The Indus Valley cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro showcased advanced urban planning. Their grid system, sophisticated drainage, and standardized building techniques set them apart from other ancient civilizations.

These cities featured multi-story houses, public baths, and fortified citadels. The urban design reflected a well-organized society with a focus on sanitation, trade, and communal spaces, highlighting the Indus Valley's technological prowess.

Urban Planning

Grid System and Street Layout

• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro utilized a highly organized grid system for their urban planning
• Cities were divided into rectangular blocks separated by main streets running north-south and east-west
• Smaller lanes and alleys branched off from the main streets, creating a network of paths within each block
• The grid system facilitated efficient movement of people and goods throughout the city
• The uniform layout also allowed for easier construction and expansion of the city as needed

Advanced Drainage and Water Management

• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro had sophisticated drainage systems to manage water flow and prevent flooding
• Streets were equipped with covered drains made of bricks and mortar, which carried wastewater away from buildings
• Drains were connected to larger sewers that ran beneath the main streets, ultimately disposing of wastewater outside the city
• Wells were strategically placed throughout the city to provide access to clean water for residents
• Some houses had private wells, while others relied on public wells located in courtyards or along streets
• Dockyards were constructed along the riverbanks to facilitate trade and transportation of goods via water routes (Indus River)

Residential Architecture

Standardized Building Materials and Techniques

• Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro used standardized bricks for construction, which were uniform in size and shape
• Bricks were made from fired clay and were highly durable, allowing for the construction of sturdy buildings
• The use of standardized bricks streamlined the construction process and ensured consistency in building design
• Bricks were laid in a precise manner, often using a mud mortar to bind them together

Multi-Story Houses and Amenities

• Many residential buildings in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were two stories tall, maximizing vertical space
• Houses were built around central courtyards, which provided light, ventilation, and a space for household activities
• Some houses had private wells, bathrooms, and drainage systems, indicating a high level of urban planning and sanitation
• Larger houses might have had multiple rooms, including living quarters, storage areas, and workspaces
• The presence of two-story houses suggests a hierarchical society with varying levels of wealth and status

Public Architecture

Citadel and Fortifications

• Both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro had a raised citadel, which served as a center of political and religious power
• The citadel was a fortified area that was separated from the lower town by thick walls and gates
• The citadel housed important public buildings, such as the Great Bath and granaries, as well as elite residences
• The presence of fortifications suggests a need for defense and security, possibly due to threats from neighboring cities or regions

Public Structures and Amenities

• The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro is a notable example of public architecture, likely used for ritual bathing or religious ceremonies
• The Great Bath is a large, rectangular pool lined with bricks and waterproof plaster, with steps leading down into the water
• Granaries were large, multi-story structures used for storing grain and other agricultural products
• Granaries had ventilation shafts and raised floors to protect the stored goods from moisture and pests
• Other public buildings, such as assembly halls and marketplaces, served as gathering spaces for the community
• These public structures demonstrate the importance of communal activities and the centralized organization of resources in Harappan society