohenjo-Daro and Harappan social standing could change as they switched jobs, but the Aryan’s use of the caste system did not allow this, due to being born into a career. Ancient City of Mohenjo-Daro Pyramid Showing Caste System

3. The Political Aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa ruled together (jointly) forming a strong, well organized government. As a result their public works projects were also strong allowing them to carry out large projects needed to build their city. A citadel, or a fortress high above the city was created for protection. One group of later people in the Indus Valley, the Aryans, were led by Rajahs. Rajahs were elected by warriors who got advice from heads of families called, The Council Of Elders. Ancient Citadel Rajah Porus from Ancient Civilization

4. The Religious Aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization The early civilizations of the Harappans, Mohenjo-Daro, and Aryans were polytheistic. This meant that they believed in many gods. The Rig-Vedas told of the Aryans religious background via word of mouth. They worshipped the mother goddess as well as the bull and buffalo. They believed that when they died they would go to the afterlife. They buried their dead with belongings such as food, weapons, and jewels. Aryans began Hinduism and after they invaded parts of India, they formed a new religion called Buddhism. Dravidians represented religious tolerance in the Indus Valley Civilization. Ancient Mother-Goddess Figurine Aryan Rig-Veda

5. The Intellectual Aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization As the early Indus Valley Civilizations developed intellectually, many contributions were made to their culture. First, they developed their own system of writing on small clay seals. They also developed sophisticated math skills which allowed them to build complex cities. They were the first people to wear cotton clothing as a result of processing the fibers. Their artisans worked with copper, wood, bronze, and ivory. Indus Valley Clay Seals Indus Valley Artisan Sculptures in a Variety of Metals

6. The Technological Aspects Of The Indus Valley Civilization The technology of the early Indus Valley Civilization was surprisingly advanced. They kiln-fired their bricks as compared to earlier civilizations who sun-dried their bricks. Their cities and sewer systems were laid out with great complexity and measured precisely using advanced mathematical and engineering skills. They developed metallurgy, and used their knowledge with copper and bronze to make tools, weapons, and art. Ancient Kiln Fired Bricks Examples of the Benefits of Ancient Metallurgy

7. The Economical Aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley Civilization was a large Agricultural society. They had large granaries that kept a great surplus of their grain. Surpluses allowed them to develop other aspects of their lives. They also were traders, and traveled as far as Egypt and Mesopotamia to trade. The people of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa could switch jobs and change their economic standing, but the Aryans lived with a caste system that people were born into and stayed in for life. Ancient Granary Tomb Painting That Shows Craftsmen Working