History glossary
Mature Harappan
the main urban phase of the Indus Valley civilisation, when its largest cities and shared systems flourished.
- Category
- Archaeological period
- Region
- Indus region
- Date range
- c. 2600-1900 BCE
What it means
Mature Harappan refers to the peak urban phase of the Indus Valley civilisation, usually dated to about 2600-1900 BCE. This was when major cities such as Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Dholavira flourished, with shared weights, seals, craft styles, drainage systems, and planned streets.
