Final answer:
Archaeological studies reveal Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were planned cities due to their structured urban grid, sophisticated drainage, standard brick sizes, well-organized public buildings, advanced granaries, and evidence of centralized planning and management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Planned Cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
Archaeologists have learned that the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were meticulously planned due to the detailed structural organization evident in their ruins. Both cities featured a sophisticated grid of streets, advanced drainage systems, and uniformly sized bricks, which indicate a certain level of centralized planning and urban development. Public buildings such as large bathhouses, protective city walls, and citadels were also found, further suggesting that these cities were not only planned but also served as centers for both civic life and possible religious activities. Additionally, evidence of large granaries indicates the existence of surplus crop storage, signifying an advanced level of agricultural and urban management.
In Mohenjo-Daro, the large public bath, supported by a nearby well, and a multistory residence built around an open courtyard are significant discoveries. The arrangement of the residential quarters, wells in homes for running water, and evidence of an industrial area with workshops also support the conclusion that these were planned cities. The existence of devices for wind circulation, intricate cooking vessels, and standardized weights and measures further demonstrates the sophistication of urban planning in the Indus valley civilization.
Overall, the archaeological findings at these sites, including the resemblances between different cities within the Indus valley, suggest that there was possibly some form of a central authority or a common cultural framework which influenced the planning and management of these urban centers.