Most Harappan cities were divided into which two parts?

The cities of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation are famous for their planned layout. Most of the larger cities, such as Harappa, Mohenjo-daro and Kalibangan, were divided into two main parts:

The Citadel (upper town): a smaller area built on a high mud-brick platform, usually on the western side of the city. It was often fortified with walls. Important public buildings were located here, such as the Great Bath and the granary at Mohenjo-daro, and the fire altars at Kalibangan. The citadel was probably occupied by the ruling class or used for administrative and religious purposes.

The Lower Town: a larger area, usually on the eastern side and at a lower level, where most of the people lived. It had residential houses of different sizes, workshops and streets.

Some sites differed from this pattern. Dholavira, in Gujarat, was divided into three parts: a citadel, a middle town and a lower town. Chanhudaro had no citadel at all, and Lothal had a citadel and a lower town together within one fortification.

Other features of Harappan town planning:

Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, crossing each other at right angles, dividing the city into rectangular blocks.

An excellent drainage system with covered drains along the streets, connected to drains from houses. Manholes were provided for cleaning.

Houses were built of standardised burnt bricks, in the ratio of 1:2:4 (thickness, width and length). Many houses had their own wells and bathrooms, and doors opened onto side lanes rather than main streets.

Large public buildings such as granaries and assembly halls.

No temples or royal palaces have been clearly identified, which is unusual among early civilisations.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Fort and Palace are not the typical divisions of Harappan cities; no clear palaces have been found.
• ✗Temple and Market: no clear temples have been found.
• ✗Upper Town and Harbour describes only a port town like Lothal.