Q1. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to present-day urbanisation? Discuss.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), flourishing around 2500 BCE, laid foundational principles for urban planning and culture that influenced modern urbanisation.  

Body

Inputs to present-day urbanisation

  1. Grid Layout and City Planning: The IVC cities featured a grid layout, emphasizing organized urban development and efficient land use, influencing contemporary city planning practices. 
  2. Advanced Drainage Systems: In Harappa, an elaborate drainage network connected houses to public drains. This innovation inspires present-day sanitation projects in urban areas. 
  3. Use of Baked Brick: The extensive use of standardized baked bricks in IVC construction ensured durability, uniformity, and aesthetics in urban structures, relevant to today’s construction practices. 
  4. Integration of Nature: Gardens and wells were integral to IVC cities. Cities like Bangalore today strive to integrate parks and green belts into urban planning for ecological balance. 
  5. Water Supply and Management: Modern cities continue to adopt innovative water management strategies, drawing on historical practices from the IVC to address contemporary challenges related to water scarcity. 

Conclusion

The urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization have left a lasting legacy on present-day urbanization. Through innovative urban layouts, advanced sanitation systems, economic structures, and cultural practices, the IVC provides essential insights into sustainable and effective urban planning. 

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