Indus Valley Civilization
Bronze - age's Indus civilization which is widely known as Harappan ( few prefer to now call it Saraswati Civilization as well ) civilization flourished during 2500- 2000 BC (Calibrated) and which ranks among the four widely known civilizations of the old world and covers an appreciably larger area than ohters. Like them it seems to have grown from the skilful utilization of the fertile River Valleys.
The general characters of this civilization are: gridrion layout of the cities, some with fortifications, elaborate drainage system, water management and a distinctive semi-pictographic script. The Indian script, however, still remains undeciphered inspite of varied claims to the contrary.
A seal with Indus script
In India, since independence (1947) excavation work has been going on and the entire position regarding the extent, culture content, regional variation etc. of this civilization has changed subsquently. Almost over 100 sites have been identified so far and excavation work has been undertaken on so many of them . A few promient among them are - Dholavira (Gujrat), Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Lothal (Gujrat), Sarkotada (Gujrat), Diamabad (Maharastra), Alamgirpur (U.P.), Bhagwanpura (Haryana), Banawali (Haryana), Kuntasi, Padri (Gujrat) and Mauda (Jammu).