Town Planning of Indus Valley Civilization: UPSC Art & Culture

The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was the Bronze Age which dates back from 2500 and 1900 BCE. Town planning was one of the earliest features of ancient civilisation. Archaeologists all across the world have been surprised by the designs and architecture of many buildings from the Indus civilisation. The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the first known urban cultures to emerge in North Western South Asia. This civilisation was known for its more effective town planning and displayed a knowledge of urban design, civil engineering, and public administration. Other important sites of the Indus civilization include Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, which show the ancient civilization’s planning and organisation.

The town planning of the Indus Valley Civilization is an important part of the UPSC syllabus. This blog will discuss the town planning of the Indus Valley Civilization, which will help students understand this element of their history. It will also help you prepare for civil and competitive examinations.

The Design of Towns in the Indus Valley Civilization

The primary part of town planning in the Indus Valley Civilization was creating the framework of its structure and layout. These frameworks became the distinctive features and design patterns of this civilization.

• The cities in the Indus Valley were designed in a grid layout, which is a notable element of urban planning.
• Streets intersected at right angles, indicating the application of mathematical proportions during planning.
• This grid structure allowed efficient transportation, administration, and accessibility throughout the cities.
• Cities were often divided into two sections: the citadel and the lower town.
• The Citadel is often elevated on the ground level and holds important buildings such as assembly halls and administrative centres. It served as the administrative centre of the city.
• The Lower Town consists primarily of residential buildings and markets, where the majority of the population lives and works.
• Bricks used in construction are of uniform sizes, particularly baked bricks.
• Buildings frequently had similar architectural components, which improved the functional efficiency of urban areas.

Also Read: Decoding the Harappan Civilization (3300-1300 BCE)

Water Management Facilities in the Indus Valley Civilization

Water management and sanitary facilities were important during civilisation and are a remarkable feature of town planning. The advanced water management and drainage system added an advanced part of that time.

• The Indus Valley had one of the most advanced drainage systems, which was accessible to all houses.
• The waste was routed to the covered drains that run down the streets. The street drains were built using bricks with inspection holes for maintenance.
• Both public and private wells were widely distributed throughout the cities, assuring a constant supply of water.
• The existence of several wells suggests an understanding of water conservation, which is important to urban living.
• The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro is the most famous example of an excellent structural plan with a focus on public hygiene.
• The huge tanks were made using laid bricks for the purpose of ritual bathing.

Residential and Public Buildings of the Indus Valley Civilization

The residential buildings differed in construction and size while following a common plan. These houses had a different design and layout according to their purpose: residential or workshops.

• Most houses were built around a central courtyard that had a private open space for the family.
• The house includes multiple rooms for different uses, with a focus on functionality and comfort.
• The main building materials were baked bricks, mud bricks and wood.
• The houses were two stories tall, showing structural principles that preserve multi-story buildings.
• Large granaries were discovered in both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, where grains were stored and distributed.
• Public structures, such as assembly halls, signify the presence of organised civic administration and communal events.
• Markets served as a hub for the city’s economic and trading activity.

Also Read: The Pashupati Seal of Indus Valley Civilization

Administrative Organization of Indus Valley Civilization

The civic function and administrative organisation of the Indus Valley Civilization were carefully planned to ensure effective control and coordination. These measures were important to coordinate and cooperate on an administrative level.

• The discovery of standardised weights suggests the existence of a trade and commerce regulatory system.
• These standards were applied across the civilisation, showing a high level of control over economic activity.
• The availability and accessibility of big storage facilities, warehouses, and administrative buildings indicate a healthy economic and political system.
• These organisations oversee the production, storage, and delivery of goods while maintaining strict administrative control.

Cultural and Social Aspects of Indus Valley Civilization

The town planning of the Indus Valley Civilization and its cities have a major cultural and social influence on later regions. The pointers below mention the various aspects of the earliest civilization of the world.

• The uniformity in houses and organizations suggests social structure.
• The focus on public amenities and sanitation indicates a concern for public welfare and community health.
• The discovery of various artefacts highlights the advanced level of craftsmanship and artistic expression in the civilization.
• Workshops and trade places indicate the flourishing economy of that period.

Legacy and Influence of the Indus Valley Civilization

The town planning of the Indus Valley Civilization and its towns had a significant cultural and social impact on later regions. Its influence can be seen in the development of later period.

• The consistent pattern of houses and organisations indicates social structure.
• The focus on public amenities and sanitation shows concern for public welfare and community health.
• The discovery of several items indicates the advanced level of craftsmanship and artistic expression in the civilisation.
• Workshops and markets show a flourishing economy at that time period.

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