• Time Period: Approx. 3300–1300 BCE

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• The Indus Valley Civilization thrived during the approximate period of 3300–1300 BCE, showcasing advanced urban planning.

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• Location: Bharatvarsh, South Asia, including parts of Modern-day India and Pakistan (EARLIER INDIAN SUBCONTINENT)

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• Source: Archaeological findings from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa civilization

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• Archaeological discoveries from sites such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa provide valuable insights into the urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization.

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• EVIDENCE: The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is renowned for its advanced urban planning, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of civic infrastructure and architecture. The cities of the IVC, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, provide evidence of systematic urban planning and engineering, which were remarkable for their time.

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 Archaeological Findings: 

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• Grid Layout: The cities of the Indus Valley were laid out in a grid pattern with streets intersecting at right angles. This grid layout is particularly evident in Mohenjo-Daro, where streets were straight and aligned with the cardinal directions.

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• Well-Planned Streets: The streets in these cities were well-planned, often with drains running along them for efficient drainage systems. The drainage systems were an essential component of urban planning, showcasing an understanding of sanitation and hygiene.

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• Public Buildings: The presence of large public buildings, such as the Great Bath in Mohenjo-Daro, suggests centralized planning and the existence of a complex, social and administrative structure. The Great Bath is considered a significant architectural and engineering achievement.

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• Residential Areas: The residential areas were organized into blocks with houses made of baked bricks. The standardization of house sizes and construction materials indicates a level of urban planning aimed at maintaining uniformity.

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• Modern Science Connection: The well-planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilization exhibit early urban planning concepts.

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Archaeological findings reveal the intricately planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, showcasing early urban planning principles that resonate with modern science. The layout of streets, drainage systems, and organized residential areas reflects a sophisticated understanding of urban design.