Thursday, December 16, 2010

School Essay Mohenjo-daro

           Even in ancient times people inhabited the world. They brought forth unique styles of language, arts, government, religion, social structure and technology.  The researchers have found clues about their existence and although we may never know everything about their lives, we recognize they existed based on their abilities, skills, and conditions of their time and place.

In Mohenjo-Daro they had technology such as two wheeled carts and sewer systems.  The sewer systems were built to remove dirty water and waste out of the home and into the Indus River.  These sewer systems allowed them to have bathrooms throughout the city.  The reason for the cart was for hauling grain or crops to a destination. Having oxen pull was a great help because loads could get very heavy.  Both inventions during this time period helped Mohenjo-Daro people succeed in daily life.

Mohenjo-Daro had art in a few ways.  In Mohenjo-Daro they made sculptures, clay models, beaded items, and seals.  These art pieces were used for many different purposes.  Each art piece had a different meaning. Seals were used for protection against evil. Clay models were used for kid's enjoyment. Sculptures made it possible for us to see who they looked in ancient times.  Beaded items are still used today for decoration and jewelry.  If people in Mohenjo-Daro didn't have art in their lives it wouldn't have been as exciting. All art is very interesting even to ancient people.

The food supply was stable and strong in the Mohenjo-Daro community.  The stable food supply consisted of wheat, barley, millet, fruit, vegetables and fish.  The people were able to grow the grain and vegetation because the river would flood at times. The reason they had fish is because the city was along the Indus River.  Mohenjo-Daro was able to eat many types of fish, even ones that exist today. Although they ad to fish and labor for their food, it benefited their bodies.

Mohenjo-Daro had almost the same social structure as we do today.  The social structure was divided up into wealthy and skilled workers.  Their homes were very high in technological advances of their time.  The homes had bricked floors, a water supply and bathrooms.  Craftsman and skilled workers lived in homes that were good but not as good as those of the wealthy people.  The neighborhoods were divided into layers like low, medium and high income levels. 

Writing was in a form called logophonetic.  This writing was what was used from 2500 to 1900 B.C.E.  Writing was put on walls or rough surfaces.  The writing would be in hieroglyphic form, not actual letters or wording.  Writing was written on seals.  Although the people of Mohenjo-Daro have died out, we are able to learn about their culture, civilization and education.

Mohenjo-Daro's religion may not be the best, but they had some form of superior belief.  Their religion was very unique.  They would go to a great bath built in their community and be cleansed and they would pray for a good harvest.  The great bath was a ritual.  The great bath later became known as the first swimming pool ever made.

Researchers have not been able to define the Mohenjo-Daro's type of government but they are quite sure that one existed.  Due to the design of the community, which was believed to have been planned and revised by high position people, they are sure that a governmental entity must have been in place.

The Mohenjo-Daro's culture and existence was relatively short due to geographical conditions.  They still existed in an environment that included many of the same concepts and structures that we have today.  From social classes and art, to communication skills and technology, they proved that they were a people capable of basic survival.  Their ability to create a stable community with limited resources defines them as a strong example which is to be admired by current and future generations.

2 comments:

  1. Austin,

    This is an excellent essay. I am impressed with your paragraph structure. You did a great job with a difficult civilization. Your inferences about the religion and government have support. I think these paragraphs are a bit weak, but I know what information you had to work with. I think you did great overall.

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