The Indus Valley Civilization flourished from approximately 2600 to 1900 BCE and encompassed more than 1,400 cities and settlements. This civilization introduced advanced hygiene practices through brick houses, well-organized streets, toilets, and drainage systems. Its governance was characterized by collective leadership without any monarch or elite class, distinguishing it from other contemporary civilizations.
Two to three-story brick houses, straight and clean streets, excellent drainage systems, and sophisticated toilets are features that might remind one of a modern developed city. Yet, these were hallmarks of the Indus Valley Civilization thousands of years ago. According to Dr. Sangaralingam Ramesh, this civilization existed over four thousand years ago. Its core region was around the Indus River, which today lies across parts of Pakistan and India.
There is abundant evidence that the lifestyle of the Indus Valley Civilization was distinct and unique from other civilizations. Dr. Ramesh explains that the civilization pioneered brick-making for construction, using uniformly sized bricks for building houses. Cities were meticulously planned and constructed, with every house equipped with toilets and drainage systems, reflecting their advanced approach to sanitation.
The remains of Indus Valley Civilization structures also confirm the presence of an excellent civic administration. Each city had an authority responsible for maintaining and developing infrastructure in urban and rural settlements. Although governance was not centered on a single individual, signs of collective leadership were prevalent. According to Dr. Ramesh, evidence also suggests the Indus Valley Civilization was significantly more peaceful than others; no substantial indications of large-scale warfare have been found so far.
