Indian, British and Danish scientists have revealed the secret of how the Indus civilization, considered the oldest in the world, existed without a large river. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.
During its existence (about 4.6-3.9 thousand years ago), the Indus civilization flourished between the Ganga-Jamna and Indus systems, far from the main rivers. Scientists managed to discover a large water channel, which in ancient times passed through the settlements of civilization and was part of the modern Sutlej River.
The dating carried out by experts showed that the channel changed its course about eight thousand years ago. This led to a reduction in flooding, while seasonal rains were the source of water in the valley.
In 2016, scientists from India presented evidence that the Indus civilization may be the oldest in the world.
The Indian (Harappan) civilization existed in the valley of the Indus River. Its towns had sewerage and public toilets, and the villages had irrigation systems. The most likely representatives of the culture were speakers of the Dravidian languages. The Indian civilization fell into decay by the 17th century BC. One of the most likely reasons for this is believed to be the invasion of the ancestors of modern Iranians and Indians.
