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The Harappan Civilization reveals the architectural skill of the people; Substantiate this statement by a brief mention of the following: (a) The Great Bath. (b) The Assembly Hall, the Citadel and other Public Buildings. |
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Answer» The architectural skill of the Harappan people is revealed as under: (a) The Great Bath: The Great Bath consisted of an open quadrangle with verandahs on its four sides, and at the back of the three of the verandahs various galleries and rooms. There was a large swimming enclosure in the center of the quadrangle measuring 12 x 7 meters, its depth was 2.5 meters. At either end, there was a raised platform with a flight of steps leading down to the pool. The pool was filled with water taken from a well, situated nearby. After periodic cleaning of the pool, the water was discharged into a huge drain connected to the main drain on the street. The walls of the pool were made watertight using specially-made bricks and gypsum mortar. (b) The Assembly Hall, the Citadel and other Public Buildings: There were spacious buildings which must have been used as palaces or assembly halls. A pillared-hall with long corridors and low benches was perhaps used as an Assembly Hall or was the place where the ruler carried out ceremonial and administrative duties. The Citadel was possibly occupied by members of the ruling class. Of the other public buildings, something resembling a market place and the group of cottages, “marshaled like a military cantonment” deserve attention. |
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