The People of the Indus

by Nikhil Gulati

Who were the people of the Indus?
Why didn't they build pyramids like the Egyptians?
And ultimately what happened to them?

Supported by extensive research from a leading Indus archaeologist, this graphic novel seeks answers to precisely these questions. It is not history in the form of a dull record of dates and events but a beautifully illustrated glimpse into the lives of the people of the Indus civilization, dating all the way back to 3200 BCE.

The People of the Indus is a rare account of how one of the most unique and enigmatic civilizations of the ancient world changed the course of human history. It is sure to enthral young adults and older readers alike.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, India, Historical, Comics, Indian Literature

192 pages, Hardcover

Published May 31, 2023

Reviews

[Vivek KuRa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read even though I personally do not subscibe to some of the speculative hypothesis he postulates(Ex:-vedic saraswati river and Dasa's new explanation) on some of many enigmas Indus Valley Civilization still holds through this book. Nevertheless, a very informative, comprehensive and intriguing book on the history of the IVC. Kudos to the author for bringing a graphic format non fiction history book which is new and much needed for Indian readers.

[Gorab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect primer for anyone (esp Indians) to dive into the IVC. No prior knowledge needed, easily palatable.

There is a lot of controversy and factions around the IVC. As the puzzle is still unsolved on deciphering the written word.

This book describes in detail why those factions exist. Why do each group believes what it does. And why we don't have any concrete evidence to reach a common ground.

The graphical narrative was simple and yet appealing. Ton loads of material on Indus. The author has successfully managed to keep it light, tight and intriguing at the same time.

Overall:
Very much recommended. Seeking more such recommendations with diverse perspectives, which are not just plain scholarly works.

[S.Ach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content point of view, probably nothing new.
I mean, if you had taken slightest interest in knowing about the Indus valley civilization, probably, you would know most stuff presented in this book.
But, the presentation!….Very appealing!
Great job, Nikhil.

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Thus many of the things we take for granted today trace their roots to the first cities of the world'

The villagers found remains of pottery, and beads under a mound of earth. They knew that there once existed life beneath them. Due to their findings, excavations lay underway in the early 20th century. Indus valley civilization had vast buildings even up to three storeys. One of the prominent landmarks of the bronze age city was 'The Great Bath' where people would cleanse themselves on religious occasions. The cities had well-planned structures with a dedicated sewage pipe. With the advent of agriculture, people were less dependent on animals for food. People migrated from neighbouring cities for better employment. The elite class controlled commerce and trade. The cities which had a common seal with a unicorn motif that flourished along the Indus river were collectively called Indus Valley Civilization. Indus valley civilization is also referred to as Harappan civilization as Harappa was the first site to be excavated.


The narrator takes us back to the time when traces of civilization were just found in South Asia. This meticulously researched graphic novel aims to reconstruct life that existed as early as 2600 BC. The narrative draws comparison between Indus Valley Civilization and the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations that existed during that era. It also raises pertinent questions like the reason for the existence of the cities, the absence of monolithic structures like pyramids, the cause of decline and gives plausible answers. From their trade routes to their dazzling wares to the intriguing seals to the societal hierarchy to the indecipherable inscriptions, every single feature that brought glory to the Indus Civilisation is documented in great detail. The chapters illustrated with intricate line art are beautiful to behold. How the city built itself from ruins was something that fascinated me. My knowledge of the Indus Valley Civilization was limited to 'The Great Bath'
and how it perished. I'm glad this book expanded my knowledge and fed my curiosity. The extensive on-ground research backed by comprehensive language makes it an insightful read.

[Ahtims · Rating 4 out of 5]

T'was a graphic history on the Indus valley civilization. Learnt a lot.

[Makrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical & Insightful — A Visual Journey into the Indus Valley Civilization

The People of Indus by Nikhil Gulati offers a fascinating and accessible glimpse into one of the world’s oldest and most mysterious civilizations — the Indus Valley.

Presented as a graphic novel, the book is rich with stunning illustrations that breathe life into ancient seals, stoopas, pottery, scripts, and everyday life. Gulati, through a narrative character, takes the reader on a visual stroll through the lanes of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro — almost like a virtual tour. This creative approach makes the book both innovative and highly engaging.

