The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent from the 3rd to the 2nd millennium BCE. One of the most important cities of the IVC was Natabanu, which is located in present-day Pakistan.

Natababu was a major urban center, with a population of over 20,000 people. The city was well-planned, with a grid-like street layout and a complex drainage system. Natabanu was also a major commercial center, with evidence of trade with other parts of the IVC and beyond.

The city was destroyed in the 2nd millennium BCE, and its exact location was lost for centuries. However, in the 1920s, a team of archaeologists led by Sir John Marshall rediscovered Natabanu. The ruins of the city are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Discovery of Natabanu

The discovery of Natabanu is a story of serendipity. In 1921, Sir John Marshall was leading an archaeological expedition in the region of Sindh, Pakistan. The team was excavating a site called Mohenjo-daro, which is another major city of the IVC. While they were excavating, they came across a large mound that they initially thought was a natural hill. However, as they dug deeper, they realized that the mound was actually the ruins of a city.

The team named the city Natabanu, which means “the city of the seven streams” in the local language. The city was located on the banks of the Indus River, and it was surrounded by seven smaller streams.

The Layout of Natabanu

Natababu was a well-planned city, with a grid-like street layout. The streets were wide and straight, and they were intersected by canals. The city was divided into two main parts: the citadel and the lower town.

The citadel was located on a high mound, and it was the administrative and religious center of the city. The lower town was the commercial and residential center of the city.

The Drainage System of Natabanu

Natababu had a complex drainage system that was one of the most advanced in the world at the time. The streets were lined with drains, and there were also large public sewers. The drainage system was so effective that the city was virtually free of flooding.

The Trade of Natabanu

Natababu was a major commercial center, and it had trade links with other parts of the IVC and beyond. The city was located on a major trade route, and it was a hub for the exchange of goods and ideas.

The Decline and Fall of Na tabanu

Natababu was destroyed in the 2nd millennium BCE, and its exact cause of decline is unknown. However, there are several theories. One theory is that the city was destroyed by a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or a flood. Another theory is that the city was destroyed by invaders.

Whatever the cause, the decline and fall of Natabanu was a major event in the history of the Indus Valley Civilization. The city was never rebuilt, and its ruins were lost for centuries.

The Significance of Natabanu

Natababu is an important archaeological site, and it provides valuable insights into the Indus Valley Civilization. The city’s well-planned layout, complex drainage system, and extensive trade links demonstrate the sophistication of the IVC.

Natababu is also a reminder of the lost civilizations that once thrived in the region. The city’s ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people who built it.

Conclusion

Natababu is a fascinating archaeological site that provides valuable insights into the Indus Valley Civilization. The city’s well-planned layout, complex drainage system, and extensive trade links demonstrate the sophistication of the IVC. Natababu is also a reminder of the lost civilizations that once thrived in the region. The city’s ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people who built it.

Source: natabanu.org