Harappan Civilisation and

Town Planning: An
Exploration of Legal
Framework and
Governance
In this presentation, we will delve into the legal and governance practices of
the ancient Harappan civilization. Let's explore how their town planning and
architectural design have influenced contemporary urban planning and the
legal framework of our society.
Overview of Harappan Civilization

Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa Location and Time Period

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were major urban The Harappan civilization existed from roughly
centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. The towns 2500 BCE to 1700 BCE and thrived in South Asia's
were highly urbanized, surpassing contemporary Indus Valley. The civilization flourished in
urban centers in the Middle East and Europe. modern-day Pakistan and Northwest India.
Legally Designing
There are several architectural designs in the Harappan Civilisation that indicate the existence of legal and
governance framework like:

1 Uniform architecture

Public structures 2

3 Citadel complexes

Drainage and sanitation system 4

Idea behind Public Spaces
Centralized Planning and Governance
The Harappan civilization was characterized by its advanced town planning and architecture. The
cities were grid-like, with an organized layout of streets, buildings, and public spaces. This indicates
the existence of a judicial system regulating specific aspects of their society.

Zoning and Land Use

Public spaces were a vital part of Harappan civilization. The administration of public spaces in the
civilisation involved and intersection of conventions, community cooperation and possibly a
centralized authority.

Collective Responsibility and Maintenance

Various seals and inscriptions were found through excavation and they were possibly used for record
keeping and communication. These were an integral part of trade and commerce in the civilisation.
Architecture and Stratification
The architectural style of the Harappan civilization throws light into the existence of social stratification
within the community as well as probable laws and regulations that may have impacted disparities in
having access to amenities and resources.

• Dilemma faced by historians regarding the ruling class of this society.

• Cities planned with the vision of creating an egalitarian and just urban environment.
• Absence of decipherable written documents creates ambiguity
Harappan Legal Framework and Modern
Society
Studying the urban planning and legal systems of the Harappan civilization can yield valuable knowledge
for ongoing debates on urban planning, infrastructure management, and governance.

1 Segregation of residential and industrial areas

2 Inclusion of public baths, granaries, and community wells

3 Grid Layout of streets and blocks

Conclusion

1 Meticulous Design and

arrangement

Standardized weights and 2

measures
3 Decentralized and collaborative
political structure

Comparative models for 4

contemporary legal, political
and architectural system

Thank you for joining me in this insightful journey into the past without a time machine.