Harappa Civilization: Urban Planning and Social Structure Quiz

Harappa civilization refers to one of the earliest urban civilizations known to inhabit the Indian subcontinent during the Bronze Age. This ancient civilization existed around 3500 BCE and 1900 BCE, and its ruins are scattered across Punjab and Sindh Provinces, with major sites found in Pakistan and India. It was part of the Indus Valley Civilization alongside Mohenjo-Daro.

Urban Planning and Architecture

The Harappan city plan has been studied extensively due to the discovery of various well-planned cities in the region. These cities were typically rectangular, with the main streets running east to west and secondary roads intersecting at right angles. The streets and roads were straight, wide, and well-paved, suggesting a sophisticated urban planning system.

The Harappans were skilled architects and engineers. Their cities were characterized by large, baked-brick structures and were made of fired bricks and mud. The houses in these cities were made of fired bricks, with their floors made of lime and chank. The main building material used in the construction of these cities was fired bricks.

Social Structure and Economy

The Harappans were a highly organized society with a complex social structure. They had a hierarchical system, with rulers and their families living in the central parts of the city, while workers and artisans lived in the outskirts. The economy was based on agriculture, with evidence of irrigation systems, such as canals and wells, found in Harappan cities.

The Harappans were also skilled traders, as indicated by the discovery of a large number of seals and sealings made of steatite and terracotta. Their trading network extended to other civilizations, such as the Elamites, Meluhites, and the Veddhas. The Harappans also had a standardized system of weights and measures, which suggests a well-organized economy.

Writing System and Language

One of the most significant discoveries from the Harappa civilization is their script, which has yet to be fully deciphered. The script appears on tablets made of fired clay and contains over 400 signs. Despite attempts by scholars, the script remains undeciphered, making it difficult to understand the Harappan language. However, some researchers believe that the script may have been used for administrative purposes, such as record keeping.

In conclusion, the Harappa civilization played a crucial role in shaping the early history of the Indian subcontinent. Their well-planned cities, sophisticated architecture, complex social structure, and economic prowess demonstrate their advanced understanding of urban life and society. While there are still many mysteries surrounding this ancient civilization, ongoing research continues to shed light on their fascinating culture and legacy.