Pataliputra vs Mohenjodaro

Introduction:
Pataliputra and Mohenjodaro are two ancient cities that existed in different time periods and geographical locations. While both cities played significant roles in the history of the Indian subcontinent, they differed in various aspects, including their time of existence, urban planning, cultural practices, and political significance.

Time of Existence:
- Mohenjodaro: It was a major urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2600-1900 BCE.
- Pataliputra: It emerged as a prominent city during the Mauryan Empire around the 5th century BCE and continued to be a significant city during the Gupta Empire in the 4th century CE.

Urban Planning:
- Mohenjodaro: The city was meticulously planned and had advanced sanitation systems, including a complex network of underground drains and a sophisticated water supply system. The buildings were made of baked bricks and were constructed on raised platforms.
- Pataliputra: The city was strategically located near the confluence of the Ganges and Son rivers. It had well-organized streets, residential areas, and public buildings. The city's fortifications were strengthened with wooden palisades and moats.

Cultural Practices:
- Mohenjodaro: The people of Mohenjodaro were proficient in crafts such as pottery, metallurgy, and bead-making. They had a system of writing, which remains undeciphered to this day. The city also had a well-developed trade network.
- Pataliputra: Pataliputra was known as a center of learning and attracted scholars from various parts of the world. It was the birthplace of various schools of philosophy, including Buddhism and Jainism. The city was also renowned for its art and architecture.

Political Significance:
- Mohenjodaro: The city did not have a centralized political authority but instead had a system of local governance. The absence of monumental structures suggests a relatively egalitarian society.
- Pataliputra: Pataliputra served as the capital of several powerful empires, including the Mauryan and Gupta empires. It was a hub of political, economic, and cultural activities and exerted significant influence over the Indian subcontinent.

Conclusion:
In summary, Pataliputra and Mohenjodaro were distinct ancient cities with their own unique characteristics. While Mohenjodaro was an advanced city of the Indus Valley Civilization, Pataliputra emerged as a prominent city during the Mauryan and Gupta empires. The two cities differed in terms of their time of existence, urban planning, cultural practices, and political significance. Understanding the differences between these two cities helps provide insights into the diverse historical and cultural developments of the Indian subcontinent.