The Decline

The End or a New Beginning?

Around 1900 BCE, the great cities began to decline.

• Maintenance of drains collapsed.
• The “Great Bath” was no longer used.
• Weights and seals disappeared.
• People abandoned the cities and moved to smaller rural settlements.

Causes of Decline

Historians reject the theory of “Aryan Invasion” or massive warfare as the primary cause. Instead, environmental factors played the key role:

1. Climate Change (2200 BCE): A global shift led to weaker monsoons and drought.
2. Drying of the Sarasvatī: Tectonic shifts likely diverted the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers away from the Sarasvatī, causing it to dry up. Cities like Kalibangan dependent on it had to be abandoned.
3. Ecological Imbalance: Over-exploitation of resources (deforestation for fuel/bricks) might have damaged the local ecosystem.

Legacy

Though the cities died, the culture survived. Elements like the “Namaste” gesture, Yoga postures, worship of Shiva-like figures (Pashupati), bangle wearing, and certain craft techniques continued into later Indian traditions.