Harappan architecture
The civilization's cities were noted for their urban planning, baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, water supply systems, clusters of large non-residential buildings, and new techniques in handicraft (carnelian products, seal carving) and metallurgy (copper, bronze, lead, and tin).
[4][note 2] South Asian Harappan culture was heavily formed through its rich integration into international trade, commerce, and contact due to its location along the Indus River.
[5] The transition between Early and Mature Harappan phases took place in the sites of Amri, Nausharo, Ghazi Shah and Banawali.
Harappan cities featured urban and social elements such as roads, fire pits, kilns, and industrial buildings, and were primarily functional in purpose rather than aesthetic.
[8] The city sewerage, plumbing, and drainage systems were distributed in the network of the grid planning by early hydro-engineers to be functionally used and maintained.
Many believe that the walls were built as defensive structures, where “Large and impressive construction works can be used to intimidate potential attackers (Trigger 1990)”.
It was also an obvious feature to show the city was strong and powerful by being able to divert resources and labor to make such a large structure and not focus all of their energy on survival.
Another feature which suggests the acropolis is of higher importance is that the fortifications around the area were bigger and stronger than those around the rest of the city.
[11] The Harappan civilization was capable of building large structures that demanded significant engineering prowess: Citadels (upper part or political, economy rich and VIP area).
[8] The Harappa civilization revealed a complex mercantile society based on the well organized and comprehensive urban planning, which included sophisticated water management and sewerage systems to allow structures such as dams, wells, baths, and fountains.
[16] Fountains were set up and connected by water channels to supply for households for purposes of drinking and bathing.
“Houses range from 1–2 stories in height, with a central courtyard around which the rooms were arranged”[13][14] The early Harappan phase, as defined by M.R.
There is not much evidence to show much urbanization, however; most Early Harappan structures were of a small scale and did not expand into public spaces or display a sense of social class.
Early Harappan establishments settled in diverse landscapes, such as mountains and alluvium valleys (deposits of fertile soil).
[5] There is evidence that the shift from the early to mature Harappan ages that point towards a gradual transition, with rapid development and geographical urban expansion.
[1][5] During this transition, a significant number of Harappan settlements were abandoned, perhaps due to shifting geography and climate.
