One of the oldest and largest civilizations in the world is the Indus valley Civilization (IVC) of the Indian subcontinent, so called since it developed in and around the river Indus. The area covered is larger than any other contemporary civilizations. The known eastern and western limits cover a distance of 1550 km between Alamgirpur in Uttar Pradesh and Suktagendor in Afghanistan. From north to south it expands over 1200 km between Rupar-Manda in Punjab to Daimabad-Bhagatrav in Gujarat. IVC can be studied in different developmental stages as given under:
1) Pre-Harappan Phase (7000-3300BC)
This is seen in Mehrgarh, where an A ceramic and Ceramic Neolithic phase existed. The Aceramic phase was earliest and there was no pottery. The Ceramic stage yielded pottery.
2) Early Harappan Phase (3300-2600BC)
Emergence of several urban features like town planning, scripts and metal technology developed in this phase. Important sites include Kot Diji, Amri, Kalibangan, Dholavira.
3) Mature/ Urban Harappan Phase (2600-1900BC)
There was full growth of urban economy and society. Important sites include Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan, Dholavira, Ganweriwala, Rakhigarhi etc.
4) Late Harappan Phase (1900-1300BC)
There was a gradual collapse of urban character, and towards the end of this phase, IVC disappeared.