UPSC Mains – The existence of a modern and urban civilization is reflected in the ancient Harappan architecture. Discuss with examples. (10M, 150 words)

Introduction

The Harappan civilization, flourishing in the Indus Valley from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, showcases a profound architectural heritage characterized by remarkable urban planning, engineering prowess, and artistic finesse. This challenges conventional views on the sophistication of ancient urban civilizations.

Body

The imprint of modern and urban civilization is discernible in ancient Harappan architecture:

1. Advanced Urban Layout: Chandigarh, a contemporary city, adopts a grid system reminiscent of the Indus Valley Civilization, ensuring efficient traffic flow and a compact city design.
2. Standardized Brick Sizes: Harappan cities employed uniform brick sizes, suggesting a level of consistency and potentially centralized planning—reminiscent of modern construction practices reliant on standardized building materials.
3. Urban Segregation Influence: Modern metropolitan areas, characterized by distinct upper and lower towns, echo the social divisions observed in the Indus Valley. Cities like Mumbai exemplify this contrast between affluent areas and densely populated neighborhoods.

1. Storage for Food Grains: Contemporary storage facilities, such as the Food Corporation of India’s warehouses and logistics hubs, draw inspiration from the efficient storage methods observed in the trading districts, granaries, and dockyards of the Indus Valley Civilization.
2. Advanced Drainage Systems: Contemporary Indian cities like Bangalore and Chennai owe their sophisticated sewage and drainage systems to the early mastery of urban drainage witnessed in the Indus Valley, exemplified by well-connected room drains.
3. Continuation of Cultural and Religious Practices: Modern religious practices, including the veneration of Pashupati (now Shiva), and the persistence of fertility cults, tree worship, snake worship, and phallic symbols, can be traced back to the cultural and religious heritage of the Indus Valley Civilization.
4. Integration of Amenities: Modern Indian cities incorporate public baths, wells, and sewage systems into their urban planning, echoing the Indus Valley’s emphasis on public health and sanitation.
5. Multi-Storeyed Buildings: High-rise apartment complexes in cities like Mumbai, Noida, and Gurugram reflect the modern adaptation of multi-storeyed housing, reminiscent of the innovative living spaces in ancient Mohenjo-Daro.
6. Modular Construction: Contemporary Indian construction practices often involve standardized building materials and modular design, reflecting the architectural sophistication seen in Harappan construction techniques.

Conclusion

Harappan architecture vividly exemplifies a sophisticated urban society with well-planned cities and advanced amenities, challenging preconceived notions of modernity. This enduring legacy provides valuable insights into human ingenuity across the ages.

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