What were the houses of Harappan Civilisation?

The houses of the Harappan Civilisation (also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation) reflect a high level of urban planning, architecture, and engineering for their time (around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE). These houses give us important clues about the lifestyle, social structure, and technological advancements of the people.

Key Features of Harappan Houses:

• Material Used: Built with uniformly baked mud or burnt bricks, indicating durable construction.
• Structure and Design: Usually one or two stories high with flat roofs and central courtyards for light and ventilation.
• Rooms and Layout: Contained multiple rooms such as living spaces, storage, kitchens, and bathrooms. Some had underground drainage.
• Private Wells and Bathrooms: Many houses had their own wells and indoor bathing areas, showing emphasis on hygiene.
• Drainage System: Featured covered street drains connected to house drains, with inspection holes for cleaning.
• Lack of Monumental Structures: Functional homes with limited architectural extravagance, indicating social equality in housing.
• No Windows on the Street Side: Most windows opened into inner courtyards for privacy and safety.

Summary:

The houses of the Harappan Civilisation were made of burnt bricks, often two-storied, and featured a central courtyard, private wells, and advanced drainage. Their design reflected a well-organized, hygienic, and urban way of life far ahead of their time.