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.