Common Features of Indus Valley Civilization Cities

Urban Planning Marvels of the Bronze Age (c. 2600–1900 BCE)

Excavations at Harappa, Mohenjo‑daro, Dholavira, etc., reveal striking uniformity:

1. Grid Layout: Streets at right angles, organized blocks.
2. Standardized Bricks: Uniform 28×14×7 cm fired bricks.
3. Advanced Drainage: Covered sewers, terracotta pipes, household connections.
4. Water Management: Wells, reservoirs, Great Bath (Mohenjo‑daro).
5. Fortifications: Citadels, walls, gateways.
6. Public Buildings: Granaries, assembly halls, possible ritual structures.
7. Craft Specialization: Bead‑making, metallurgy, seal carving.
8. Weights & Measures: Cubical chert weights in precise ratios.

These features indicate strong central planning, municipal governance, and a high degree of social organization.