The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were noted for their baked brick homes and intricate drainage systems, which demonstrated their superior urban planning. The houses in Harappan cities were typically made of baked bricks and had multiple rooms, often arranged around a central courtyard. Some houses had multiple stories, indicating a relatively affluent society.
The towns of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization were noted for their advanced urban features and magnificent civil infrastructure. Cities such as Mohenjodaro and Harappa were methodically organized, with grid-like street layouts. Streets connected at right angles, resulting in city blocks, a feature of modern urban design. The planning demonstrated a thorough understanding of civil engineering and governance.
One of the Indus towns’ unique traits was the use of baked bricks to create houses, walls, and public buildings. These bricks were standardized, indicating a well-organized manufacturing process. This process varied from the sun-dried bricks employed in modern Mesopotamian cities, providing higher endurance against environmental conditions.
The Indus cities had a highly advanced drainage system. Each house was connected to an underground drainage system, which consisted of brick-lined canals. They provided inspection covers for routine maintenance. This focus on sanitation shows the priority placed on public health and hygiene.
The city was outfitted with public and private wells in homes, providing easy access to water. The advanced water systems included reservoirs and water storage tanks, like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro, which may have been utilized for ritualistic purposes. Dholavira’s water management systems demonstrate advanced hydraulic engineering understanding.
Cities possessed enormous public or administrative facilities, such as granaries and assembly rooms. These structures served a variety of civic, commercial, and administrative purposes. For example, the granaries represented large-scale food storage and distribution systems, which are critical for controlling the city’s food supply.
Their excellent drainage systems, durable brick building, public amenities, and attention to hygiene and water management distinguished them as one of the most forward-thinking civilizations of their era. However, gradual climatic shifts and environmental pressures indicated a tipping point, resulting in their final collapse.