The Harappan towns of Lothal in Gujarat, India, and Mohenjo-Daro (now in Pakistan) are remarkable for their advanced urban planning and sophisticated infrastructure, showcasing the ingenuity of the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2500–1900 BCE).

1. Both Lothal and Mohenjo-Daro featured rectangular houses made from baked bricks, demonstrating a uniform architectural style.
2. These houses often included multiple rooms, courtyards, and flat roofs, indicative of a well-thought-out residential design.
3. The towns were laid out in a grid-like pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles, resembling a chessboard.
4. This systematic layout facilitated organized traffic flow and efficient navigation.
5. Many houses were equipped with brick-lined bathrooms, showcasing the importance of hygiene and sanitation.
6. The towns featured a comprehensive drainage system, with covered street drains and cesspits to manage wastewater effectively.
7. Water chutes connected the toilets to the street drains, ensuring the proper disposal of waste.
8. The main sewer in Mohenjo-Daro was approximately 1.5 meters deep (4 feet 11 inches) and 91 cm wide (2 feet 11.8 inches).
9. This sewer connected both north-south and east-west drains, creating an integrated network for efficient waste management.
10. The use of covered drains and a central sewer system reflects a high level of engineering expertise and concern for public health.
11. Both towns had sophisticated systems for managing water, including wells and reservoirs.
12. Lothal, in particular, is known for its dockyard and water management system, which facilitated trade and protected the settlement from flooding.

• The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the earliest examples of urban planning in the ancient world, demonstrating a high level of social organization and administrative control.
• The focus on sanitation, hygiene, and water management in these towns highlights the civilization’s advanced understanding of public health and urban infrastructure.
• The planning principles used in Lothal and Mohenjo-Daro influenced later urban developments in the Indian subcontinent, leaving a lasting legacy in the region’s architectural and engineering traditions.

These towns exemplify the technological and cultural achievements of the Harappan people, making them unique in the context of ancient world civilizations.