🏺 Chapter 02 · Ancient India · Indian History

Prehistoric India & Indus Valley Civilisation

Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic ages; Harappan culture — town planning, trade, script, religion, and decline. Complete UPSC & PSC notes.

📅 UPSC Prelims📋 APPSC Group 1 & 2📋 TGPSC Group 1 & 2⏱️ ~50 min read🎯 Very High Weightage

Sub-Topics

Practice MCQs

PYQs

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Very High

✅ Stone Age — Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic

✅ Chalcolithic and Bronze Age cultures

✅ IVC — extent, major sites, town planning

✅ Harappan economy, trade, crafts

✅ Harappan script, religion, social life

✅ Decline of IVC — theories

UPSC Prelims (2–3 Qs/year)APPSC Group 1 & 2TGPSC Group 1 & 2SSC CGL / CHSLState PSC Exams

📚 Chapter Sub-Topics — Click to Read

Topic 01

Prehistoric India — Stone Age Cultures

Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic — tools, sites, lifestyle, and transition to settled life.

Topic 02

Indus Valley Civilisation — Extent & Sites

IVC extent (2600–1900 BCE), major sites — Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi.

Topic 03

Harappan Town Planning & Architecture

Grid pattern, Great Bath, granaries, drainage system, two-storey houses, citadel vs lower town — urban planning excellence.

Topic 04

Harappan Economy, Trade & Crafts

Agriculture, animal husbandry, trade with Mesopotamia, standardised weights, seals, pottery, metallurgy.

Topic 05

Harappan Script, Religion & Society

Undeciphered script, Pashupati seal, Mother Goddess, fire altars, social structure, and cultural achievements.

Topic 06

Decline of IVC & Quick Revision

Theories of decline — Aryan invasion, climate change, floods, tectonic activity. Complete chapter revision checklist.

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