Is it conclusive that the Indus Valley Civilization is the oldest in the world?

Question

I've never found a definitive answer to this. Most of what I read seems speculative. What is meant by "civilization" precisely? is it simply a more developed social system than primitive groups? if someone has a link to this info, i would greatly appreciate it. thanks

Answer 1

Well, as for the definition of Civilization is as stated above by Icehoundxxx.
Please note that :
Quote
For decades archaeologists have argued about the origins of the mysterious “Harappan” (Indus Valley) civilisation that flourished across what is now Pakistan and north-west India from about 3000 BC. Now new findings by Indian scientists working in the Gulf of Cambay suggest that the Harappans were descended from an advanced mother culture that flourished at the end of the last Ice Age and that was submerged by rising sea-levels before history began
UNQUOTE

This is the most conclusive research I have found about that matter
for more info Visit :
http://www.grahamhancock.com/forum/BadrinaryanB1.php

Answer 2

Civilization - a state of development in human society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of writing, and complex political and social institutions

There has been much debate regarding this since the definition of civilization needs to clarified (the most common definition being the one above). However, many would say that Mesopotamia is the oldest civilization in the world by conventional definition as well as archaeological evidence unearthed in that region as well as the Indus Valley and China.

However, there has been recent chatter that a prehistoric civilization that may outdate all those locations may have existed in, of all places, Antarctica.