Kalibangan Urban Planning: Planning and Hydraulic Systems

Kalibangan, located in the Sarasvati Valley, is one of the important cities of the Seven Rivers Civilization. The excavations, led by BB Lal, former director of the Archaeological Survey of India, have revealed a remarkable urban organization, with a clear concern for planning and water management.

Urban Planning

Kalibangan is divided into two distinct parts: a fortified citadel and a lower town. The citadel, located to the west, is surrounded by thick mud-brick walls, probably for protection against flooding. The larger lower town is also well organized, with straight streets crossing at right angles. Each district seems to have been designed for specific activities, reflecting a structured society.

Houses were built primarily of mud bricks, with standardization in the size of the bricks, indicating a certain uniformity in construction techniques. The dwellings, often rectangular, were equipped with internal courtyards and small water storage basins, suggesting that water management was a priority.

Hydraulic Systems

Kalibangan’s hydraulic system is another key aspect of its urban planning. The city was located near the Sarasvati River, and it took advantage of the available water resources through a network of wells and ponds. The wells, dug at different depths, provided access to groundwater even in times of drought.

Another fascinating point is the presence of a well-thought-out drainage network. Each house was equipped with pipes connected to an underground sewer system, allowing for efficient evacuation of waste water. These pipes were often made of ceramic, proving the importance given to hygiene and public health.

Conclusion

Kalibangan shows that the Seven Rivers civilization, even in secondary cities, had an advanced approach to urban planning and water management. Thanks to the excavations led by BB Lal, we now have a clearer view of this sophisticated planning, where every aspect of daily life, from housing to water management, was carefully considered to ensure the well-being of its inhabitants.