Town Planning

Urban Layout of the Indus Valley Civilization

  - The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was known for its well-planned cities.

  - Cities were typically divided into two main parts:

Citadel or Acropolis (Western Side)

      - Smaller area situated on higher ground in the west.

      - Likely occupied by ruling class members.

      - Notable structures like the Great Bath in Mohenjodaro were found here.

     Lower Town (Eastern Side)

      - Larger area on lower ground towards the east.

      - Inhabited by common people.

      - Common residential buildings made of burnt bricks were found here.

Citadel (Acropolis)

  - Possibly where rulers and important individuals lived.

  - Significant structures and public amenities were located here.

  - Served as a symbol of authority and prominence in the city.

Lower Town

  - Main residential area for ordinary citizens.

  - Houses constructed using burnt bricks, a common building material.

  - Diverse community of common people lived and worked here.

The Citadel was where the rulers probably lived, and it had important buildings. The Lower Town was where most people lived in regular houses made of baked bricks. This layout shows how organized and structured the Indus Valley cities were. 

Revision Activity: Town Planning of the Indus Valley Civilization

Time: 10 minutes
Total Questions: 8

1. Multiple Choice (MCQ)
Which part of the Indus Valley city was located on higher ground?
a) Lower Town
b) Citadel
c) Marketplace
d) Granary

2. Fill in the Blank
The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro was located in the __________.

3. True or False
The Lower Town was mainly occupied by rulers and elites.

4. Short Answer
Name the main building material used for houses in the Lower Town.

5. Match the Following
Match the features with the correct part of the city:

a) Citadel → i. Common people lived here
b) Lower Town → ii. Great Bath and public structures

6. Reasoning Question (2–3 sentences)
Why do you think the Citadel was built on higher ground compared to the Lower Town?

7. One Word Answer
What term is used for the western, elevated part of the city?

8. Diagram/Label Question (Optional Quick Sketch)
Draw a simple box diagram showing the Citadel (west, smaller, higher) and Lower Town (east, larger, lower). Label them correctly.

Construction Techniques

  - Houses were commonly built using burnt bricks.

  - Cities were organized in a grid system with many blocks.

House Features

  - Houses were often two or more stories tall.

  - Each house had its own courtyard, windows, bathrooms, and some even had wells.

  - Windows did not face the streets for privacy.

  - Roads intersected at right angles, forming a grid-like pattern.

Drainage System

  - The Indus Valley Civilization had an impressive drainage system.

  - Drains were constructed using mortar, lime, and gypsum.

  - They were slightly sloped and had manholes at regular intervals for cleaning.

Granaries

  - Granaries, used for storing grains, have been discovered at sites like Mohenjodaro.

The Indus Valley Civilization demonstrated advanced urban planning and engineering skills, including sophisticated house construction, a well-organized street layout, efficient drainage systems, and facilities for storing essential resources like grains.

drainage system in IVC (Indus Valley civilization)

Roads in the Indus Valley Civilization

1. Grid System:

   • Layout: Cities were built with streets in a grid pattern, meaning they crossed each other at right angles like a checkerboard.

   • Main and Side Streets: Main streets were wide enough for carts, while side streets were narrower, leading to homes.

2. Construction:

   • Paved Roads: Some roads were made with baked bricks or packed earth.

   • Drainage: Roads had covered drains alongside them to carry waste away, showing they cared about cleanliness.

3. Connectivity:

   • Interconnectedness: The roads connected homes, markets, and work areas, making it easy to move around.

   • Standardization: Roads in different cities were similar, suggesting they had a central plan or rule.

The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro

1. Structure and Design:

   • Size: The Great Bath was a big rectangular pool, about 12 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 2.4 meters deep.

   • Construction: Made from tight-fitting bricks and sealed with bitumen (a tar-like substance) to make it waterproof.

2. Water Management:

   • Water Supply: Water came from a nearby well.

   • Drainage System: It had a good drainage system to empty and clean the bath.

3. Purpose and Use:

   • Ritualistic Significance: It was probably used for religious or purification rituals.

   • Public Utility: Its size and location suggest it was a public place used by many people.

4. Architectural Features:

   • Surrounding Rooms: Rooms around the bath might have been used for changing clothes.

   • Steps and Platforms: There were steps to get in and out of the bath and platforms around it.

Importance of Roads and the Great Bath

• Urban Planning: Well-planned roads and public buildings show the civilization was well-organized.

• Technological Advancement: The way they built roads and the Great Bath shows they were skilled engineers.

• Social and Cultural Life: The Great Bath was likely used for social and religious activities, showing the importance of community and rituals. Roads made trade and daily life easier.

These features show that the Indus Valley Civilization was very advanced for its time.