The Harappans represent the Indus Valley civilization, the earliest settlement in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan that we know about. They were largely peaceful, or at least there is little evidence of warfare, so the civilization is focused mainly on defenses and economy. To reflect their focus on technological and economic development rather than warfare, nearly all of the bonuses save either time or resources during researches.
The Harappans would have a new South Asian architecture set that would also be shared with the Maurya and Guptas.
Civilization Bonuses
- Wall technologies free (require Granary)
This references how the Indus Valley civilization had many walls around settlements.
- Wood upgrades, farm upgrades, and Urbanization free
The free wood and farm upgrades reference extensive Harappan craftsmanship and agriculture, while the free Urbanization represents the Indus Valley civilization being the first ever urban center in India.
- Dock and Government Center technologies cost -33%
The Harappans had advanced dockyards visible in ruins, and, being the first major civilization in India, made major strides in governmental authority.
- Storage Pits work 50% faster
Storage Pit technologies are all armor or attack upgrades, and this bonus references Harappan metallurgy, which is particularly notable.
- Team bonus: Slingers fire 25% faster
The only defensive weapons found at the Harappan ruins were clay balls fired at attackers from forts. These clay balls were typically thrown using slings or by hand.
Missing Units
Long Swordsman, Horse Archer, Cavalry, Camel Rider, Helepolis, Juggernaut, Fire Galley.
Missing Technologies
Afterlife, Monotheism, Zealotry, Ballista Tower, Chain Mail for Archers, Tower Shield, Coinage.
