Q. Discuss the main features of the city of Mohenjodaro.
The Main
Features of Mohenjodaro
Mohenjodaro is one of the most important archaeological
sites of the Indus Valley Civilization,
which flourished around 2500 BCE in the region that is now modern-day Pakistan.
It was discovered in the 1920s by archaeologist R.D. Banerji and has since become a key focus of research
in understanding early urban societies. As one of the largest cities of the
Indus Valley Civilization, Mohenjodaro offers a remarkable glimpse into the
urban planning, social structure, and technological achievements of one of the
world's earliest known civilizations. Below are the main features that define
Mohenjodaro:
1. Urban
Planning and Layout
One of the most striking features of Mohenjodaro is
its highly advanced urban planning. The city was laid out with a clear and
systematic design, showcasing a level of organization that was far ahead of its
time.
·
Grid Pattern Streets: The city was built on a grid system, with streets
running in straight lines, often intersecting at right angles. This layout is
indicative of meticulous planning, designed to facilitate the movement of
people and goods within the city. The streets were wide, and many of them were
lined with buildings, suggesting a functional, orderly approach to urban
design.
·
Division into Two Main Areas: Mohenjodaro can be divided into two main
sections—the Citadel and the Lower City. The Citadel was located on a
raised platform and housed the larger and more significant structures, such as
the Great Bath and large
warehouses. The Lower City contained residential houses, smaller shops, and
public spaces. This separation of functions suggests a division of space for
religious, administrative, and residential purposes.
·
Residential and Public Buildings: The city was home to both public and private
structures. The residential houses
were made of baked bricks and were typically two or more stories high. These
houses had open courtyards, wells, and bathrooms, indicating a focus on comfort
and hygiene. In contrast, public buildings such as the Great Bath, Granaries,
and Assembly Hall were larger
and strategically located in the Citadel.
·
Drainage System: One of the most impressive aspects of Mohenjodaro's urban planning
was its drainage system. The
city had an advanced underground drainage network that was designed to manage
waste and prevent flooding. Each house had its own private drain connected to
the main street drains, which led to a central waste disposal system. The
streets themselves were equipped with covered drains, a feature that was unique
to the Indus Valley Civilization and indicative of the city's attention to
hygiene and public health.
2.
Architecture and Building Materials
The buildings in Mohenjodaro were constructed using
standardized materials, which suggests a high level of coordination and
uniformity across the city.
·
Brick Construction: The primary building material in Mohenjodaro was baked brick, which was used to construct
nearly all the structures. The use of baked bricks, as opposed to mud bricks,
made the buildings more durable and resistant to weathering. The bricks were
uniform in size, indicating a standardization of construction practices.
·
Granaries:
One of the most significant structures found in Mohenjodaro is the granary. These large buildings, which
were often located near the Citadel, are believed to have been used to store
grain. The granaries were divided into smaller rooms, suggesting that the
people of Mohenjodaro engaged in systematic grain storage and distribution,
possibly for trade or as a part of administrative control.
·
The Great Bath: One of the most famous structures at Mohenjodaro is the Great Bath, a large rectangular pool
surrounded by a courtyard and rooms. It is believed to have been used for
ritual bathing or as a public bathing facility, although its exact function
remains a subject of debate. The Great Bath is considered an engineering
marvel, as it was made watertight using bitumen and had a sophisticated
drainage system.
3. Water
Management System
Mohenjodaro's water management system is one of the
most advanced features of the city. The inhabitants of Mohenjodaro had a deep
understanding of the importance of water management, both for drinking and for
sanitation.
·
Wells and Water Storage: Nearly every house in Mohenjodaro had a well or a water reservoir. These wells
were carefully constructed with steps leading down to the water table. The
abundance of wells suggests that the city had a relatively reliable source of
water, which was essential for sustaining a large urban population.
·
The Great Bath's Water Supply: The Great Bath was connected to an elaborate system
of water supply and drainage. It is believed that the water for the bath was
brought in from a nearby source, possibly through a canal or a series of pipes.
The bath's water could have been changed regularly, as there were drains in the
bath itself for water drainage.
