Harappan Civilization - Town Planning

The Harappan Civilization

Unique Features

Town Planning

    Harappan cities were divided into 2 major parts:

• Citadel : It was located on an elevated part of the western section of cities. Important and vital buildings such as the town hall and granary were found in the citadel.
• Lower town : This area was located below the citadel and comprised of brick houses where common people lived.

    Harappan streets were like mazes which were perpendicular to each other. The roads would thus, divide a city into large grids. This is a unique feature which was found in neither Mesopotamia nor Egypt.

    The houses were made up of burnt bricks of uniform size and were built along the sides of the road. Often, the houses had 2 or more storeys. Rooms were constructed around a courtyard which was rectangular in shape. In addition to a courtyard, houses had bathrooms. 

    An excellent drainage system was also available in streets. This shows that Harappans paid attention to health and hygiene. The water from houses would flow into streets having drains(covered usually with bricks or stone slabs). Drains were also equipped with manholes.

Given below are some important Harappan buildings :

1. Granary

• The citadel in Harappa shows a Great Granary. 
• It had a brick structure built on a huge foundation.
• There were 2 rows of 6 granaries each (12 granaries in total).
• Circular platforms were in the south side of the Great Granary were used for threshing grain.
• It also had furnaces.
• Grain Silos have also been found in Bhirrana (Haryana). 

2. Great Bath

• It is found in Mohenjodaro and comprised of a brick tank.
• Elaborate rituals would have been performed here.
• 6 entrances were found and the north and south ends had steps which led to the bottom of the tank.
• Drains were available to empty the water.
• Floor was made water tight with accurate brick size which were finely fitted.
• To make it more water tight a thick layer of bitumen was laid along the sides and bottom of the tank.
  

  

  Great Bath

3. Assembly Hall

• It is located in Mohenjodaro.
• Made out of pillars.
• It had 20 square brick pillars arranged in 4 rows.
• It could have been used for collective prayers of the people.

4. Dockyard

• It is found Lothal (Gujarat) and also other places.
• Ships would have been loaded and unloaded here.
  

  

  Dockyard

  
  

By James Watford