Discuss the main charactertics of urban planning of harrapan civilization..
And Discuss the economic of
harrapan civilization with special reference to its internal and external trades..in 2500 words
The urban planning of the Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was
characterized by advanced city layouts, sophisticated drainage systems, and a high degree of
organization. These features provide insights into the social, economic, and political structure of one of
the earliest urban societies in history.
Urban Planning in the Harappan Civilization:
Grid Layouts: Harappan cities such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa exhibited a well-planned grid layout,
with streets intersecting at right angles, indicative of advanced urban planning.
Citadel and Lower Town: Most Harappan cities had a distinct citadel area, likely serving administrative or
religious purposes, situated on high ground. The lower town surrounding the citadel was densely
populated and organized into residential and commercial zones.
Drainage Systems: One of the remarkable features of Harappan urban planning was the sophisticated
drainage systems. The streets were laid out with covered drains to manage wastewater and prevent
flooding, showcasing a high level of engineering prowess.
Standardized Architecture: The Harappans employed standardized brick sizes and construction
techniques, suggesting central planning and administration.
Public Buildings: Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of public buildings, possibly used for
communal gatherings, religious ceremonies, or administrative functions.
Granaries and Warehouses: Storage facilities, such as granaries and warehouses, have been discovered
in Harappan cities, indicating centralized control over food storage and distribution.
Residential Layouts: Residential areas were organized into neighborhoods, with houses constructed of
baked brick, featuring private wells and courtyards.
Economic System of the Harappan Civilization:
The economy of the Harappan civilization was supported by agricultural surpluses, craft specialization,
trade networks, and possibly a centralized authority overseeing economic activities.
Agriculture: The fertile Indus River Valley provided the foundation for agricultural productivity, with
crops such as wheat, barley, peas, and cotton cultivated using sophisticated irrigation systems.
Craft Specialization: Harappan society exhibited significant craft specialization, with artisans producing a
wide range of goods including pottery, jewelry, seals, and tools. This specialization suggests a division of
labor and a market for these goods.
Trade Networks: The Harappan civilization engaged in extensive internal and external trade, evidenced
by the discovery of artifacts such as seals, pottery, and beads in distant regions. Trade routes connected
the Indus Valley with Mesopotamia, Oman, Bahrain, and other regions, facilitating the exchange of goods
such as raw materials, finished products, and luxury items.
Seals and Trade: The presence of seals with inscriptions and standardized motifs suggests a system of
economic administration and control, possibly for marking goods or indicating ownership in trade
transactions.
Urban Economy: Urban centers served as hubs for economic activities, with markets where goods were
bought, sold, and exchanged. The presence of granaries and storage facilities indicates centralized
control over food supplies, essential for supporting urban populations.
External Trade: Harappan merchants traded with civilizations in Mesopotamia, exchanging goods such as
copper, carnelian, and luxury items. The discovery of Harappan artifacts in Mesopotamian cities like Ur
and Susa indicates the extent of these trade networks.
Decline of the Civilization: The reasons for the decline of the Harappan civilization are still debated, but
factors such as environmental degradation, climate change, and possibly economic factors such as shifts
in trade routes or internal conflicts may have played a role.
In conclusion, the urban planning and economic system of the Harappan civilization reveal a highly
organized and sophisticated society with advanced engineering, craft specialization, and extensive trade
networks. Despite the eventual decline of the civilization, its legacy continues to provide valuable
insights into the origins of urbanism and complex economies in ancient societies.
