Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization, which included the city of Mohenjo-Daro, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing between approximately 2600 and 1900 BCE. Mohenjo-Daro, located in present-day Pakistan, was a major urban center with a population estimated to be around 40,000 people. The city's advanced urban planning, including a sophisticated drainage system, grid-like street layout, and large public buildings, indicates a highly organized and complex society.
Agriculture played a crucial role in the development and sustenance of the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests that the inhabitants of Mohenjo-Daro practiced advanced agricultural techniques, including the use of irrigation systems. These systems allowed for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and various pulses, which were essential for the diet of the population. The ability to produce a surplus of food was critical for supporting the large urban population and the various social classes that existed within the city.
The presence of granaries in Mohenjo-Daro further supports the idea that food surpluses were produced and stored. These granaries were large structures designed to store grain and other food items, indicating that the city had a system in place to manage and distribute food resources. The existence of such granaries suggests that the agricultural practices were efficient enough to produce more food than was immediately needed, allowing for storage and distribution during times of scarcity.
Moreover, the Indus Valley Civilization had a well-developed trade network, both within the region and with other civilizations. The production of food surpluses not only supported the local population but also allowed for trade, which was an important aspect of the economy. The surplus food could be traded for other goods and resources, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the civilization.
In conclusion, the claim that farmers in Mohenjo-Daro did not produce surpluses of food is false. The archaeological evidence and the urban infrastructure of Mohenjo-Daro clearly indicate that the city had a sophisticated agricultural system capable of producing significant food surpluses. These surpluses were essential for supporting the large urban population and the complex social and economic structures of the Indus Valley Civilization.