📚 Part of: Ancient Civilizations And Modern Governance Mcqs

Both Harappa and Mohenjo Daro were well-planned cities.What inference can you make about the people of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro from this statement?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: C) They were intelligent and talented.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, History Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Indus Valley Civilization, which includes the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, is known for its advanced urban planning. The well-planned nature of these cities suggests that the inhabitants possessed significant intelligence and talent in architecture, engineering, and urban design.

Common Mistakes:
  • Students might confuse the well-planned nature of the cities with a desire for uniformity.
  • Some might think that the planning was primarily for weather management.
  • Others might overlook the broader implications of urban planning on the civilization's capabilities.
Explanation:

The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2600-1900 BCE, is renowned for its advanced urban planning and architectural achievements, particularly in the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro. These cities were meticulously planned, with a grid-like layout of streets, a sophisticated drainage system, and well-organized residential and public areas. The presence of such well-planned cities suggests that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization possessed a high level of intelligence and talent, especially in the fields of urban planning, architecture, and engineering.

The grid-like layout of the streets in Harappa and Mohenjo Daro indicates a systematic approach to city planning. This layout would have facilitated easy navigation and efficient use of space. The drainage system, which included covered drains along the streets and soak pits to collect and dispose of waste water, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of sanitation and public health. The presence of public buildings, such as granaries, baths, and assembly halls, further indicates a well-organized society with a clear understanding of communal needs and public services.

The construction of these cities required a significant amount of planning, coordination, and technical skill. The use of standardized bricks and the alignment of buildings along the grid suggest a high degree of standardization and precision in construction. This level of planning and execution would not have been possible without the intelligence and talent of the people involved in the design and construction of these cities.

In conclusion, the well-planned nature of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro is a testament to the intelligence and talent of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. Their ability to design and build such advanced cities reflects their sophisticated understanding of urban planning, architecture, and engineering, which were crucial for the development and maintenance of these ancient cities.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The statement does not imply that the cities were identical, only that they were well-planned. The planning could have been adapted to local conditions and needs, rather than being a strict replication of one another.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While the cities might have had features to deal with monsoons, the statement specifically mentions the well-planned nature of the cities, which is more indicative of advanced urban planning skills rather than specific weather management techniques.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The well-planned nature of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro suggests that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization had a high level of intelligence and talent, particularly in the fields of urban planning, architecture, and engineering. The layout of these cities, with their grid-like streets, drainage systems, and public buildings, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of city design and management.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The correct inference can be made from the given statement, which points to the intelligence and talent of the people who built and managed these cities.
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