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Have you ever imagined how people lived thousands of years ago in cities without electricity, modern machines, or tall buildings? One of the oldest and most well-planned civilisations in history is the Harappan Civilisation, also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation. It existed around 2500 BCE and had cities like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira. A unique and important feature of these cities was the Citadel.
The citadel was the raised or elevated part of the Harappan city, built on a platform made of mud bricks. It stood higher than the rest of the town and usually had thick walls around it. It was not just a random hill – it was carefully designed and built to serve specific purposes.
The citadel was most likely used for important buildings, such as granaries, administrative offices, and religious structures. One of the most famous structures found in the citadel of Mohenjo-Daro is the Great Bath, believed to be used for ceremonial bathing.
Importance and Purpose of the Citadel
The citadel played a very important role in the life of the Harappan people. Since it was on higher ground, it was safe from floods, which were common due to the nearby rivers. This part of the city might have been where rulers, priests, or other important officials worked and held meetings. Large storage buildings, such as granaries, suggest that the citadel was also used to store surplus food.
The layout of the citadel tells us that the Harappans were skilled planners and engineers. The presence of well-constructed buildings, wide streets, and advanced drainage systems shows how organized and developed their society was.
In conclusion, the citadel was more than just a raised platform. It was the centre of administration, religion, and storage – a symbol of the Harappans’ smart city planning and advanced thinking.
Common Doubts of Social Science