·
Drains and Sewage System: The drainage system of Mohenjodaro was highly
advanced. The drains were covered and ran along the streets, and each house had
a connection to the main drainage system. Wastewater from private latrines and
bathrooms was channeled into these drains, which emptied into larger drains
outside the city. This sophisticated sewage system indicates the inhabitants'
concern for hygiene and sanitation.
4. Social
Structure and Organization
The social structure of Mohenjodaro is not fully
understood, but archaeological evidence suggests a well-organized society with
distinct divisions of labor, administration, and possibly religious functions.
·
Evidence of Social Stratification: The size and nature of the buildings suggest that
Mohenjodaro had a hierarchical social structure. The larger buildings in the
Citadel area, such as the Granaries
and the Great Bath, are likely
to have been used for administrative, religious, or public purposes, while the
smaller residential buildings in the Lower City were home to ordinary citizens.
This division suggests a stratified society, with elites and administrators
living in the Citadel, while the general population resided in the Lower City.
·
The Role of Trade: Mohenjodaro was a key center of trade within the Indus Valley Civilization. The city had
access to a variety of raw materials, such as cotton, metals, and precious stones, which were traded
with neighboring regions. Evidence of seal impressions, which were likely used
for trade and administrative purposes, indicates that trade was an important
economic activity. Artifacts from Mohenjodaro, such as jewelry, beads, and
pottery, point to a thriving craft industry.
·
The Role of Religion: Religious practices at Mohenjodaro remain largely
speculative, as there is no conclusive evidence of temples or religious
monuments. However, some scholars believe that the Great Bath could have had a
ritual significance, possibly related to water purification or religious bathing
practices. The discovery of various seals
with animal motifs and depictions of figures in yogic postures suggests that
religion and ritual might have played a role in the daily life of Mohenjodaro's
inhabitants.
5. Art and
Craftsmanship
Mohenjodaro's inhabitants were skilled in a variety of
crafts, and their artistic achievements provide insight into their daily lives
and cultural practices.
·
Seals and Inscriptions: One of the most significant artifacts from
Mohenjodaro is the discovery of Indus
seals, made from steatite. These seals were likely used for
administrative purposes, possibly marking ownership or trade goods. The seals
feature intricate designs, including animals (such as unicorns and
rhinoceroses), as well as script that remains undeciphered to this day. The
seals represent the artistic and intellectual achievements of the people of
Mohenjodaro.
·
Beads and Jewelry: Mohenjodaro was also known for its bead-making industry. The city produced
a wide range of beads made from semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli,
agate, and carnelian. These beads were likely used for making jewelry, and many
of them have been found in burial sites, suggesting the importance of adornment
and possibly trade. The craftsmanship displayed in the making of beads and jewelry
highlights the advanced artistic skills of the Indus Valley people.
·
Pottery:
Pottery found at Mohenjodaro includes both utilitarian and decorative items.
The pottery was often made from high-quality clay and was sometimes decorated
with geometric patterns. These pots were used for cooking, storage, and
possibly ritual purposes.
6. Decline and
Abandonment
The decline of Mohenjodaro, like other cities of the
Indus Valley Civilization, remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Several theories have been proposed to explain its eventual abandonment around
1900 BCE.
·
Environmental Factors: Some scholars suggest that environmental factors,
such as a shift in the course of the Indus River or a prolonged drought, may
have contributed to the decline of the city. Changes in the river's course
could have disrupted the water supply and agriculture, leading to the city's
decline.
·
Overexploitation of Resources: Another theory posits that the inhabitants of
Mohenjodaro may have overexploited the natural resources in the region, leading
to ecological degradation. Overuse of water and agricultural land could have
made the region less sustainable for large populations.
·
Invasion or Migration: Some theories also suggest that invasions by outside
groups or internal conflicts could have played a role in the city's downfall.
However, there is little concrete evidence to support the idea of large-scale
invasions during this period.
7. Conclusion
Mohenjodaro stands as one of the most remarkable
achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization. Its advanced urban planning,
sophisticated water management systems, social organization, and artistic
traditions provide a window into the lives of one of the earliest urban
societies in human history. The city’s well-planned streets, advanced drainage
system, and the Great Bath stand as lasting symbols of the ingenuity of its
people. Though much about Mohenjodaro remains shrouded in mystery, its remains
continue to be a source of fascination and research, offering invaluable
insights into the world of the Indus Valley Civilization.
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