Town Planning and Structures of Harappan civilization

The town planning and structures of the Harappan civilization reveal a remarkable level of urban sophistication. With meticulously planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and sturdy brick structures, Harappan towns exemplify early urban planning and engineering prowess.

Characteristics of Harappan civilization

• Harappan civilization was distinguished by its system of civic planning. 
• Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Lothal, Surkotada, Kalibangan, Banawali, and Rakhigarhi were the major cities in the Harappan period. 
• In most cases, the cities were divided into two parts: 
  • Lower Part: The common citizenry lived and carried on their professional lives in this part of the city. 
  • Citadel or Acropolis/Raised Part: This part occupied a smaller area and was frequently situated west of the city. It contained public buildings, granaries, and essential workshops. 

Lower Towns: Grid Streets and Standardized Brick Construction

• City planning followed a grid pattern, with streets cutting at right angles. 
• Planning also involved laying streets first, then building houses along them.
  • The streets were broad, dividing the town into rectangular and square blocks.
• For construction, they used burnt bricks and stones.
• The houses were built of mud bricks and drainages of burnt bricks. 
  • The bricks were of identical 1: 2: 4 ratio in terms of thickness, width, and length across all Harappan structures. 

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• The houses had bathrooms paved with burnt bricks and proper drains. 
• Houses varied in size, with two or more stories and multiple rooms, but were quite monotonous.
• Many of the houses had a central courtyard with rooms all around.
• The courtyard was the center of the residential building, with rooms on all sides. It was the centre of activities such as cooking and weaving.
• In Kalibangan many houses had wells, often in a room that could be reached from the outside and perhaps used by passers-by.

Citadel of Harappan Civilization

• It was constructed on a mud-brick platform and was physically separated from Lower Town through a wall.
• It had important residential structures, possibly occupied by members of the ruling class.
• It contained structures that were used for particular public purposes. These include the Great Bath and the Warehouse (Granary).

• Granaries: They constituted an important part of the Harappan sites.
  • The Great Granary was the largest building in Mohenjo-daro.
  • There were six granaries in the citadel of Harappa. 
  • Circular brick platforms were evidently meant for threshing grains because wheat and barley have been found in the crevices of the floors.
  • At Kalibangan, the southern part of the brick platform may have been used for granaries.

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Conclusion 

• The town planning and structures of the Harappan civilization represent a pinnacle of ancient urban development. 
  • Through their orderly layouts, elaborate infrastructure, and robust architecture, Harappan cities provide valuable insights into early human settlement patterns and technological achievements, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of history.