Question

Which of the following is the decadent phase of the Harappan Civilization?

• A. 1900 BCE - 1300 BCE
• B. 2600 BCE - 1900 BCE
• C. 3000 BCE - 1300 BCE
• D. 3500 BCE - 2600 BCE

Hint:

Remember the standard Harappan timeline:
Early Phase: 3500--2600 BCE
Mature Phase: 2600--1900 BCE
Late/Decadent Phase: 1900--1300 BCE
The decadent phase is marked by the loss of urban planning, standardised bricks, and bronze metallurgy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, is chronologically categorized by archaeologists into three distinct cultural phases.
These include the Early Harappan phase, representing the nascent stage of formative agrarian and proto-urban communities.
The Mature Harappan phase corresponds to the zenith of urbanization characterized by sophisticated town planning, uniform script, standard weights, and extensive trade.
The Late Harappan or decadent phase denotes the period of decline, gradual de-urbanization, abandonment of major cities, and ruralization of material culture.

Step 1: Analyzing the Chronological Stages:
The Early Harappan phase roughly extended from c. 3500 BCE to 2600 BCE, during which basic agricultural networks and regional craft centers flourished.
The Mature Harappan phase flourished predominantly between c. 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, embodying the peak of civic architecture such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa.
Post-1900 BCE, evidence points to a marked transformation with the disappearance of distinctive artifacts like seals, weights, and specialized beads.
Writing disappeared, long-distance trade ceased, and urban settlements were abandoned in favor of smaller rural settlements.

Step 2: Identifying the Decadent Phase:
Historians and archaeologists refer to this post-urban era between c. 1900 BCE and 1300 BCE as the Late Harappan or decadent phase.
During this interval, regional cultures such as the Cemetery H, Jhukar, and Rangpur cultures emerged out of the remnants of the urban collapse.
Therefore, the date bracket spanning 1900 BCE to 1300 BCE correctly denotes the declining, decadent horizon of the Harappan civilization.
Final Answer:
Hence, the decadent phase of the Harappan Civilization is 1900 BCE - 1300 BCE.