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, developed sophisticated water management practices that were central to their settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and social organization. Archaeological evidence from sites like Dholavira, Mohenjo-daro, and Lothal reveals advanced techniques for water harvesting, storage, and distribution, indicating a proactive response to hydrological uncertainty. The study highlights the relationship between climatic shifts—such as the weakening of the monsoon and the desiccation of the Saraswati river—and the transformation or decline of these settlements. By analyzing excavation data, the research argues that indigenous water-management knowledge remains relevant 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. EduPub. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.22172642