📚 Part of: Ancient Civilizations And Indian History Mcqs

Did Mohenjo-Daro havea sewer system?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: A) Yes.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, History Exams, Archaeology Exams, Ancient Indian History

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Mohenjo-Daro, a major city of the Indus Valley Civilization, was known for its advanced urban planning and infrastructure. One of the most notable features of this ancient city was its sophisticated sewer system, which was a testament to the engineering and architectural skills of the Indus Valley people.

Common Mistakes:
  • Students may confuse Mohenjo-Daro's advanced urban planning with other ancient civilizations that did not have such advanced systems.
  • Some might think that the sewer system was a recent discovery, not realizing that it was part of the original city design.
Explanation:

Mohenjo-Daro, located in present-day Pakistan, was one of the largest and most advanced cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE. The city was a marvel of urban planning and engineering, with a well-organized layout and infrastructure that included a sophisticated sewer system.

The sewer system in Mohenjo-Daro was a testament to the advanced understanding of urban sanitation and hygiene. The city's streets were laid out in a grid pattern, and along these streets ran covered drains. These drains were made of bricks and were designed to carry waste water away from the city. The drains were connected to individual houses, which had their own latrines and bathrooms. The waste water from these latrines and bathrooms flowed into the main drains, which eventually led to the nearby river or other water bodies.

The sewer system was not just a means of waste disposal but also a way to prevent the spread of diseases. The covered drains prevented the accumulation of waste and the breeding of disease-carrying insects. The system was also designed to be easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance, with manholes at regular intervals.

The presence of such a sophisticated sewer system in Mohenjo-Daro is a clear indication of the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Indus Valley people. It also reflects their understanding of public health and the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. This system was a significant advancement in urban planning and sanitation, and it set a high standard for other ancient civilizations.

In conclusion, Mohenjo-Daro did indeed have a sewer system, which was a crucial part of its urban infrastructure. This system was a key feature that distinguished the city from many other ancient urban centers and is a testament to the advanced civilization that thrived in the Indus Valley.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, had a well-developed sewer system. The city's urban planning included a network of covered drains that ran along the streets, which were connected to individual houses. This system was a significant advancement in urban sanitation and hygiene, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of the Indus Valley people.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The discovery of the sewer system in Mohenjo-Daro is well-documented through archaeological excavations. The presence of this system is a key feature that distinguishes Mohenjo-Daro from many other ancient cities, which often lacked such advanced sanitation facilities. The misconception here might arise from a lack of awareness about the advanced urban planning and infrastructure of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Mnemonic: Remember "Mohenjo-Daro's Drain" for its advanced urban planning.

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