Signs of Decline in Indus Valley Civilisation

The decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation is marked by a gradual deterioration of urban life and societal structures. Evidence suggests that around 1900 BCE, the first signs of this decline began to surface, leading to the eventual abandonment of most cities by 1700 BCE. Archaeological findings, particularly from the site of Harappa, indicate a significant shift in the population dynamics and health conditions of the inhabitants during this period. Studies conducted on human skeletons revealed an increase in inter-personal violence, suggesting a rise in social unrest. Additionally, there was a notable prevalence of infectious diseases, including leprosy and tuberculosis, which likely contributed to the decline in population and urban abandonment. Historian Upinder Singh highlights that the late Harappan phase reflects a breakdown of established urban networks, with a corresponding rise in rural settlements as people sought safety and resources away from the deteriorating urban centers.