Understanding Harappan Town Planning Features

The Harappan civilization is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning. Let's analyze each statement provided about the town planning of Harappan cities to identify the correct ones.

1. Harappan settlements were divided into two sections.
   This statement is generally true for major Harappan cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa. The settlements were typically divided into a higher part, known as the citadel, and a lower town. The citadel often contained important public buildings, while the lower town was where common residents lived.
2. Roads and streets of Harappan cities were laid in an approximate grid pattern.
   This statement is correct. A hallmark of Harappan town planning was the well-organized street layout. Roads and streets cut across each other at right angles, dividing the city into rectangular blocks. This systematic approach is known as the grid pattern.
3. There were windows in the walls along the road.
   This statement is generally incorrect. To maintain privacy, the main entrances of houses usually faced narrow lanes, and house walls along the main roads were typically blank, with windows facing inner courtyards rather than the streets.
4. The Great Bath was a large square tank in Mohenjodaro.
   This statement is incorrect. While the Great Bath in Mohenjodaro was a significant structure, it was a large rectangular tank, not square. It measured approximately 11.88 × 7.01 meters, with a depth of 2.43 meters.
5. Drainage systems were small and not planned.
   This statement is incorrect. One of the most impressive features of Harappan cities was their elaborate and well-planned drainage system. Drains were covered with bricks or stone slabs, and houses had their own drains connected to the main street drains. This indicates a high degree of planning and sanitation awareness.

Identifying Correct Statements about Harappan Cities

Based on the analysis of each statement:

• Statement A is correct.
• Statement B is correct.
• Statement C is incorrect.
• Statement D is incorrect (Great Bath was rectangular).
• Statement E is incorrect (Drainage was extensive and planned).

Therefore, the correct statements are A and B.

The Harappan civilization's town planning was remarkably advanced for its time, featuring organized layouts, sophisticated drainage, and clear segregation of urban areas.

Revision Table: Harappan Town Planning Key Features

Additional Information: Harappan Civilization Insights

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished around 2600 to 1900 BCE. Key aspects include:

• Major Sites: Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan, Banawali, Dholavira.
• Economy: Based on agriculture (wheat, barley, cotton) and trade (internal and with Mesopotamia).
• Script: Undeciphered pictographic script found on seals.
• Art and Craft: Terracotta figurines, seals, pottery, bronze and copper objects.
• Decline: Various theories include environmental changes (floods, droughts), tectonic shifts, or invasion.

Studying Harappan town planning provides valuable insights into the organizational capacity and technological advancements of this ancient civilization.