1. Urban Planning:
The Indus Valley cities were carefully planned and laid out with a grid-like pattern, with wide streets intersecting at right angles. This grid system allowed for efficient movement of people and goods and demonstrated an advanced understanding of urban planning.
2. Water Management:
One of the most impressive features of the Indus Valley cities was their sophisticated water management system. They constructed reservoirs, canals, and underground drainage systems to ensure a reliable supply of water for both domestic and agricultural purposes.
3. Sanitation and Hygiene:
The Harappans placed great emphasis on sanitation and hygiene. Their cities had underground drainage systems that helped keep the streets clean, and they used baked bricks to construct their homes, which provided better insulation and protection against insects and pests.
4. Standardization:
The Indus Valley people used standardized weights and measures, indicating a well-organized system of trade and commerce. This standardization facilitated trade within their civilization and possibly beyond.
5. Religion and Architecture:
The planned cities of the Indus Valley also provide glimpses into their religious beliefs. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro suggests the existence of a water-based ritual, and the presence of altars and fire pits indicates religious practices.
6. Art and Craftsmanship:
The Indus Valley people produced exquisite art and crafts. They were skilled in pottery, sculpture, and jewelry-making, and their artifacts often depicted scenes from daily life, religious ceremonies, and animals.
7. Social Organization:
The layout and organization of the Indus Valley cities suggest a complex social structure. Archaeologists have identified different sections within the cities that may have been designated for residential, commercial, and administrative purposes, indicating a division of labor and social classes.
8. Decline and End:
The reasons for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization are still debated, but it is believed that a combination of factors such as climate change, environmental degradation, and invasions by nomadic tribes may have contributed to their downfall.
In summary, the planned cities of the Indus Valley people showcase their remarkable achievements in urban planning, water management, sanitation, trade, religion, art, and social organization. They offer a glimpse into one of the earliest civilizations in the world and highlight the advanced level of cultural development achieved by the ancient Harappans.