The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest urban civilizations of the world, which thrived between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE. It was an outstanding civilization with highly developed urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and a thriving economy.

Major features of the Indus Valley Civilization are as follows:

Urban Planning: Cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were planned in such a way that it included grid-like street patterns, citadels fortified with walls, and well-organized drainage systems.

Advanced Civilization: The Indus people were well advanced in the practice of agriculture, metallurgy, and trade. They developed a standardized system of weights and measures.

Unique Script: The Indus Valley script is not deciphered so far; it adds mystery to this ancient civilization.

Art and Crafts: The civilization excelled in very beautiful pottery, sculptures, and seals that demonstrate their skill in arts and technical work.

The history of the fall of the Indus Valley Civilization is today a topic of debate among historians and archaeologists. Many postulate its eventual downfall because of climatic conditions that degraded the environment and civil strife.

From a scientific standpoint, apart from such conjectures, the Indus Valley Civilization remains quite engrossing for scholars as well as the public. It enables researchers to greatly understand early history in South Asia.