1. Urban Planning:
- Indus Valley cities were built based on a well-thought-out urban plan.
- Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, with wide main roads and smaller lanes.
- Buildings were constructed along these streets, following a regular layout.
2. Baked Brick Architecture:
- Indus Valley cities were primarily constructed using baked bricks, which were made by heating clay in kilns.
- These bricks were of a standard size, facilitating efficient construction.
- The use of baked bricks provided durability and longevity to the structures.
3. Drainage System:
- Indus Valley cities featured an advanced drainage system to manage rainwater and wastewater.
- Covered drains were constructed along the streets to channel water away from residential and public areas.
- These drains were connected to larger sewers, which led the water outside the city.
4. Public Buildings:
- Indus Valley cities had various public buildings, including granaries, administrative centers, and religious structures.
- Granaries were used for storing surplus agricultural produce and managing food supplies.
- Administrative centers were likely used for governmental activities and decision-making.
- Religious structures, such as temples, were important centers for spiritual and cultural practices.
5. Residential Architecture:
- Residential buildings varied in size and complexity, but they generally followed a consistent pattern.
- Houses were typically built on raised platforms to protect against flooding.
- Rooms were arranged around a central courtyard, which provided light and ventilation.
- Some houses had multiple stories and included features like staircases and wells.
6. Fortification:
- Some Indus Valley cities were fortified, with massive walls and gateways built of mud bricks or stone.
- The fortifications provided protection against external threats and invasions.
7. Water Supply:
- Indus Valley cities had access to fresh water through a combination of wells, tanks, and canals.
- Wells were dug to extract groundwater, while tanks collected rainwater.
- Canals were constructed to divert water from nearby rivers or streams for irrigation and drinking purposes.
The Indus Valley cities showcased a sophisticated understanding of urban planning, engineering, and architectural techniques, demonstrating the advanced civilization of the ancient Indus Valley people.