General issues — what were the 2 major cities of ancient India?

The two major cities of ancient India were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, both belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. These cities were known for their advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and thriving trade networks.

Detailed response to the request

As an expert in ancient Indian history, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about the two major cities of ancient India. During the ancient period, one of the most prominent civilizations that flourished in the region was the Indus Valley Civilization. Within this civilization, two major cities stood out: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were both integral to the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2600 to 1900 BCE. These cities are located in present-day Pakistan, along the Indus River. Excavations carried out in the 1920s and 1930s by archaeologists such as Sir John Marshall unearthed the remains of these ancient cities, revealing a glimpse into their rich history.

Both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were meticulously planned cities, showcasing remarkable urban development for their time. The advanced urban planning in these cities is evident through their well-organized street grids, which were laid out in a north-south and east-west orientation. This layout is speculated to reflect an understanding of cardinal directions and an emphasis on order and symmetry in their city planning.

One remarkable feature of these ancient cities was their sophisticated drainage systems. The streets of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were equipped with well-designed underground drainage systems, complete with covered drains and manholes. This remarkable feat of engineering highlights the ingenuity and advanced knowledge possessed by the inhabitants of these cities.

Trade played a vital role in the prosperity of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Both cities were important centers of trade, with evidence of long-distance trade networks established with other regions. Archaeological findings have uncovered artifacts such as beads, pottery, and seals made from materials like stone, shell, and metals like bronze and gold, indicating a thriving trade culture.

To emphasize the significance of these ancient cities, I would like to quote renowned historian Dr. R.S. Sharma, who stated, “Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are the most spectacular of the many urban ruins discovered in the subcontinent.” This statement reflects the awe-inspiring nature of these cities and their contribution to ancient Indian civilization.

Here are some interesting facts about Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro:

1. The cities had a standardized system of weights and measures, indicating a well-organized economic system.
2. The inhabitants of these cities practiced advanced techniques of brick-making, resulting in uniform-sized bricks that contributed to the durability of their structures.
3. Mohenjo-Daro featured a large public bath, often referred to as the Great Bath, which suggests the importance of ritualistic bathing and possibly a focus on cleanliness and hygiene.
4. The cities had multi-story buildings, suggesting a level of architectural innovation and urban growth.
5. The script used by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization remains undeciphered, adding an air of mystery to the knowledge and communication systems of those times.

In conclusion, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two major cities of ancient India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. These cities were renowned for their advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and thriving trade networks. The significance of these cities in shaping ancient Indian history cannot be overstated, and their remnants continue to fascinate archaeologists and historians to this day.

Answer in video

This section of the video provides an overview of ancient India’s geography, the Indus Valley civilization, the Aryans, social structure, trade, the emergence of Hinduism and Buddhism, linguistic developments, and the stunning architecture of the Mauryan Empire. The video explores the diverse geography of the Indian subcontinent, the rise and decline of the Harappan civilization, the arrival of the Aryans and the formation of their kingdoms, the social structure and class system, the importance of trade, the origins of Hinduism and its philosophical concepts, the emergence of Buddhism as a response to Hinduism’s hierarchical systems, linguistic developments, and the impressive stone architecture and rock-cut constructions during the Mauryan Empire.

Some additional responses to your inquiry

By 2500 B.C., the Indus civilization was large enough to have two major cities. One was Mohenjo-Daro and the other was Harappa, 400 miles to the northeast.

The two major cities of ancient India were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. At their peak period, each of these cities had around 35,000 people in attendance. These cities had features which made them unique, including brick and well-planned streets, pottery drainage ditches, large granaries, and a large bath for ritual cleansing.

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro The two important cities each had perhaps 35,000 people at their peak period. These cities had features which made them unique included brick and had well-planned streets, pottery drainage ditches, large granaries, and a large bath for ritual cleansing.

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are two ancient civilizations. At its busiest times, each of the two major cities had around 35,000 people in attendance. Kalibangan.sDholavira.sRupar. Rakhigarhi.sLothal.sGaneriwala.sAror.

Moreover, people are interested