Engineered Landscapes: Hydrology, Labor, and the Fabric of Mature Harappan Power

Sophisticated hydrological systems, including wells, reservoirs, drains, and barrages, were central to the Mature Harappan Civilization (2600–1900 BCE), revealing a complex sociopolitical structure that relied on collective governance rather than coercive power. Analysis of archaeological evidence from Dholavira, Mohenjo-Daro, and Lothal demonstrates that these engineered landscapes required advanced technical knowledge and significant labor mobilization, suggesting a corporate or collective model for resource management. This system reinforced urban cohesion and stability, offering a resilient approach to environmental challenges in the Indus Valley.

Revista, Z., & BIOLOGY, 10. (2025). Engineered Landscapes: Hydrology, Labor, and the Fabric of Mature Harappan Power. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17738650