|
The name Harrapa is a Sanskrit name (Sanskrit is the world's
oldest language) and it translates to "The city, which
is protected by Bagman Shiva" which reflects the Dharmic
(Religious) nature of the people of Harrapa.
Harrapa is a very significant site for Pakistanis. It reminds
us of the foresight, the planning abilities, the skill, the
mastery of architectural styles as well as the construction
abilities of our ancestors. Interestingly, Harrapa and Moenjodorro
- both of which are at least 5000 - 7000 years old are still
much better designed, planned and have a much more advanced
drainage and sewerage system when compared to many present
day cities and towns in the subcontinent.
Ancient Harrapa was situated on the banks of the River Ravi,
which has subsequently, over time changed its course and moved
8 kilometers away. It is believed that the River was used
for maritime trade with other Vedic civilizations. Harrapa
consisted of a citadel as well as religious and residential
areas and an enormous granary. Planned development was evident
due to the discovery of good roads, defensive walls, a lake
for bathing and an advanced sewerage and drainage system,
which catered for all residents. Many houses were two storeys
high and the bricks that were used were of a very good quality
and were proportionate in the ratio of 4:2:1.
The citizens of Harrapa were reasonably wealthy and this is
evident from many of the finds discovered here including intricate
jewellery. The citizens of Harrapa were an advanced and sophisticated
people who were not only astute town-planners but also were
fully aware of the importance of planning urban settlements.
Harrapa also had a very strong economy and trade with other
nations was an important part of it, especially with other
Sarasvati River civilizations. Many people estimate that the
Harrapa site is at least 5000 years old.
The best way to comprehend the achievement of the Harappans
is to climb the viewing platform and view the site and imagine
that you have been transported 5000 years to a Vedic civilization
with bustling streets and bazaars which are overflowing with
various fruits and grains and you gain a general impression
of the prosperity of the citizens. If you then replicate this
to Mohanjodaro, Kot Diji and the hundreds of other sites throughout
Pakistan, only then you can gain an appreciation of the sense
of achievement of these Vedic people. The granary itself was
estimated to have covered at least 1000 square meters. Many
visitors have remarked that only an advanced society could
build such a large building in order to plan ahead for the
future of its citizenry.
Many archaeologists have incorrectly termed our ancient civilizations
as the "Indus Valley Civilizations". This is incorrect
because this has never been the name that we have used ourselves.
We have referred to these cities as part of the Sarasvati
River Civilizations because the majority of these civilizations
were not only based near the ancient Sarasvati River but also
used the river extensively.
Harrapa is something, which all Pakistani Hindus, all Pakistanis
and all Hindus should be proud of. We should attempt to emulate
the achievements of our ancestors by planning and designing
cities of quality. We should not forget that our ancestors
were the most advanced in the world and that they were much
more inclined towards religion rather than materialistic pursuits.
Importantly, we should remember that any society which does
not wish to learn from it's ancestors is destined to make
monumental mistakes and those who do not have pride in the
achievements of their ancestors and blindly imitate foreign
cultures lose their cultural identity.
|
