The ancient cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were part of the Indus Valley Civilization (around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE), one of the world’s earliest urban centers. These cities were known for their remarkable and sophisticated urban planning, which is a major reason they stand out in the study of ancient civilizations.
Here’s a breakdown of the city planning of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa:
1. Grid-Based Layout:
Both cities followed a grid pattern for their streets, which was highly advanced for its time. Streets were laid out in straight lines, intersecting at right angles, dividing the city into blocks. This layout indicates that urban planning was meticulously thought out and organized. Harappa, in particular, had wide streets that allowed for efficient traffic flow.
2. The Citadel and Lower City:
Both cities were divided into two major areas:
- The Citadel: This was the elevated area of the city, often where the wealthier and more powerful members of society would have lived. It included large, public buildings, possibly for administrative or religious purposes. The citadel also housed important structures such as the Great Bath (Mohenjo-Daro) and large granaries.
- The Lower City: This was the residential and commercial part of the city, with homes, shops, and workshops. It was located at a lower elevation than the citadel and contained many well-organized, tightly packed houses, typically with courtyards and private wells.
3. Advanced Drainage System:
One of the most impressive features of both cities was their drainage and sewage systems. Each house had access to private toilets, and waste was channeled through a complex underground drainage system that connected to large drains running along the streets. These drains were made from brick and had inspection openings, demonstrating an incredible attention to sanitation.
4. Well-Designed Buildings:
The houses were generally made of baked bricks and were often of uniform size. Many had flat roofs and were multi-storied. The homes were designed with courtyards and large windows for ventilation, showing an understanding of practical living conditions.
5. Public Baths and Granaries:
- The Great Bath (Mohenjo-Daro): A large, public bathing area made of baked brick, possibly used for religious or ceremonial purposes. The bath was connected to a complex system of drains, reinforcing the idea that hygiene and ritual were important aspects of life.
- Granaries: Large structures believed to be used for storing grain. Their size and the presence of standardized weights suggest the importance of trade, agriculture, and resource management.
6. Standardized Weights and Measures:
Both cities had a system of standardized weights and measures, indicating a highly organized economic system. Small cubes and rods, made of materials like stone, have been found and believed to be part of a trade and measurement system.
7. Water Supply:
The cities were built near major rivers (the Indus River for Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro), providing a consistent water supply. There is evidence of wells and possibly water reservoirs, ensuring the inhabitants had access to clean water.
8. No Evidence of Defensive Structures:
Unlike many other ancient cities, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa did not have significant defensive walls or fortifications, which suggests that the cities might have been relatively peaceful or that their urban planning was focused more on internal infrastructure rather than protection.
9. Urban Economy:
Both cities had thriving economies based on agriculture, craft production, and trade. Evidence of bead-making, pottery, and metallurgy has been found, as well as trade goods like lapis lazuli and ivory from distant regions. This indicates that both cities were connected to a larger trade network.
In summary, the cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa are prime examples of early urban sophistication, with highly organized layouts, advanced infrastructure, and a focus on sanitation and water management. The precision and planning involved in these cities still astonish archaeologists today, showing how advanced the Indus Valley Civilization was.