You're Dead to Me The Indus Civilisation (Radio Edit)
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Apr 25, 2025 Danika Parikh is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cambridge, specializing in the archaeology of the ancient Indus civilization. Comedian Ahir Shah brings his unique humor to the discussion. They dive into the fascinating world of this Bronze Age society, exploring its intricate sanitation systems, mysterious architecture, and even the enigmatic unicorn artifacts. The conversation raises questions about its societal structure and uncovers theories behind its decline, all while challenging misconceptions shaped by colonial narratives.
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Geography and Scale of Indus
- The Indus civilisation existed around 2600 to 1900 BC, spanning modern Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
- It was a widespread civilization with many urban and rural sites, not just Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
Advanced Sanitation in Mohenjo-Daro
- Mohenjo-Daro had hundreds of wells and drainage channels connecting most buildings.
- Their sanitation infrastructure allowed many to use toilets at home with waste flushed away, unprecedented until Victorian Britain.
Functional Animal Seals
- Indus seals are carved stone squares with animal motifs like unicorns and symbols.
- These seals likely served to stamp clay and indicate ownership or identity in the society.