A study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment highlighted that the downfall of Harappan civilization was not due to a singular catastrophic event.
Key findings of study
- Impact of Droughts: Beliefs suggest that the downfall was due to a single catastrophic reason, but it was actually due to a series of prolonged droughts that lasted for centuries.
- Four major drought events, each spanning over 85 years, occurring between 2425 and 1400 BCE impacted nearly the entirety of the region.
- Dwindling resources: Hydrological changes leading to desiccation of rivers, lakes and soils likely prompted the Harappans to frequently relocate in search of more viable living conditions.
- Declining trade: Low water level hindered trade activities reliant on river navigation and made agriculture more challenging and forced populations to migrate.
- Other factors: Decline was compounded by factors such as diminished food supply and a fragile governance structure.
Other Major theories of IVC decline
Theory | Evidence |
Catastrophic Flooding (Raikes's Hypothesis) | Houses of Mohenjodaro were covered with silty clay and rebuilding activity was found. |
Earthquakes | Earthquake raised the level of flood plains blocking passage of river water to sea, forcing water in to cities. |
Changes in the course of the rivers |
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Barbarian Invasions | Rig Veda mentions a place called Hariyupiya (probably Harappa) and Aryans fought a battle here. |
Ecological imbalance (Gradual Decline) |
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