For readers unfamiliar with the subject, this book serves as an excellent introduction. It explores key aspects such as the geographical spread of the civilization, the possible languages spoken, and theories around the rise and eventual decline of this once-thriving society.

Given the fragmented historical evidence and conflicting theories from scholars worldwide, the book doesn’t claim to offer conclusive answers. Instead, it presents the known facts and prevailing interpretations in a simplified and thought-provoking way — perfect for curious minds eager to learn more.

Overall, The People of Indus is a beautifully illustrated, well-researched, and compelling starting point for anyone intrigued by the enigma of the Indus Valley Civilization.

[Pooja Mailankody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun way to read about the Indus Valley Civilisation. The students will probably enjoy their history lessons much more if presented in this format. Looking forward to more work from this author

[Appu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic book about the Indus Valley civilisation is exceptional. Unlike Amar Chitra Katha, which glorifies the past without nuance, this book is more subdued, serious, and accurate.
The book sticks to widely accepted theories about the IVC, but controversially argues that the the Ghaggar-Saraswathy river constituted the westernmost extent of the civilisation. Also that drying up of this river was one of the reasons for its decline. The association of Khaggar with Saraswathy is problematic. Most historians believe that Sarswati river was somewhere in Central Asia. Because of the Khaggar- Saraswathy conflation and because there are references to the Saraswathy river in the Vedas, the author assumes a continuity between the later IVC people and the Vedic people. The conventional view is that the Vedic civilisation replaced the IVC, and remnants of the IVC moved to central India and south India.The book does not say anything about the origins of the Indus people. The generally accepted view is that they were from Iran.
But these are minor quibbles. This book is beautifully illustrated and every reader will have something new to learn from this book. This is not to be dismissed as childrens book.

[Jyotsna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 4 stars
NPS - 9 (Promoter)

Pretty much the entry read to understanding the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation.

[Nimisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only we were taught history with such curiosity filled literature. Makes the mind wonder at how the indus valley civilisation looked like at it's peak.

[Prashanth Nuggehalli Srinivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to communicate hundreds of years of the Indus people’s history- at least what we can know of it. The graphic novel style is wonderfully adapted although some sections are a bit more wordy than others. Involvement of Kenoyer, a historian has helped Gulati to integrate a fair bit of tight referencing, nuance and has also enabled communicating the multiple possible ways in which we can understand the Indus history, especially its relationship with the Vedic texts. The divergence between what linguistic analysis tells us and what archaeological approach tells us is nicely presented. Interspersed here and there are possible reconstructions of a daily Indus family along with rich sketches of excavated materials that I guess are faithfully illustrated. The book is a gentle but precise introduction to Indus history and could easily be either a primer for those who are not interested in academic work/wordy books but also for those who wish tin use it as a springboard to dive deeper into this subject.

[Anal Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all read about the Indus Valley civilization in school, especially their advanced urban planning systems - quite a marvel given the 2500-2000 BC timeframe. In this book, the author goes much deeper and peels the layers one by one - the topography, the civilizational structure, the economy, technological advancements, the language, and ultimately the demise. But the graphic visuals and extensive research elevate the narrative, bringing to life the people and the places from >4000 years back. The chapters/sections that were most enlightening - the extensive trade with Mesopotamia/Central Asia, decoding the language relative to the evolution of South Asian languages, and the massive role of the Ghaggar river in the disintegration of the civilization.

The book does enough given the archaeological evidence and historical research available at hand, but overall lacks the content depth for a meaty engaging book.

[Deepabali Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Indus valley civilisation was at its peak when the Egyptians were building their pyramids. Yet the societal setup we find in the Indus is distinct from the typical monarchy setup we find elsewhere. Given the language of the Indus is still undeciphered and excavation efforts have been limited when compared to say Egypt or erstwhile Mesopotamia, I appreciate how this book ask open ended questions, discusses different interpretations and explores varying possibilities. All in all, this book is well researched, beautifully illustrated and succeeds in communicating complex ideas in plain simple English. This is a must have for every history buff.

[Harish Rajamani · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbiased, curiosity fueled, and wonderfully engaging study of important questions regarding one of the earliest civilizations in the world. If you read and liked Sapiens (by Yuval Noah Harari), you will enjoy this journey as well!

