Revision as of 21:29, 20 March 2012

Environment in the Rise of Indus

The rise of the Indus Valley (or Harappan) civilization was dictated very much based on the environment. The Himalayas and other mountains formed a natural barrier that protected this civilization from foreign attackers, but the rivers of the Indus valley still allowed for trade with friendly civilizations like ancient Sumer. In addition, the monsoons brought every year provided lush soil that allowed for two harvests per year, the ideal situation to foster civilization.

Environment in the Fall of Indus

Just as the environment had a hand in the beginnings of Harappan civilization, so too did it play a part in this civilization's demise. Around 5000 B.C.E., major tectonic shifting began around the Indus valley, eventually leading to the obstruction of the glacial melt keeping the Saraswati River flowing year-round. The river dried up and became dependent on the annual monsoons, and when those did not succeed in nurturing crops, the people of the Indus valley were forced to leave in search of better land near the Ganges River, ending the incredibly long run of their civilization.

[1]

Sources

CF Manual Pages 98-101

Back to History 8 Page

History 8

Sarah Bland and Alex Ainbinder