Riverine Civilizations and Ecological Adaptation: An Archaeological Perspective on Water Management in Ancient India

Ancient Indian civilizations, particularly those along the Indus-Saraswati and Gangetic river systems, demonstrated sophisticated water management as a central organizing principle of settlement, subsistence, and social structure. Archaeological evidence from sites like Dholavira, Mohenjo-daro, and Lothal reveals advanced techniques for water harvesting, storage, and distribution, reflecting sustained ecological adaptation to hydrological uncertainty. The study highlights how these practices evolved in response to climatic shifts, such as the weakening of the monsoon and desiccation of the Saraswati system, which contributed to the transformation or decline of riverine settlements. This research underscores the continued relevance of indigenous water-management knowledge for modern environmental planning in water-stressed regions.

Dwivedi, D. (2025). Riverine Civilizations and Ecological Adaptation: An Archaeological Perspective on Water Management in Ancient India. International Journal of Research, 12(9), 501. https://doi.org/10.26643/rb.v118i8.7681