Indus Valley Civilization

One of the earliest known cultures of India, Indus Valley Civilization was a primarily Chalcolithic origin, between 3300-1300 BCE. India and Pakistan account for most of the excavations of the sites in the Indus Valley Civilization.

The greatest cities in the Indus Valley Civilization at Mohenjodaro & Harappa. The two cities emerged around 2600 BCE. The cities existed along the valley of the Indus River Valley.

Excavations of the 19th & 20th centuries provide important data about the civilization, including its architecture, trade, art, religion, scripture, technology, etc.

Apart from Harappa & Mohenjodaro, the other important sites of the civilization include Kalibangan in Rajasthan, Lothal, Surkotada & Dholavira in Gujarat, Kot Diji in Sindh, Ropar in Punjab, & Banawali in Haryana.

Rakhigarhi, among the excavated sites, is the largest Indus Valley Site.

Bhirrana is the oldest discovered Indus Valley Site. The place is known for mounds, and some of these date back to 7500 BCE.

Mehrgarh, a place in Pakistan, was previously known to be the oldest Indus Valley Site. It dates back to 7000 BCE.

Indus Civilization Architecture

There are numerous features of the Indus Civilization Architecture.

• There was no apparent foreign influence and the style of architecture was mostly indigenous.
• Buildings were built in a utilitarian perspective.
• A lot of architectural practices had influence from the local culture.
• Mud Bricks was used to construct houses by the local farming and pastoral communities.
• Town planning was a major part of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Town planning: Salient features

Utilitarian perspective:

• The Harappans talked about the welfare of the people. They established separate worker’s quarters, now a necessary element of the welfare state.
• Apart from this, fortification was a common feature in the Indus Valley Cities.

Harappan City Layout:

• Mostly the same pattern of town planning was followed in Harappan cities.
• Some of the important features include –
  • Fortification Wall
  • Citadel
  • Lower Town
  • Water Management System
  • Drainage System
  • Streets and Lanes
• The city was designed by architects.
• In most of the Harappan Cities, a plan was followed.
• Citadel was the one which was in the west of the lower town.
• In some cities, citadels were also located in the southern part.
• Cities where fortification was done include Tarakai Qila, Kot Diji, Buthi, Bhirrana, Balu, Kalibangan, Rehman Dehri, Tarakai Qila, Kohtras, Dhalewan.
• Gateways: Cities like Lothal, Balu, Suratkoda and Kalibangan also had one gateway.
• Bastions: Bastions in the Harappan towns were constructed, to act as watching towers.
• Grid-pattern: Mohenjodaro and Harappa were major cities of Indus Valley Civilization, which were built with blocks divided by grid. These grids run north–south and east–west.
• Disaster-proof: Harappan houses were built to prevent any kind of loss due to flooding.
• Reservoirs: Town planning of Dholavira included construction of reservoirs.
• Water Management:
  • Canals were built which helped Harappan people with agriculture
  • Hydraulic structures which helped in collection of rainwater were also seen.
  • Dams, Canals and Reservoirs were some other pieces of evidence found at different sites.
  • Great Bath – an early age water tank, was located in the east of the granary in Mohenjodaro.
• Granaries: These large structures were used for storing grain.
• Houses: The houses varied, with the number of sizes. Some of them were even two storeys tall. Kitchen, Batching area, and a central courtyard were important parts of the houses.

Practice Question with Solution

The ancient city design of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) has the potential to offer solutions to the contemporary challenges faced by Indian cities. Elucidate. (10 M/150 Words)

One of the key features of the IVC cities was their efficient planning and organization, with straight roads and well-laid-out residential and commercial areas. This orderly urban design could serve as a model for modern cities struggling with traffic congestion and overcrowding.

Furthermore, the IVC cities were known for their advanced drainage and water management systems, which are still considered ahead of their time. These systems could inspire current urban planners to develop sustainable water management systems in Indian cities, addressing the growing problem of water scarcity.

In addition, the IVC cities had a strong emphasis on community living, with public spaces and amenities being an integral part of the urban design. This community-centric approach could be incorporated in the planning of modern Indian cities to foster a sense of belonging and promote inclusivity.

Overall, the ancient city design of the IVC has much to offer in terms of solving current urban problems in India. By studying and incorporating these principles, modern cities could strive towards creating more livable, sustainable, and inclusive environments.

Previous Year Question with Solution

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. (UPSC-2014)