End of Late Harappan Period

The Late Harappan Period marked a significant transition in the Indus Valley civilization, characterized by a decline in urbanization and a shift towards rural settlements. This period, which lasted from approximately 1900 to 1300 BCE, saw many previously thriving urban centers lose their defining features. While some continuity with mature Harappan pottery traditions was evident, distinctive differences emerged in the pottery styles of this era. Many archaeological sites remained occupied for several centuries, but the urban infrastructure, such as drainage systems and public baths, fell into disrepair. The construction of new buildings was often of poor quality, indicating a decline in the societal organization that had previously supported urban life. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in long-distance trade, which had been a hallmark of the earlier Harappan civilization. This economic downturn coincided with local cultural innovations in areas such as faience and glass making, as well as the carving of stone beads, suggesting a shift in focus from trade to local craftsmanship. The social fabric of the Late Harappan society appeared to be under strain, as evidenced by the deliberate vandalism of stone sculptures and the concealment of valuables in hoards, which may indicate a response to unrest or instability. The archaeological record reveals disturbing practices, such as the abandonment of animal and human corpses in public spaces, including streets and derelict buildings. These findings suggest a breakdown of social order and communal practices that had previously characterized the Harappan civilization. The end of the Late Harappan Period thus reflects a complex interplay of environmental, economic, and social factors that contributed to the transformation of one of the world's earliest urban cultures into a more fragmented and rural society.