Question

Write a short note on the reasons for the decline of Harappan civilization.

Hint:

Consider climate, river-course change, and breakdown of trade — not a single invasion.

Answer 1

Step 1: Group the theories: Historians broadly group decline theories into three types: natural/environmental, economic, and (largely discredited) invasion theories.

Step 2: Environmental theory: Climatic drying and shifting river courses (Ghaggar-Hakra) undermined the agrarian base that fed large cities.

Step 3: Economic theory: Loss of external trade contacts (with Mesopotamia and the Gulf) and internal administrative breakdown reduced the resources needed to maintain urban infrastructure.

Step 4: Why the 'Aryan invasion' theory is now rejected: Earlier historians blamed an 'Aryan invasion,' but this lacks strong archaeological support; most historians now favour a gradual, multi-causal decline over an abrupt violent end.

Final Answer: A combination of climatic, hydrological and economic factors led to a slow de-urbanization, not a single invasion or catastrophe.