Architecture Harappan Civilization was very different and unique, when compared with any other civilizations of the time and shows certain elements which later civilizations of the Indian civilization borrowed from.

Town Planning in Harappan Civilization

The main prespective behind the architecture of Harappan Civilization is that of utilitarian. They were also one of the first to introduce separate worker’s quaters. The cities in Harappan civilization didn’t have same town designs but most of the buildings followed a similar pattern.

Grid Pattern

Harappa and Mohenjodaro were laid down in the grid pattern and the provisions for an advanced drainage system was laid down. The orientation of same was from East to West. Each street was having well organized drainage system.

Streets

The streets and roadways were all straight mostly and intersected at the right angle. All roadways were constructed with burned bricks, with the lenght of each of brick being four times its height and also breadth being two times its height.

Great Bath

The Great Bath is most notable feature of the Mohenjodaro and it is made up of big quadrangle. It was located within the city and was a huge rectangular tank which might have been used for some special rites or cermonial bathing.

Houses

The houses were mostly of various sizes and some of the houses had two levels:

The dwellings were constructed mostly of smoldering bricks and had a central courtyard, a well, bathing place and a kitchen were mostly included in most dwellings.

Each house was connected to efficient drainage system which included many developed structures.

Gateways

Some of the cities in Harappan cities had just one doorway like that of Lothal and Balu, while others like Kalibangan and Surkotada had two or more. The gateways were mostly of either plain entry and some were of unique significance.

Fortification Wall

Fortification wall was to defend certain important Early Harappan towns and the fortess wall defended Rehman Dehri, Tarakai Qila, Kohtras, Buthi, Mehrgarh, Dhalewan and others of the Harappan Civilization.