📚 Part of: Ancient Civilizations And Colonial History Mcqs

What was so amazing about the measurements used in building things in Mohenjo-Daro?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: A) The exactness of the measurements.

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, is renowned for its advanced urban planning and construction techniques. One of the most remarkable aspects of this ancient city is the precision and standardization of its measurements, which were used in the construction of its buildings and infrastructure.

Common Mistakes:
  • Students may confuse the exactness of measurements with the chaotic patterns or lack of organization.
  • Some might think that the narrowness of the structures was the most significant feature.
Explanation:

Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, is renowned for its advanced urban planning and construction techniques. The city, located in present-day Pakistan, was built around 2600 BCE and was a major center of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE.

One of the most remarkable features of Mohenjo-Daro is the exactness and standardization of the measurements used in its construction. The Indus Valley Civilization demonstrated a high level of precision in their construction techniques, which is evident in the uniformity of the bricks and the layout of the city. The bricks used in the construction of Mohenjo-Daro were standardized to a ratio of 1:2:4, which means that the length of the brick was twice its width, and four times its height. This standardization allowed for efficient construction and ensured that the buildings were structurally sound.

The city was laid out in a grid pattern, with streets aligned in a north-south and east-west direction. This layout indicates a high level of organization and planning, as the city planners had to consider the orientation of the streets to ensure proper drainage and ventilation. The streets were also wide enough to accommodate wheeled carts, which suggests that the city had a well-developed transportation system.

In addition to the standardization of measurements, Mohenjo-Daro also had a sophisticated drainage system, public baths, and granaries. The drainage system was designed to collect and channel rainwater and sewage away from the city, which helped to prevent the spread of disease. The public baths, known as the Great Bath, were large structures that were used for religious and social purposes. The granaries were used to store grain and other food items, which were essential for the survival of the city's population.

The exactness of the measurements used in the construction of Mohenjo-Daro reflects the advanced urban planning and engineering skills of the Indus Valley Civilization. The standardization of construction techniques and the well-planned layout of the city demonstrate the sophistication of the civilization and its ability to create a functional and efficient urban environment. This level of precision and organization is a testament to the advanced knowledge and skills of the people who built Mohenjo-Daro, and it continues to fascinate archaeologists and historians to this day.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The exactness of the measurements used in the construction of Mohenjo-Daro is a significant feature of the city. The Indus Valley Civilization demonstrated a high level of precision in their construction techniques, which is evident in the uniformity of the bricks and the layout of the city. This exactness reflects the advanced urban planning and engineering skills of the civilization.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The patterns in Mohenjo-Daro were not chaotic but rather well-organized and planned. The city was laid out in a grid pattern, and the streets were aligned in a north-south and east-west direction, indicating a high level of organization and planning.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The construction in Mohenjo-Daro was highly organized, with a well-planned layout and standardized measurements. The city had a sophisticated drainage system, public baths, and granaries, all of which required a high degree of organization and planning.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. While the streets and buildings in Mohenjo-Daro were not excessively wide, the narrowness was not the most significant feature. The exactness of the measurements and the standardization of construction techniques were more remarkable aspects of the city's architecture.
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