Understanding Harappan City Layouts

According to archaeological findings, ancient Harappan cities, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, were often divided into distinct sections. This layout was a notable feature of their urban planning.

Archaeologists have observed that typically, cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were divided into at least two main parts:

• The part to the west.
• The part to the east.

Characteristics of the Western Part of Harappan Cities

Excavations by archaeologists reveal that the section located to the west of the main city area had specific characteristics:

• It was generally smaller in area compared to the eastern section.
• It was built on a platform or mound, making it higher than the surrounding area.
• This elevation often gave it a fortified appearance, suggesting it might have been walled.

This higher, smaller western part of the Harappan city was known by a specific term used by archaeologists.

Identifying the Western Part: The Citadel

Based on their observations of the layout and structure of Harappan cities, archaeologists named the smaller, higher area to the west the Citadel.

The Citadel is believed to have possibly housed buildings of importance, such as those used for administration or religious ceremonies. It stood distinctly separate, though often connected or adjacent, to the lower residential area.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options in the context of Harappan city planning:

1. Citadel: This term is used by archaeologists to describe the smaller, higher western part of the Harappan city. This aligns with the description in the question.
2. Olympus: Olympus is a mountain in Greece associated with Greek mythology, not related to Harappan civilization or city parts.
3. Lower town: The Lower town refers to the larger, lower part of the Harappan city, typically located to the east, where most of the residential buildings were found. This is the opposite of the description in the question (smaller and higher).
4. Colosseum: The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheatre in Rome, Italy, associated with Roman civilization, not related to Harappan cities.

Therefore, according to archaeologists studying Harappan cities, the part to the west that was smaller and higher was known as the Citadel.

Revision Table: Harappan City Planning Terms

Additional Information on Harappan Urban Features

Harappan cities displayed advanced urban planning for their time. Beyond the division into Citadel and Lower Town, other notable features observed by archaeologists included:

• Grid System: Streets and lanes were laid out in a grid pattern, intersecting at right angles.
• Drainage System: A sophisticated closed drainage system connected individual house drains to larger street drains.
• Burnt Bricks: Buildings were often constructed using standardized burnt bricks, which were durable.
• House Planning: Houses were often centered around a courtyard, with rooms on all sides. Privacy was a consideration, with no windows on the ground-level outer walls in many cases.

These features collectively indicate a high degree of planning and organization in the Harappan civilization.