The Harappa Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the earliest and most advanced urban civilizations of the ancient world. It flourished between approximately 2600 and 1900 BCE in the north-western regions of the Indian subcontinent, covering present-day Pakistan and parts of north-western India. The civilization was named after the archaeological site of Harappa, which was among the first cities to be discovered. Other important cities included Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Lothal, and Kalibangan. One of the most remarkable features of the Harappa Civilization was its well-planned urban system. Cities were laid out in a grid pattern with wide, straight roads intersecting at right angles. Buildings were constructed using uniformly sized baked bricks, showing a high level of standardization. Most houses had multiple rooms, private wells, and bathrooms connected to an advanced underground drainage system. This efficient sanitation system highlights the Harappans' concern for public health and hygiene, which was unmatched in many contemporary civilizations. The economy of the Harappa Civilization was primarily based on agriculture. The people cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, peas, and cotton, making them among the earliest cotton producers in the world. They also domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and buffaloes. In addition to agriculture, the Harappans were skilled craftsmen. They produced pottery, seals, beads, jewelry, and tools made from copper, bronze, and stone. Their craftsmanship reflects both artistic skill and technological knowledge. Trade played a significant role in Harappan society. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Harappans traded not only within the region but also with distant civilizations such as Mesopotamia. They used standardized weights and measures, indicating an organized commercial system. Seals made of steatite, often engraved with animal figures and symbols, were used for trade and administrative purposes. The religious beliefs of the Harappan people are not fully understood due to the undeciphered script. However, evidence from seals and figurines suggests the worship of a mother goddess, animals, and a proto-form of Lord Shiva known as Pashupati. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro is believed to have been used for ritual bathing, indicating the importance of purity and religious practices. The decline of the Harappa Civilization around 1900 BCE remains a subject of debate among historians. Possible reasons include climate change, declining rainfall, earthquakes, floods, and the shifting of river courses, which affected agriculture and trade. Despite its decline, the Harappa Civilization left a lasting legacy, particularly in urban planning, craftsmanship, and social organization. It remains a crucial chapter in the history of human civilization and the Indian subcontinent.