What did the indus valley have that no other civilization had before?

1 answer

The Indus Valley Civilization had several unique features that set it apart from other civilizations at the time:

1. Planned cities: Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa had well-planned layouts with grid-like street patterns, organized housing, and advanced sewage and drainage systems. This level of urban planning was unparalleled in other contemporaneous civilizations.

2. Advanced sanitation system: The Indus Valley cities had an exceptional sanitation system with covered drains and connected bathrooms in houses. This system ensured the safe disposal of waste, which was not seen in other civilizations until much later.

3. Standardized weights and measures: The Indus Valley Civilization had a sophisticated system of weights and measures, with standardized units used consistently in trade and commerce across the region.

4. Early form of writing: The civilization had a script that is yet to be fully deciphered known as the Indus script. This early form of writing is unique to the Indus Valley Civilization, and its meaning and language remain a mystery.

5. Sophisticated agriculture techniques: The Indus Valley inhabitants were skilled farmers who utilized advanced irrigation techniques, including building canals and reservoirs, ensuring efficient agricultural practices and high crop yields.

It is important to note that while the Indus Valley Civilization had these unique features, there were other contemporaneous civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, which also had significant advancements in various aspects of their societies.