Mains Focus
Mains Focus – 11th Sept 2025
Question
Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (150 words, 10 marks) [UPSC -2025]
Answer
The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500–1750 BCE), also called the Harappan Civilization, is notable for its advanced urban planning and architectural achievements, which reflect scientific knowledge, civic sense, and social organization.
Salient Features of Harappan Architecture:
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Urban Planning: Cities like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira, and Kalibangan were built on a grid pattern with streets cutting each other at right angles, showing planned growth.
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Use of Standardized Material: Uniform baked bricks of standardized dimensions were used extensively in houses, public buildings, and drainage, indicating centralized control.
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Town Layout: A clear division between the Citadel (acropolis) for public structures and the Lower Town for residences reflected socio-political hierarchy.
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Public Architecture:
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Great Bath at Mohenjodaro – an elaborate water tank with waterproof brickwork, likely used for ritual purposes.
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Granaries – massive brick platforms at Harappa and Mohenjodaro, indicating surplus storage and state control over resources.
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Assembly Halls and Pillared Halls – suggesting spaces for community or administrative purposes.
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Residential Architecture: Houses, often two-storied, had courtyards, private wells, bathrooms, and access to underground drainage, reflecting concern for privacy and hygiene.
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Drainage System: Covered drains with inspection holes ran along main streets, ensuring efficient waste disposal and water management – a hallmark of Harappan civic engineering.
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Fortifications: Many sites had massive walls and gateways, suggesting defense as well as demarcation of sacred and secular spaces.
Conclusion:
Harappan architecture was utilitarian, scientific, and standardized, revealing a highly organized urban culture. Its emphasis on drainage, planning, and public structures demonstrates that the civilization valued collective welfare, making it a pioneering model of ancient urbanism.
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