Around 150 years ago, while laying railway lines in Punjab, engineers found a mound at Harappa, in what is now Pakistan. Initially unaware of its historical significance, they saw it as a source of high-quality bricks and used thousands of them to construct railway lines, destroying many ancient buildings in the process.

Realisation Of Significance

Approximately 80 years ago, archaeologists identified Harappa as one of the oldest cities in the Indian subcontinent, dating back around 4700 years. Subsequent discoveries of similar sites led to the entire civilisation being termed Harappan.

City Planning

Harappan cities displayed advanced urban planning. They were usually divided into two sections: a smaller, elevated citadel to the west and a larger, lower lower town to the east. Both sections were often surrounded by durable walls made of well-baked bricks laid in an interlocking pattern, contributing to their longevity.

Geographical Spread

Harappan cities were spread across Punjab and Sind in Pakistan and in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab in India.