The location of ancient cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro played a significant role in contributing to their development. Here are some ways in which location influenced their growth:
1. Source of Water: Both Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were situated near major rivers, with Harappa located near the Ravi River and Mohenjo-daro located near the Indus River. These rivers provided a consistent and reliable source of water for agriculture, domestic use, and trade. The availability of water allowed for the development of a thriving agricultural system, which supported the growth of these cities.
2. Transportation and Trade: The cities' proximity to the rivers also made them important centers for transportation and trade. The rivers connected Harappa and Mohenjo-daro with other regions, allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas. The cities became hubs for trade, resulting in economic prosperity and the growth of a merchant class.
3. Agricultural potential: The location of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro in the fertile floodplains of the rivers provided favorable conditions for agriculture. The alluvial soil and regular flooding of the rivers enriched the land, making it highly productive for farming. This allowed the inhabitants to cultivate surplus crops, supporting a more settled and sophisticated civilization.
4. Defense and security: The sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were strategically chosen for defensive purposes. The cities were situated on raised mounds or platforms, which provided natural protection from flooding and potential invaders. The raised platforms acted as a natural barrier, making it difficult for enemies to attack the cities easily.
5. Accessibility: The location of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro placed them within reasonable proximity to nearby regions, such as the Arabian Sea and the foothills of the Himalayas. This allowed these cities to have access to a variety of resources, including trade goods, raw materials, and cultural influences. The accessibility to different regions further contributed to the economic and cultural growth of these ancient cities.
Overall, the favorable location of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro near rivers, fertile land, trade routes, and defensive advantages allowed for their development as prosperous and influential urban centers in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
how did the location of ancient cities of harappa and mohenjo-daro contribute to their development
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