The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Culture, is defined by archaeologists as a culture characterised by a distinct collection of objects that are typically found together within a certain geographical region and time period. The Harappan Culture is identified by its unique artifacts, such as seals, beads, weights, stone blades, and baked bricks. These artifacts have been unearthed across a wide area, ranging from Afghanistan, Jammu, Baluchistan (Pakistan), to Gujarat. Named after Harappa, the initial site of discovery for this distinctive culture, the civilisation dates from around 2600 to 1900 BCE. There were also earlier and later cultures in the same region, often referred to as Early Harappan and Late Harappan. To distinguish it from these, the Harappan Civilisation is sometimes termed the Mature Harappan Culture.

Before the emergence of the Mature Harappan phase, the region was home to several distinct archaeological cultures. These were characterised by unique pottery styles, indications of agriculture and pastoralism, and various crafts. The settlements during this period were relatively small, and large architectural structures were essentially non-existent. A significant transition between the Early Harappan and the Mature Harappan phase is noted, marked by evidence of large-scale burning at some locations and the abandonment of certain settlements. This shift could be attributed to various factors including social, environmental, or political changes, marking the evolution towards a more mature civilisation.