Mohenjo-Daro A Masterpiece of Ancient Urban Planning
Mohenjo-Daro A Masterpiece of Ancient Urban Planning
Published on March, 28th 2025 Time To Read: 2 mins
Mohenjo-Daro: A Masterpiece of Ancient Urban Planning
Mohenjo-Daro, one of the most significant cities of the Indus Valley
Civilization (IVC) (2600–1900 BCE), was a highly planned urban center located
in present-day Sindh, Pakistan. It stood as a testament to the Harappans'
advanced knowledge of city planning, sanitation, and architecture,
highlighting their well-organized socio-economic structure.
Two Sections of Settlement
Mohenjo-Daro was systematically divided into two primary sections, each
serving distinct purposes:
1. Citadel (Smaller but Higher Section)
- Built on a raised, artificially constructed mound, possibly for defense
and administrative control.
- Contained key public buildings and structures:
- Great Bath – A large, waterproof, rectangular water
tank, possibly used for ritualistic or ceremonial bathing.
- Granary – A vast storage facility, likely used to store
surplus grains for distribution.
- Assembly Halls – Large pillared structures, possibly
used for public gatherings, governance, or administrative meetings.
- Fire Altars – Indications of religious or ritualistic
activities, suggesting the presence of spiritual practices.
2. Lower Town (Larger but Lower Section)
- The main residential and commercial hub of the city, built at a lower
level than the Citadel.
- Consisted of well-planned multi-roomed houses, some
featuring courtyards and private wells.
- Organized in a grid-pattern layout, with streets
intersecting at right angles, dividing the city into well-defined blocks.
- Featured an advanced drainage system, including covered
sewers and soak pits, reflecting remarkable urban sanitation.
Town Planning & Architectural Features
- Burnt Brick Construction – Buildings were made using
standardized, uniformly sized baked bricks, ensuring structural durability.
- Wide, Straight Roads – Roads were laid in a precise
north-south and east-west grid pattern, allowing for smooth movement within
the city.
- Underground Drainage System – A highly developed network
of brick-lined drains connected to houses, ensuring efficient waste
management and sanitation.
- Public Wells & Bathing Areas – Indicating a
sophisticated understanding of hygiene and community water management.
Conclusion
Mohenjo-Daro was one of the earliest examples of a meticulously planned city,
demonstrating a clear division of administrative, residential, and commercial
spaces. Its impressive drainage system, well-structured streets, and
monumental buildings highlight the ingenuity and organization of the Indus
Valley Civilization. This ancient city remains a symbol of early human
achievement in urban development, setting the foundation for future
civilizations
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