Harappa vs. Mohenjo
What's the Difference?
Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were both ancient cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. They were both well-planned urban centers with advanced infrastructure, including a sophisticated drainage system and grid-like street layout. However, Harappa was larger in size and had a more centralized administrative system, while Mohenjo-daro was known for its impressive architecture and elaborate public buildings. Both cities were centers of trade and commerce, with evidence of long-distance trade networks and a thriving economy. Despite their similarities, each city had its own unique characteristics and contributions to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Comparison
| Attribute | Harappa | Mohenjo |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Punjab, Pakistan | Sindh, Pakistan |
| Size | 150 hectares | 100 hectares |
| Population | 40,000 | 35,000 |
| Layout | Rectangular grid pattern | Rectangular grid pattern |
| Architecture | Brick buildings | Brick buildings |
| Trade | Traded with Mesopotamia | Traded with Mesopotamia |
Further Detail
Location
Harappa and Mohenjo are two of the largest cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 2600-1900 BCE. Harappa is located in present-day Pakistan, near the Ravi River, while Mohenjo is located in present-day Pakistan, near the Indus River. Both cities were strategically located near rivers, which provided a source of water for agriculture and trade.
Size and Layout
Harappa and Mohenjo were both well-planned cities with sophisticated urban planning. Harappa covered an area of about 370 acres, while Mohenjo covered an area of about 250 acres. Both cities were divided into different sectors, with streets laid out in a grid pattern. The houses in both cities were made of baked bricks and had multiple rooms, with some even having bathrooms and drainage systems.
Economy
The economy of Harappa and Mohenjo was primarily based on agriculture, with the Indus River providing fertile land for farming. Both cities had a well-developed trade network, with evidence of trade with Mesopotamia and other regions. Artifacts such as seals and pottery have been found in both cities, indicating a thriving trade economy.
Religion and Culture
Both Harappa and Mohenjo had a rich religious and cultural life. Archaeological evidence suggests that the people of these cities worshipped a mother goddess and practiced rituals such as fire sacrifices. The cities also had public baths and granaries, indicating a communal way of life. The people of Harappa and Mohenjo were skilled artisans, producing intricate pottery and jewelry.
Decline
Despite their advanced urban planning and thriving economies, both Harappa and Mohenjo eventually declined around 1900 BCE. The reasons for their decline are still debated among historians and archaeologists. Some theories suggest that environmental factors such as climate change or flooding may have contributed to their downfall, while others point to internal conflicts or invasions from neighboring regions.
Legacy
Although Harappa and Mohenjo disappeared from the historical record, their legacy lives on in the modern world. The artifacts and ruins of these ancient cities have provided valuable insights into the Indus Valley Civilization and its achievements. The sophisticated urban planning and advanced technologies of Harappa and Mohenjo continue to inspire scholars and researchers studying ancient civilizations.
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