Sophisticated City Planning of the Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) demonstrated remarkable urban planning. Key examples include:

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro: The Twin Capitals

• Grid-based street layouts with wide main avenues and smaller lanes.
• Standardized baked-brick construction with intricate craftsmanship.
• Advanced drainage and sanitation systems, including covered sewers.
• Large public structures: granaries, warehouses, and the Great Bath (Mohenjo-Daro).
• Estimated populations exceeding 50,000 each.

Other Notable Cities

• Dholavira (Gujarat): Largest IVC site; grid plan divided by two main streets; massive fortifications (walls 7m high, 3m thick); sophisticated water reservoirs.
• Kalibangan (Rajasthan): Grid layout with a citadel and lower town; fire altars and a plowed field discovered.
• Lothal (Gujarat): Major port city with a tidal dockyard (218m x 37m); massive seawall for flood protection; bead-making factory.

These cities reveal a civilization with advanced engineering, municipal governance, and standardized weights and measures—hallmarks of a highly organized society.