The Harappan Civilization, flourishing around 2500-1900 BCE, is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning, particularly evident in major cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. A hallmark of Harappan town planning was its remarkable uniformity and precision, suggesting a strong central authority or a shared cultural understanding of urban design.

Cities were typically divided into two main parts: a smaller, elevated 'Citadel' and a larger 'Lower Town.' The Citadel, often fortified, housed important public buildings like the Great Bath (Mohenjo-Daro) and granaries, suggesting administrative or ritualistic functions. The Lower Town, where the majority of the population lived, was laid out in an impressive grid pattern, with streets and lanes cutting across each other at right angles, dividing the city into rectangular blocks.

Houses, often multi-storied, were built with standardized baked bricks, indicating a high degree of architectural planning and quality control. A distinctive feature was the advanced drainage system. Almost every house had its own bathroom and toilet, with wastewater flowing into covered drains that ran along the streets. These drains were meticulously constructed, often with inspection holes, and emptied into larger municipal drains, showcasing an unparalleled concern for public hygiene and sanitation for its time.

The presence of public wells, granaries, and standardized weights and measures further underscores the organized and well-governed nature of Harappan urban centers, reflecting a highly developed civic infrastructure and a sophisticated understanding of urban living.