QUES . What features of architecture indicate that Mohenjo-daro was a planned urban centre? UPSC IES/ISS EXAM 2023 General Studies. 200 Words. 5 Marks

HINTS:

Mohenjodaro, one of the major cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, is considered to be one of the earliest planned urban centers in the world. It was located in present-day Pakistan and flourished around 2600 BCE. The city was discovered in the 1920s by archaeologists and has since provided valuable insights into the sophisticated urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization. Lessons from the urban planning and cultural aspects of Indus Valley Civilisation

Layout and Organization

The city was built on a raised platform, indicating a well-planned layout. It covered an area of about 250 acres and was divided into two major sectors – the Citadel and the Lower Town. The Citadel, located on the western side of the city, was a fortified area that housed important public buildings, including the Great Bath, the granaries, and the assembly hall. The Lower Town, spread over a larger area, consisted of residential areas, marketplaces, and workshops. The city was surrounded by a well-built defensive wall with multiple gateways for entry and exit. Architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization

Street Planning

The streets of Mohenjodaro were laid out in a grid-like pattern, forming a well-organized network. They were straight, narrow, and intersected at right angles. The main streets were wider than the smaller lanes, indicating their importance as major thoroughfares. The presence of covered drains beneath the streets suggests an advanced sanitation system for waste disposal. Urban planning and culture in the Indus Valley Civilization

Residential Planning

The houses in Mohenjodaro were constructed using standardized burnt bricks, indicating a uniform architectural style. The houses were multi-storeyed, made of mud bricks, and had flat roofs. They were arranged in a systematic pattern, with narrow lanes separating them. Most houses had their own private wells and bathrooms, suggesting a focus on cleanliness and hygiene.

Public Buildings and Amenities

The Great Bath, a significant public structure, was a large water tank built with bricks and sealed with a waterproof lining. It is believed to have been used for ritual bathing or as a communal swimming pool. The presence of granaries suggests that the city had a well-organized system of food storage and distribution. Other public buildings included an assembly hall, where important administrative and religious activities may have taken place.

Thus, the planned layout, organized street system, and well-constructed buildings of Mohenjodaro highlight the high level of urban planning and engineering skills of the Indus Valley Civilization. The city’s emphasis on sanitation, public amenities, and standardized construction techniques further reflect the advanced nature of this ancient urban center. The ruins of Mohenjodaro continue to provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Must read: Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization

External link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilisation