Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (Answer in 150 words)

- Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
The Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE) displayed advanced urban planning and architectural brilliance, reflecting remarkable civic sense, engineering skill, and socio-political organization.
Body
1. Urban Planning: Cities were laid out on a grid pattern with streets intersecting at right angles, divided into citadel and lower town zones.
2. Building Materials: Use of baked bricks, standardized in ratio (1:2:4), ensured uniformity and durability across settlements like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
3. Drainage and Sanitation: A well-planned drainage system with covered sewers, soak pits, and house drains connected to main drains showcased civic hygiene.
4. Public Buildings: Monumental structures like the Great Bath, granaries, and assembly halls reflect administrative and ritual sophistication.
5. Residential Architecture: Multi-roomed brick houses with courtyards, bathrooms, and wells indicate comfort and social stratification.
Conclusion
Harappan architecture combined functionality with aesthetics, symbolizing one of the earliest examples of planned urban civilization in human history.