The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation | Class 6 Social Science Notes

The Towns and Cities of the Harappan Civilisation

The towns and cities of the Harappan Civilisation were remarkable for their advanced urban planning and architecture. Each city was divided into two main parts: the citadel and the lower town. The citadel was a raised area that housed important buildings such as granaries, public baths, and assembly halls. It was often fortified with thick walls to protect the city. The lower town was where the majority of the population lived, with houses arranged in a grid pattern along wide streets. The streets were laid out in straight lines, intersecting at right angles, demonstrating a planned approach to urban development. Houses were built with baked bricks and had flat roofs. Many houses had private wells and bathrooms connected to an efficient drainage system. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro is a famous example of public architecture, used possibly for ritual bathing. The cities also had marketplaces, workshops, and docks, indicating a thriving economy. The drainage system was one of the most advanced features, with covered drains running alongside the streets to carry waste water away from the city, helping maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

📊 Diagram: Fig. 6.4. A wide street at Kalibangan (Rajasthan), in the lower town area.; Fig. 6.6. Mohenjo-daro's Great Bath

🧪 Activity: Observe pictures of Harappan cities and identify features of urban planning such as streets, drainage, and public buildings.

🔗 Connection: This section leads to the next by explaining how the economy supported these urban centres.