Page 4 - Apr-Jun 2018

Homes in History

The beginnings of civilization on the Indian subcontinent sprang up with urban centres that thrived around the
Indus River. Between approximately 2500 and 1700 B.C., the Indus Valley Civilization fl ourished. In the Rigveda,
nearly thirty words have been used for ‘residence’!

LAYOUT ROOF FLOORING

Clay and reeds may have Sun-dried mud bricks were used to
The basic ground plan of Harappan houses
been used to plaster raise the platforms and fi ll in fl oor
was based around an open courtyard with
roofs that had a wooden areas and courtyards inside the
rooms surrounding it. Doors and windows
beam base. houses. The bricks were cemented
were usually made facing the side lanes.
together with mud mortar.
The outside walls faced the alley, while the
inner walls faced the courtyard.
WALLS
STOREYS Harappan homes were mostly made

with mud bricks, but in towns like
It has been estimated that house here
Mohenjo-Daro we see the extensive
had two to three fl oors as is evident
use of burnt bricks. Kiln-burnt bricks
from the thickness of the walls as well
were used for the walls of the houses.
as the remains of staircases.
SOCIAL HEIRARCHY
DRAINAGE SYSTEM In Mohenjo-Daro, single room

The Harappan town planning is known for its well houses, it is said, belonged to the
defi ned drainage systems. In each of the houses poor, while the rich had multi-room
there existed separate bathing areas and toilets. houses.
Bathing areas usually had a sloping fl oor made of
bricks, connected to drains which further led to a PRIVACY
larger sewage drain.
Privacy was maintained with a wall blocking the view
to the courtyard. In Mohenjo-Daro, the windows were
VAASTU WISDOM usually on the second fl oor – beyond eye level; they
were narrow and covered with screens.
The traditional vaastu wisdom is evident in many
ancient homes.

North ACTIVITY: DAY IN MY LIFE
Entrance,
North-East
North-West Living Room Water Elements
Guest Room You are a child living in Mohenjo-Daro. Describe
N
NW NE a day in your life. Your story should include the
use of the roof, stairs, bedroom, kitchen, and
courtyard.
West East
Dining Room, W Courtyard E Bathroom,
Water Tank Open Space

SW SE
South-West S South-East
Earth Element, Fire Element,
Master South Kitchen
Bedroom Bathrooms, Text credits: Ajay Tomar, IX, Raksha Anusandhan Vidyalaya, Dehradun;
Stairs A. Samyuktha, VI-A, Vidyaa Vikas Matric Hr. Sec. School, Pudukkottai

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