[Nitin Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came away from The People of the Indus with a deep appreciation for both its intellectual ambition and its restraint. The book tackles a civilisation that is famously elusive, and one of its greatest strengths is how confidently it navigates uncertainty without overstating its claims. Rather than forcing neat conclusions, it carefully builds a picture of Indus society through material culture, settlement patterns, and comparative reasoning, allowing the reader to see how scholars infer meaning from fragments.

The structure is clear and purposeful. Arguments unfold logically, chapters build on one another, and the conclusion feels genuinely satisfying—bringing together archaeology, anthropology, and history into a coherent understanding of who the people of the Indus might have been, and just as importantly, what we cannot yet know. I found the balance between speculation and caution particularly well judged; the author is willing to explore bold ideas, but always signals where evidence ends and interpretation begins.

The writing is accessible without being simplistic. Complex archaeological details are explained patiently, making the book welcoming even to non-specialists, while still offering enough depth to reward careful readers. The tone remains measured and scholarly throughout, avoiding both sensationalism and dryness.

One standout feature is the artwork. The illustrations significantly enhance the reading experience, helping to visualise artefacts, urban layouts, and daily life in ways that text alone could not. They feel integral rather than decorative, reinforcing the arguments and grounding abstract discussions in concrete imagery.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, engaging, and visually rich book that sharpens one’s understanding of the Indus civilisation while respecting its mysteries. I would readily recommend it to anyone interested in early societies, archaeology, or South Asian history.

[Saumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where was this book when I needed it in my 9th standard to excel in my History class?



I was a student who used to sleep during my history lecture, I was not great at remembering things and hardly remember a thing or two from the class but this book really made a non-history lover like me, interested. It could be because of the fact the illustrations and graphics were quite superb and the narration of this book was interesting and informative. I loved how the author made it informative and detail-oriented. The Great Bath, where people used to cleanse themselves or used it for religious purposes. Commerce and trade were handled by the upper class.



Harappa and Indus Valley civilization is the oldest civilization which was recently discovered and archaeologists are still trying to find more cues about the people of that era, a lot of artefacts are found, like pottery and ancient text but a lot of things are yet to be discovered. There are many questions that are yet to be answered like. What happened? Where did people from that era go? How come they created a city with so much advanced technology at that time?



Read this book, if you like reading about History or want to learn more about Indus Valley Civilization or Harappa Civilization.

[Radhika Ayalur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been fascinated by the mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilization ever since I was inducted into it by the grainy images of the Dancing girl and Harappan seals in my Grade 6 History textbook (accompanied by staid descriptions of the Great Bath and suchlike). Luckily, book formats have evolved since then and it is possible for us to read about IVC in mode that is engaging and imaginative. I have discovered graphic novels pretty late in life and I am quite taken by how simple panels of images can add so much to the experience of reading a book, and aid recall.
The author doesn't push any one narrative and gives us a view of all the contenders for the truth. I particularly like the way he weaves in a few panels in every chapter based on an imagined storyline of a family whose experience reflects the stage of advancement of the IVC described in that chapter.
This is not meant to be a work of scholarship... and it does well what it is supposed to do: present a layman's account of all we know about IVC in an appealing format.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had something of a "very early cultures" history year, reading 1177 BC and Sapiens, as well as their graphic adaptations. The People of the Indus might be the best of the bunch, though. It offers the deep dive into one previously unknown-to-me culture, like 1177, while also reviewing changes across the larger world, like Sapiens. You come out of Indus with a thorough understanding of not just the known history, but also the historiography and archaeology that went into crafting that history!

Plus, as a graphic novel, the visuals immensely benefit the narrative, particularly as Nikhil Gulati digs into how we use examples of ancient text to form theories. The art is crisp and clear, which fits well with the non-overwhelming level of text. Just a really thoughtful and engaging read all around, especially helpful when learning about a totally new-to-me ancient culture.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 31 of 2023: The People of the Indus by Nikhil Gulati with Jonathan Mark Kenoyer (2022, Penguin, 192 p.)

