How Was Mohenjo-Daro Distinct From Modern Cities?

What distinguishes the ancient cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa from their predecessors is their pioneering urban infrastructure. These cities, thought to be among the earliest in the world, introduced innovative techniques for urban sanitation by implementing advanced drainage and sewer systems. In these urban centers, residents had convenient access to fresh water from strategically located wells, enabling them to store this vital resource within their households. This marked a significant departure from earlier cities, where such advanced water management and sanitation systems were largely absent.

Mohenjo-Daro, a prominent city of the Indus Valley Civilization, distinguished itself from both the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations in several intriguing ways. Unlike its counterparts, the Indus Valley Civilization seems to have not prominently featured temples or palaces, which are typically associated with clear evidence of religious practices and the veneration of specific deities. This absence of grand religious and administrative structures sets it apart. However, an exceptional discovery was made in 1927 at Mohenjo-Daro: the Indus Priest/King Statue. This artifact adds a unique dimension to our understanding of the civilization’s spiritual and political aspects, shedding light on the role of individuals in leadership or religious roles within the society.

Cities in the Indus River Valley stood out from other ancient cities due to their exceptional urban planning, which encompassed both technical and political aspects in shaping the landscape. What set them apart were not only their well-structured urban layouts but also their distinctive features, such as houses constructed from baked bricks, intricate drainage systems, efficient water supply networks, and the presence of substantial nonresidential structures. These cities exhibited a remarkable blend of meticulous organization and advanced engineering, making them unique in their time.