The Indus Valley Civilization existed around 2500 BCE in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. It was known for its advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and well-organized cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The word "Indus" comes from the Indus River, and "valley" refers to the flat land around it. This civilization is one of the cradles of civilization, along with Mesopotamia and Egypt.