I really enjoyed this graphic "novel" presentation on the Indus Valley Civilization. The graphics and text are a wonderful introduction to this great, but little known (at least in the US) urban culture that was contemporary with those in Egypt and Mesopotamia.

I enjoyed revisiting this Tradition and expanding my knowledge about the current debates in the archaeological community.

I've visited the Harappa site and did my PhD work on aspects of the geoarchaeology of the site. J. Mark Kenoyer served on my commutte and I published an article in Geoarchaeology journal with my brother Bill Belcher.

Recommended.

[Aayush Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first graphic novel, and I feel like I have developed a deep love for this genre, especially in the context of history. Indus valley civilization had always piqued my interest, and that is how I came across this book. I liked how the book is set-up with one of the authors acting like a tour-guide throughout the book. This book gives a great overview of the subject in an informative narration. I really liked the chapter, which focuses on identifying the linguistics of this civilization. I would definitely recommend it to someone who wishes to test the waters in this subject.

P.S. I would really like the author to develop this into a series of graphical-historical novels.

[Shiva Garg · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I would want every history book in primary schools of India to follow a graphic novel kind of way. Extremely well thought through properly researched book which follows a very subtle journey of generations of a family throughout the evolution and demise of Indus Valley Civilization. Really liked the last few chapters on writings, trade and demise of civilization. It is also well connected to the recent debates around Indo-Aryan migration theory and Dates for Rig Veda and status of Sanskrit in Indian Ancient History.

[Chittajit Mitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently finished reading this amazing graphic novel which taught me so much about the Indus Valley Civilization but without complicating it so that it's accessible to the younger population as well. Nikhil Gulati's illustrations are detailed as well as inviting for the readers & it has been written extremely intricately by him with Prof. Kenoyer. Can't recommend it enough, especially for the younger audience.

[Madhan Rajasekkharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting premise to tell history through a graphic novel. We have had only Amar Chitra Katha in this space but even that is mainly mythology. This book delves into the Indus Valley Civilization - it’s people, culture, the big questions about it etc in a simple comic book approach. Quite informative and as expected an easy read. Hope more such books on other historical topics come. A creative attempt!

[Sabu Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why is the Indus Valley Civilisation’s script indecipherable? Why didn't they build pyramids like the Egyptians? Why can’t linguists and archaeologists agree on what happened to them? The book – written in the graphic novel form – raises interesting questions and offers plausible answers. However, one aspect it does not cover is DNA analysis, which has debunked some of the theories. All in all, an interesting and illuminating book.

[Shreya Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me a nerd and I visited the National Museum searching for Indus Valley remains and artefacts. Bought the seal replicas and even watched ‘Mohenjodaro’ movie 😂 to see how closely they were to interpreting ways of life of India Valley civilisation.

This is a good quick read. Most of this stuff I was taught in school, was a good refresher and I wish I had read it then. The comic style does make reading so fun. It’s really great for students. I love the research done by the author.

[Ritz.rathod · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever felt a disconnect between historical sites and the people who lived there, read 'People of Indus' by Nikhil Gulati. My visit to Lothal was initially underwhelming, but this book transformed my understanding. It brought the Indus Valley Civilization to life, and I now have a renewed desire to explore its sites with a deeper appreciation.
It is worth mentioning that even my 5 yr old is captivated by the book. Awesome illustration keeps readers engaged.
This is a gem.👍🏼

[Pinkal Vithlani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired but not Original.

Had more expectation specially after reading graphic history of Sapiens.

In my opinion, the book is not well written. Inclusion of more details would have made it very interesting. Not going to give out spoilers but at many places I felt, it was necessary to add some details as they are available and easy to include.

Appreciate efforts given by the author.

[Ananth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best info comics I have read!! Definitely worth the read!! The tone is very neutral and scientific. The morsels of knowledge that the creators give is very apt. No confusion or over information. Nikhil I am looking forward to more in this series.

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting comic on one of the greatest civilisations known to man. A lot has been said about Egyptian, Greek and Mesopotamian civilizations and this is a splendid attempt to shed light on what life was like around the Indus Valley.

[Delson Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read. History is beautifully woven with a story. The art has tried to stay close to what could have been the culture during the Indus period.
The book entertains, teaches, and makes it all memorable.