[Solved] Fall of Indus Valley Civilization: 900 Years of Drought

According to the report of IIT Kharagpur study group, continuous low rainfall for how many years was the cause of fall of the Indus valley civilization?

[B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Modern paleoclimatology provides scientific data to explain the collapse of ancient urban civilizations where historical records are silent.

Authentic Source Evidence

In 2018, researchers from IIT Kharagpur published a study stating that a massive drought lasting for 900 years (starting around 4,350 years ago) led to the decline of the IVC.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The study linked the monsoon failure to changes in the El Niño and southward migration of the ITCZ.

Logic 2: This extended dry phase made urban life unsustainable, leading to the abandonment of major cities like Mohenjo-daro.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What other theories exist for the end of the Indus Civilization?"

Theories include Aryan invasion (Wheeler), tectonic shifts/earthquakes, and the drying up of the Saraswati river.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The 900-year drought theory shifts the narrative of collapse from a sudden event to a long-term environmental struggle that forced migration."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)