Subject: Art and Culture

Answer:

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), flourishing between 3300-1300 BCE, exemplified remarkable urban planning principles that continue to influence modern city development. Their sophisticated urban infrastructure and cultural practices have left an indelible mark on contemporary urbanization, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.

Urban Planning Legacy

• Grid Pattern Layout: The systematic grid-based city planning of Mohenjodaro and Harappa serves as a prototype for modern urban development, reflected in cities like Chandigarh designed by Le Corbusier.

• Advanced Drainage System: The sophisticated underground drainage network with covered drains, manholes, and cesspit system finds resonance in modern municipal engineering (e.g., AMRUT Mission's focus on urban sanitation).

• Standardization Practices: The uniform brick sizes and weights system demonstrates early standardization, similar to contemporary Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines for construction.

Cultural Continuity and Adaptation

• Public Architecture: The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro's concept of public spaces influences modern community centers and recreational facilities under Smart Cities Mission.

• Housing Patterns: The multi-storied buildings with courtyards and ventilation systems are reflected in current sustainable architecture practices promoted by GRIHA ratings.

• Water Management: The advanced water conservation systems through wells, reservoirs, and public baths inspire modern rainwater harvesting techniques under Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

Social Planning Elements

• Granary System: The centralized storage facilities for food grains find parallel in modern Food Corporation of India's storage infrastructure.

• Market Planning: The organized marketplace concept continues in modern commercial zoning and Market Yard development.

• Social Hierarchy: The planned segregation of residential areas based on occupation has evolved into modern urban planning's mixed-use development approach.

Contemporary Relevance

• Disaster Management: The elevated platforms protecting cities from floods inspire modern flood-resistant architecture in cities like Varanasi.

• Sustainable Practices: The use of local materials and climate-responsive architecture aligns with current Green Building initiatives.

• Waste Management: The sophisticated waste disposal systems influence modern solid waste management practices under Swachh Bharat Mission.

The urban planning principles of IVC continue to provide valuable insights for modern city development, emphasizing the importance of systematic planning, public health, and sustainable practices. The civilization's legacy is evident in India's Urban Development Goals, promoting planned urbanization while preserving cultural heritage through initiatives like HRIDAY and National Heritage City Development scheme.