Recent excavations at the ancient Indus Valley site of Rakhigarhi have uncovered well-planned townships, sophisticated drainage systems, and cultural artifacts and have reinforced the Harappan Civilization's status as pioneers of urban architecture and sophisticated city planning.

Urban Planning and Layout

• Cities followed distinctive grid pattern with streets intersecting at right angles, demonstrating advanced geometric understanding
• Settlements divided into Upper Citadel (administrative area) and Lower Town (residential quarters) showing clear functional zoning
• Wide main streets with narrower lanes creating hierarchical road network
• Dholavira exhibits unique water management architecture with reservoirs and sophisticated channeling systems
• Recent Padta Bet excavations (2024) revealed a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement, near Khatiya village in Kachchh district, Gujarat and revealed Early Harappan settlements with distinct residential clustering patterns

Construction Materials and Techniques

• Kiln-fired bricks provided durability against monsoons and floods
• Corbelled arches and sophisticated load-bearing techniques enabled multi-story construction
• Ratadia Ri Deri discoveries (2024) show advanced masonry work extending into Rajasthan's Thar Desert

Public Architecture and Infrastructure

• Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro (12m×7m×2.4m depth) with bitumen waterproofing and twin staircases
• Underground drainage system with covered drains, inspection chambers, and street-level manholes
• Granaries with ventilation shafts at Harappa showing advanced food storage technology
• Assembly halls and public courtyards indicating community-centered planning
• Kalibangan's fire altars represent earliest known ritual architecture in Indian subcontinent

The Harappan architectural legacy continues influencing modern urban planning through Smart Cities Mission, demonstrating timeless principles of sustainable development and inclusive city design.