Indus Valley Civilization Homes: Built of Baked Bricks

The large cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE)—such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Dholavira—featured residential structures primarily made of standardized, kiln-fired (baked) bricks.

Construction Details

• Uniform dimensions: Bricks followed a consistent 4:2:1 ratio (e.g., 28×14×7 cm), enabling modular, sturdy walls.
• Mud bricks (sun-dried) were also used, especially for foundations, internal partitions, or in smaller settlements.
• Advanced urban planning: Grid streets, drainage systems, multi-story houses, and private wells—all enabled by durable brick construction.

This standardization reflects centralized production, engineering sophistication, and a high degree of social organization—hallmarks of one of the world's earliest urban cultures.