FREE IGNOU MHI-105 SOLVED ASSIGNMENT 2023-24
2. Chief Characteristic Features of Harappan Cities
The ancient Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, thrived around 3300-1300 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. The cities of this civilization exhibited several characteristic features that set them apart and provide insights into their advanced urban planning and organization:
Urban Layout and Planning: Harappan cities were meticulously planned, featuring a grid-like layout with well-organized streets intersecting at right angles. This urban design suggests a high level of central authority and urban administration. The cities had fortified citadels, often built on elevated platforms, which could have served as administrative and ritual centers.
Advanced Drainage System: One of the most remarkable features of Harappan cities was their sophisticated drainage system. Streets and houses were equipped with well-laid, covered drains that efficiently managed wastewater and sanitation. The presence of public and private wells further highlights the civilization’s focus on water management.
Standardized Architecture: The architecture of Harappan cities exhibited a standardized and uniform style, suggesting a centralized authority overseeing construction practices. Houses were often built using standardized mud-brick sizes, and similar architectural elements were found across different cities, indicating a level of urban planning and control.
Public Buildings and Granaries: Harappan cities had well-defined public spaces and buildings, including granaries and public baths. Granaries, with their thick walls and raised platforms, suggest a focus on food storage and distribution. Public baths indicate the civilization’s emphasis on cleanliness and sanitation.
Trade and Craftsmanship: The presence of dockyards and warehouses near the ancient course of the Indus River points to the importance of trade and maritime activities. Harappan cities engaged in long-distance trade, as evidenced by the discovery of seals and artifacts from Mesopotamia. The cities were centers of craftsmanship, producing pottery, beads, metal objects, and intricate carvings.
Writing System: While the Harappan script remains undeciphered, the presence of inscriptions on seals and artifacts indicates a form of writing or record-keeping. This suggests a complex administrative system and the ability to manage economic and social activities.
Civic Organization: The uniformity of city layouts, standardized architecture, and presence of public buildings suggest a centralized authority responsible for urban planning and governance. This indicates a degree of civic organization and social cohesion within the Harappan cities.
Religious and Ritual Practices: Harappan cities featured a variety of structures that may have had religious or ritual significance, such as the Great Bath and the Pillared Hall. The presence of these structures suggests the importance of religious practices and communal gatherings in the civilization’s urban life.
Decline and Abandonment: The Harappan cities eventually declined and were gradually abandoned. The reasons for this decline are still debated among scholars and may include factors such as environmental changes, shifts in trade routes, and social or political disruptions.
In conclusion, the Harappan cities exhibited distinctive features that reflected their advanced urban planning, efficient infrastructure, economic activities, and social organization. The civilization’s standardized architecture, advanced drainage systems, and organized layout offer valuable insights into the sophistication of urban life during the Indus Valley Civilization.
