Indus Valley Civilization: Architecture & Urban Planning
(c. 2600 BCE – 1900 BCE)
The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the world’s earliest and most advanced urban civilizations. It developed along the Indus River and its tributaries in present-day India and Pakistan. Architecturally, it is known for scientific town planning, standardized construction, and advanced civic infrastructure.
1. Geographical Extent
Spread across northwestern India and Pakistan.
- Major river systems: Indus, Ravi, Chenab, Ghaggar-Hakra
- Important sites:
- Harappa
- Mohenjo-daro
- Dholavira
- Lothal
- Kalibangan
- Rakhigarhi
2. Town Planning
Indus cities show highly developed urban planning.
Key Features
- Grid-iron pattern (streets intersecting at right angles)
- City divided into:
- Citadel (Upper Town) – public and administrative buildings
- Lower Town – residential area
- Roads laid north–south and east–west
- Main streets wide; secondary streets narrow
Note: Indicates central planning and strong civic authority.
3. Residential Architecture
- Houses built along streets in rows
- Mostly rectangular plan
- One or two storeys
- Houses opened into internal courtyards
- Minimal openings on main streets (privacy)
House Features
- Living rooms
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Wells in some houses
- Staircases (suggesting upper floors)
4. Building Materials & Construction
- Burnt bricks (standardized size ratio: 1:2:4)
- Mud bricks used in less important structures
- Lime or mud mortar
- Timber used for doors and roofs
- Flat roofs with wooden beams and mud covering
Note: Use of standardized bricks shows advanced construction technology.
5. Drainage and Sanitation System
One of the greatest achievements of Indus architecture.
- Covered underground drains
- Drains connected from houses to main street drains
- Sloped for smooth flow of waste
- Inspection chambers for cleaning
- Bathrooms connected to drains
6. Public and Civic Buildings
a) Great Bath (Mohenjo-daro)
- Rectangular tank
- Brick-lined and waterproofed with bitumen
- Steps on both sides
- Used for ritual bathing
b) Granaries
- Large storage structures
- Found at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro
- Indicate surplus agricultural production
c) Assembly Halls & Warehouses
- Large pillared halls
- Used for administrative or commercial activities
7. Fortification & Citadel
- Cities had fortified citadels
- Raised on mud platforms
- Thick walls for protection
- Public buildings located here
8. Special Architectural Sites
a) Dholavira
- Unique three-part city planning
- Massive stone construction
- Advanced water management system
- Large reservoirs and step tanks
b) Lothal
- Famous dockyard
- Evidence of maritime trade
- Well-planned warehouse and drainage
9. Art, Craft & Urban Life (Architectural Context)
- Seals, pottery, sculptures
- Uniformity in design
- No monumental temples or palaces
- Architecture focused on functionality and civic life
10. Architectural Significance
- First example of planned urban architecture
- Scientific use of geometry and proportions
- Emphasis on:
- Hygiene
- Order
- Function
- Foundation for later Indian town planning concepts
Conclusion
The Indus Valley Civilization represents the peak of prehistoric urban architecture. Its well-planned cities, standardized construction, advanced drainage systems, and functional public buildings reflect a highly organized and sophisticated society. The architectural principles developed during this period laid the foundation for future urban development in the Indian subcontinent.