Arshia
End of first civilization
The city of Dholavira is located in the Rann if Kutch where one would find fresh water and fertile soil land. The city of Lothal was found near the tributary of Sabarmati, in Gujarat close to the Gulf of Khambet. It’s the place where semi precious stones were found. It is believed to be an important centre where objects were made out of stone, shell and metal. There were storehouses also in the city. Harappan script carved on white stone and then inlaid in wood were found. Seals and sealings were found in the storehouses.
Seals were used to stamp the bags or packets having goods inside it. When the packets are tied, a clay layer is placed on the top of the know and then the seals are pressed on it. Thus ensured security and safety of the goods being sent from one place to another. If the seals are intact the receiver would be assured the goods have reached him safely. The impression on the seal is known as sealing.
Seals are used even today.
Dockyard were also found in the city of Lothal. It’s the place where boats and ships would have come to rest from the seas and the river channels. Goods from the ship’s were loaded and unloaded here.
Around 3900 years ago, the lives begin to change. There were fewer people living in the cities, fewer raw materials were been brought, seals and sealings, weights were no longer in use. However no body knew the reasons behind these changes, but there were many assumptions and believes. Some believed that rivers were getting dried up. While some believed there were large scale deforestation. The need for fuel for baking, burning, cooking were the reason behind deforestation. Some believed grazing by the herds and cattle would have destroyed the green cover. Some areas were flooded. Flooding or drying up if the rivers were believed to have effected some areas. But no body could cite the exact reason of the end of all the city lives.
It was seen that in Mohejodaro, the streets were piled up with garbage, drainage system is poorly maintained, houses were being constructed over the streets hence lacked planning.
Rulers lost their control over their subjects. People residing in Sindh and West Punjab abondoned the cities and moved to newer settlement towards South and East.
New city life cropped up around 1400 years later.
