Ancient Civilizations And Their Locations Questions Medium
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were two prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2600 to 1900 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. Both cities showcased remarkable urban planning and infrastructure for their time.
Urban Planning:
The cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were meticulously planned, with a well-organized layout and a grid-like street system. The streets were laid out in a north-south and east-west orientation, intersecting at right angles, forming a grid pattern. This systematic planning allowed for easy navigation and efficient movement within the cities.
Infrastructure:
The infrastructure of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro was highly advanced for their time. Both cities had a sophisticated water management system, which included a complex network of underground drainage systems, public and private wells, and public baths. The drainage system consisted of covered drains that ran beneath the streets, ensuring the efficient disposal of waste and rainwater.
The cities also had well-built houses made of baked bricks, with multiple rooms and courtyards. The houses were often two or three stories high, indicating a dense population. The buildings were constructed with uniformity, suggesting a standardized construction technique.
Furthermore, both cities had public buildings and structures, including granaries, administrative centers, and public gathering spaces. The Great Bath in Mohenjo-daro is a notable example, which was a large public bathing area built with bricks and lined with waterproof materials.
The presence of these well-planned cities, advanced infrastructure, and public amenities in Harappa and Mohenjo-daro indicates a high level of urban sophistication and centralized governance. The urban planning and infrastructure of these ancient cities demonstrate the remarkable achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization in creating organized and functional urban spaces.