1. Introduction
- Location: Fatehabad district, Haryana, India.
- Significance: An important site of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), showing both early and mature Harappan phases.
- Time Period: Around 2500 BCE to 1800 BCE.
- Discovery: Excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 1970s.
2. Unique Features of Banawali
✔ Fortified Town:
- Unlike Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, Banawali had strong fortified walls around the city.
- The settlement was divided into a citadel (higher area for elites) and a lower town (for common people).
✔ Town Planning:
- Houses were made of mud bricks, unlike the baked bricks of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
- Streets were narrow and winding, different from the grid-pattern planning of other IVC cities.
✔ Agriculture & Economy:
- Evidence of wheat, barley, mustard, and cotton farming.
- Presence of plough marks, suggesting advanced farming techniques.
- Trade with other IVC sites and Mesopotamia.
✔ Important Discoveries:
- Seals & Inscriptions similar to those found at Harappa.
- Beads, terracotta figurines, and jewelry showing skilled craftsmanship.
- Storage bins & fire altars, hinting at religious practices.
3. Why is Banawali Important?
- Shows Different Town Planning: The city’s structure was different from other Indus Valley cities.
- Evidence of Early Farming: The presence of plough marks indicates that Banawali people were skilled farmers.
- Links with Other IVC Sites: The artifacts found suggest strong trade connections with Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Mesopotamia.
4. Subjective Questions for Exams
- How was Banawali different from Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro?
- Describe the town planning and lifestyle of Banawali.
- What do the discoveries at Banawali tell us about the Indus Valley Civilization?
- How did agriculture and trade shape the economy of Banawali?
- What makes Banawali an important Indus Valley site?
Conclusion
Banawali gives us valuable insights into the diversity of the Indus Valley Civilization, showing different town planning styles and agricultural practices. Its discoveries help us understand how early civilizations lived and thrived in ancient India. 🚀