Urban Planning of Indus valley civilization
(Relevant for Historical Section of General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) thrived during its formative years from 3300 to 1300 BCE, followed by its mature phase from 2600 to 1900 BCE. This civilization’s territory stretched alongside the Indus River, encompassing regions that are now found in northeast Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India.
Among the early civilizations of antiquity, including Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) held the widest geographical expanse. Notably, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro stood as the prominent urban centers of this civilization, emerging around 2600 BCE within the Indus River Valley, specifically within the Sindh and Punjab provinces of present-day Pakistan. The excavation and unveiling of these cities during the 19th and 20th centuries yielded valuable archaeological insights into ancient societies.
Key features of IVC are:
- It features an advanced urban planning structure.
- The urban layout includes a citadel or acropolis, which was likely inhabited by the ruling elite.
- Beneath the citadel in each city, a lower town housed brick residences, occupied by the general populace. Notably, the cities were organized in a grid-like pattern, which is a noteworthy aspect of their design.
- The presence of granaries was a significant feature within the Harappan urban centers.
- The utilization of fired bricks was a distinctive characteristic of construction in Harappan cities.
- The drainage system in Mohenjodaro stood out as remarkably efficient.
- In nearly all cities, each dwelling, irrespective of size, possessed its own courtyard and bathroom. Wide streets intersecting at right angles, forming a grid layout, were a prevalent feature in the urban planning of the Harappan cities, echoing a common element in modern urban design.
Influence of Indus valley civilization in present times
- Contemporary Chandigarh City: Constructed in modern times, Chandigarh’s layout features a rectangular shape and grid system, promoting efficient traffic movement and a reduced spatial footprint. Similar to the Indus Valley Civilization, a clear distinction between private residences and public areas was maintained.
- Upper and Lower Town Layout in the Present: The principles observed in the Indus Valley Civilization appear to have strongly influenced the division of today’s urban landscapes. Historical urban areas were divided into dedicated sections for the elite, housing for the general population, communal bathing facilities, and more. These concepts have significantly influenced the design of current city centers, suburban neighborhoods, governmental edifices, and other modern structures.
- Storage Facilities: The design of contemporary storage facilities seems to draw inspiration from ancient trading zones, granaries, and harbor areas.
- Effective Drainage Systems: The cities developed during the Indus Valley Civilization boasted sophisticated sewage and water management systems. Numerous archaeological sites from this period featured interconnected houses with varying numbers of rooms, equipped with excellent drainage infrastructure. Similarly, in present-day urban centers, we encounter comparable drainage networks where household waste is channeled through internal systems and ultimately connected to external sewage networks.
- Cultural and Religious Continuity: Elements of the Indus Valley Civilization’s religious practices are still observed today. For instance, the deity Pashupati from the IVC is revered as Shiva, and many rituals associated with fertility, as well as the veneration of trees, snakes, and phallic symbols, persist in India and neighbouring regions.
Urban planning in the modern era is inferred to share many characteristics with that of the civilizations of the Indus valley. Town planning at the time was done efficiently and in a futuristic manner using new methods.
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