Question

How do the archaeological discoveries at Harappa explain urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

Archaeological findings at Harappa reveal a highly advanced system of urban planning, which demonstrates the sophistication of the Indus Valley Civilization.

• Cities were laid out in a grid pattern with streets running perpendicular to each other—showing planning and civil engineering.
• The presence of a citadel and a lower town indicates a clear socio-political hierarchy.
• Drainage systems made of baked bricks, running beneath streets and connected to soak pits, highlight sanitation concerns.
• Granaries, wells, public baths like the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro (similar layout in Harappa), and standardized brick sizes suggest uniformity and coordination.
• Residential buildings had private wells and bathrooms, showing attention to domestic needs and urban infrastructure.

These features collectively demonstrate that Harappan cities were among the earliest examples of planned urban centres.