Ancient India: The Harappan Civilisation in the Indus Valley
- Course Code: HWH190
- Dates: 08/06/24 - 08/06/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Off Site
- Tutor: Ketan Varia
Course Code: HWH190
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilization, thrived from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in the North East of the Indian subcontinent. Its rich and remarkable legacy is comparable to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
This civilisation is characterized by well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, featuring advanced urban infrastructure with grid street layouts and drainage and sanitation systems.
The Indus Valley people achieved remarkable feats in trade, agriculture, arts, and crafts.
The course will be interactive, offering the opportunity to study artefacts at the British Museum and discuss the Indus Valley's enduring legacy.
What will we cover?
• Visit (2 hours) to the Indian section at the British Museum to study Indus Valley relics and complete an assignment.
• Understand the organisation and structure of cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
• Appreciate the artistic achievements in pottery, bead making, stone carving, and metalwork, as well as exploring the mysteries of the undeciphered Indus script.
• Assessing the vibrant trade networks extending to Mesopotamia and their significance.
• Explore the reasons behind the civilization's decline and its lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- State the historical, context of the Indus Valley civilisation
- Explain the planning, trade and crafts of the people
- Reflect on Indus Valley legacy to subcontinent and beyond.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed for beginners or intermediate learners with little or no experience of the material. It will appeal to all of those who would like to find out about the subcontinent history. As with most of our history and politics courses, an interest and the willingness to look beyond the familiar is more important than any particular skills. Please do note that the session will entail a 2-hour visit to the British Museum, so you will need to have the ability to participate in a 2 hour moderately paced walk.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentation, group exercises and discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for notetaking and dress according to the weather.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore our other courses on Asia in the Asian history section.
Ketan teaches courses in Business Skills and Indian Philosophy/History at CityLit. In his career Ketan has worked with over 30 large and complex organisations in helping them with Operational Excellence and Change Management. He is the author of the book ‘The Art of Transformational Change – a handbook for leaders and managers’, published in October 2015. Ketan is of indian hertitage and has visited many places of pilgrimage and history in India over the last 25 years. He has learnt Sanskrit to foundation level and studied several Indian sutras. He has delivered courses in Jain Philosophy for over 15 years.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
