Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE. It was centered in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in present-day Pakistan and parts of northwest India. The civilization is renowned for its advanced urban planning, including well-organized cities with sophisticated drainage systems, granaries, and public baths.
Regarding burial practices, archaeological excavations at sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have revealed evidence of both burial and cremation practices. This indicates a diverse approach to death and the afterlife, which is common in many ancient cultures. The use of cotton and wool for fabrics is another significant aspect of the IVC. Textile impressions found in the ruins suggest a well-developed textile industry, which was likely a major part of the economy and trade networks of the civilization.
Animal worship, particularly the reverence of doves and pigeons, is also a notable feature of the IVC. Artifacts such as figurines and seals depicting these birds suggest that they held a symbolic or religious significance. This practice of animal worship is not unique to the IVC and is found in many ancient cultures, often reflecting the natural environment and the daily lives of the people.
The claim that the Indus Valley Civilization became extinct due to the Aryan invasion is a controversial theory. While the Aryan migration into the Indian subcontinent did occur, the exact impact on the IVC is a subject of ongoing debate among historians and archaeologists. The decline of the IVC is now believed to be a result of a combination of factors, including environmental changes such as shifts in river courses, internal social and economic factors, and possibly the arrival of new groups. The Aryan invasion theory, while once widely accepted, is now seen as an oversimplification of a complex historical process.
In conclusion, the Indus Valley Civilization was a sophisticated and diverse society with complex burial practices, a developed textile industry, and a rich cultural life that included the worship of certain animals. The decline of the civilization is a multifaceted issue that cannot be attributed solely to the Aryan invasion, making option D the incorrect statement among the given options.