High degree civic sense of harappans. (450 words)
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The remains of the cities of Indus Valley show that it was an urban civilization. The ruins show remarkable town planning and excellent drainage system.
There were many dwelling houses of different sizes. They were made of well burnt bricks. Almost every house had a well, a kitchen, bathroom and drain. The private drains were connected with the drains of the street. The streets of the cities were straight and they were between 9 to 34 feet wide. There were by lanes to connect them. Provision for street lights was an important feature of the Indus city life.
Mohenjodaro was a public bath which was 180 feet long and 108 feet wide. The main bathing pool was 39 feet by 23 feet with 8 feet depth. It was surrounded by galleries and rooms on all sides. There was a provision to fill and empty the water of the bathing pool. Hot water was also available.
There were other long public buildings which were used as public granaries. The Great Granary found at Harappa was 169 feet by 135 feet in length and breadth and had small compartments inside.
The society was divided into four classes - the learned class, the warriors, the traders and artisans, and the working class. The learned class included the priests, the astrologers, the physicians etc. The ruins of ancient forts and palaces indicate the existence of a ruling or warrior class. The primary duty of the warrior class was to protect the land and people. The merchants and various artisans like goldsmith, weaver, carpenter, mason etc. formed the third section of society. The lowest class was constituted by the manual labourers, daily wage earners, domestic servants etc.
The people ate both vegetarian and non - vegetarian food. Their diet included wheat, barley, rice, milk, mutton, pork, beef and a number of fruits.
They wore cotton and woollen clothes. They wore ornaments made of different materials like gold, silver, bronze, ivory etc. They knew the art of toiletry and cosmetics. Toilet boxes made of ivory, metal, pottery and stone have been found.
Household articles like furniture, utensils, toys etc. have been found. Most of the kitchen utensils were made of earth and stones. Other domestic items like knife, needle, axe etc. were made of metals like bronze and copper. The objects were beautifully polished and decorated.
Play and amusement were probably a significant part of their life. Dicing and hunting were their favourite pastimes. Children played with clay toys. People also kept birds and perhaps enjoyed their fights.
The Harappan Civilization had a highly developed civic sense. This is shown by its town planning, provision of various amenities, division of society, food habits, clothing, crafts, ornaments, amusements and pastimes.