Ethos of Contemplation and Culture of Indus Valley Civilisation : Mamoona Khan

Abstract

The contemplative nature of human beings is the foundation of ethics, morality, and culture, all of which contribute to the formation of civilization. This process does not emerge from isolated individuals but rather from collective living, where each member of a group coexists in harmony with others. Culture is not an instantaneous development; it is cultivated over generations through shared experiences, customs, and traditions. It serves as both the product and the catalyst of contemplative behaviour, ultimately leading to the establishment of well-ordered and sophisticated settlements. The Indus Valley Civilization stands as a prime example of a society deeply rooted in ethics and cultured living. Its inhabitants devised a systematic way of life where every aspect, from urban planning to social organization, was structured with careful deliberation. At the heart of this civilization was the Indus River, which played a pivotal role in sustaining and shaping its settlements. Flowing from its origins in the Himalayan Mountains to its eventual merging with the Arabian Sea, the river was not just a geographical entity but a silent witness to the rise and flourishing of an advanced society. The river facilitated agriculture, trade, and connectivity, reinforcing the civilization's economic and cultural prosperity. This exploratory analytical study seeks to identify the cultural substrate of the Indus Valley Civilization through a careful examination of its artifacts. The objects unearthed—be they pottery, seals, tools, or architectural remnants—are not mere accidental relics but the result of deliberate planning and intellectual foresight passed down through successive generations. By analysing these remnants, we can gain insight into the cultural ethos and contemplative traditions that underpinned one of the world’s most sophisticated ancient civilizations.