Abandonment of Indus Valley Cities

The abandonment of the Indus Valley cities marks a pivotal transition in the region's history, occurring around 1700 BCE. This period saw a significant decline in urbanization, with most cities of the Indus Valley Civilization being deserted. The reasons for this decline are still debated among historians and archaeologists, but factors such as climate change, shifting river patterns, and possible socio-political upheaval are often cited. As urban centers fell into disuse, rural cultures began to flourish, leading to the emergence of multiple regional cultures across the former urban landscape. Notable among these were the Cemetery H culture in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, the Jhukar culture in Sindh, and the Rangpur culture in Gujarat, which was recognized for its distinctive Lustrous Red Ware pottery. Other significant sites from this Late Harappan phase include Pirak in Balochistan and Daimabad in Maharashtra, indicating a shift in settlement patterns and cultural practices.