It is true that human history continue to replete with time to time with its rise and fall of civilization and empires. From the research, it was explored that in ancient times, Human settlements were first began to be settled on the banks of fertile river plans.
These settlements were found to be on five major banks in four different parts of the world.
- The River Valley began the cradle of Human Civilization.
- Mesopotamian Civilization flourished on the banks of River Tigris and Euphrates.
- Egyptian Civilization flourished on the banks of River Nile.
- Chinese Civilization on the river Huwang Ho.
- A Harrapa Civilization flourished on the banks of River Indus and its tributaries.
From the above ancient civilizations, Harrapa Civilization is considered to be one of the most extreme era of human civilization. Harrapa Civilization is still a mystery. The archeologists found an outstanding town planning. Such kind of features have not been found in any contemporary civilization as of yet.
If anyone wants to see the real glimpse of the civilization and its outstanding town planning, they can see them at the site of Mohen-Jo-Daro, as the structure is still there, which reflects the whole story.
The city was essentially divided into two main parts, except Dholavira, which was divided into three parts. The part towards the west was higher, which was built on rocky hills and was known as the City Dwell. The other part, which was located at the East, was called a Lower Town and was down to the height.
The City Dwell was prominent mount, which was surrounded by fortified walls. It was considered to be the center of the city. There was a huge tank located there called ‘The Great Bath’, which was constructed for bathing purposes. The tank was made up of plaster and natural tar. It is believed that it was probably constructed for bathing purposes and was in use of rulers. The tank had steps on both sides, which were leading towards down to the water.
The Lower Town was a pure residential area where the common people used to live. It was completely thriving economic and cultural center. The houses were structured to be Single and Double Stories. Every single house was followed by small streets, which were dissecting with each other. Houses opened to the smaller lanes on the outside and courtyards on the inside.
Houses were well planned, as each house has a model of well-structured designs and separate rooms and spaces were allocated for different activities. Proper spaces were allocated for bathing spaces with appropriate waste water drainage system. The drainage system was lined up through smaller lanes, which was draining into the larger drains on the main streets, assisting the flow of water towards the outskirts of the city.
Such kind of well planning of town proves the existence of well-versed civilization. The city was receiving its water supply from large public wells. These wells were providing water for bathing and washing purposes to the citizens.
By the time, the Indus Valley cities too started showing signs of decay and decline. It could happen due to flood overcrowding, lack of controls by the rulers or an indifferent maintenance that projected the inability to retain the glory of such a great civilization, due to which it declined ironically.
Yet no one knows the real factor of its decline, which is still underway to explore many more signs of disaster of such a great civilization.
