Glimpses of the Past - Extra Questions

1. What was the main occupation of the people of Mohenjo-Daro?

- The main occupation of the people of Mohenjo-Daro was agriculture.
- They cultivated crops like wheat, barley, peas, and sesame.
- They also engaged in animal husbandry, rearing animals like goats, sheep, and cattle.
- The surplus agricultural produce was stored in granaries.

2. What were the main features of the houses in Mohenjo-Daro?

- The houses in Mohenjo-Daro were made of baked bricks and had flat roofs.
- They were multi-storeyed and had several rooms.
- The houses had a well-planned layout with rooms arranged around a central courtyard.
- Each house had a bathroom with a covered drain connected to the main sewerage system.
- The houses also had a separate area for storing grain.

3. What were the different crafts practiced by the people of Mohenjo-Daro?

- The people of Mohenjo-Daro were skilled in various crafts.
- They were engaged in pottery making and produced beautifully designed pottery.
- They were also skilled in metallurgy and crafted copper and bronze tools and ornaments.
- The people were involved in bead-making, shell-cutting, and seal carving.
- They had a well-developed system of weights and measures.

4. How did the people of Mohenjo-Daro carry out trade?

- The people of Mohenjo-Daro were engaged in long-distance trade.
- They used bullock carts and boats to transport goods.
- The city had a well-developed dockyard and a wharf for trade activities.
- The people engaged in trade with regions like Sindh, Baluchistan, and Iran.
- They exported goods like pottery, beads, metals, and imported items like gold, silver, and precious stones.

5. Describe the religious beliefs and practices of the people of Mohenjo-Daro.

- The people of Mohenjo-Daro worshipped a mother goddess who symbolized fertility.
- They believed in the existence of male and female deities and worshipped them.
- The city had a large public bath, referred to as the Great Bath, which may have been used for religious rituals.
- The people also made offerings of food and other items to their deities.
- The seals discovered at Mohenjo-Daro depict various religious scenes, indicating the importance of religion in their lives.

In conclusion, the people of Mohenjo-Daro had a well-organized and developed civilization. They excelled in agriculture, crafts, and trade. Their houses were well-planned, and they had a sophisticated system for sanitation and drainage. Their religious beliefs and practices played a significant role in their lives, as evidenced by the various artifacts and structures discovered at the site.