In this video, we examine the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization) and the earliest writing on the Indian subcontinent, which appears on small engraved square stone seals found at Indus city sites. We discuss the unique features of the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1900 BCE), and explain why we use the term “civilization” to describe it. We also examine the iconography and writing on the stone seals closely, exploring their potential function.

This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Early South Asian art

• Early civilizations

• Indus Valley Civilization

• Early writing systems

• Art History

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to the Indus Valley Civilization

0:22 What is Indus Valley Civilization?

1:34 Indus Valley seals

Learn more

Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history