Discuss the layout and chief characteristics of Mohenjodaro.

Mohenjodaro was one of the largest and most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan along the banks of the Indus River. The layout and chief characteristics of Mohenjodaro provide valuable insights into the urban planning and advanced civilization of the time.

1. Urban Planning and Layout:
   Mohenjodaro was meticulously planned and laid out on a grid-based system, demonstrating a high level of urban sophistication. The city was built on a raised mound (mound of the dead) to protect it from floods. The layout consisted of well-organized streets, lanes, and blocks, reflecting a planned approach to city design.

2. Street Grid:
   The city was divided into distinct sectors with a grid-like street pattern. The streets were laid out in a precise north-south and east-west orientation, intersecting at right angles. This grid system facilitated efficient movement within the city and likely had practical and symbolic significance.

3. Infrastructure:
   Mohenjodaro boasted advanced infrastructure for its time, including an elaborate drainage and sanitation system. The city had a complex network of brick-lined sewers and covered drains that were designed to channel wastewater away from residential areas. This demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of urban sanitation and public health.

4. Residential and Public Buildings:
   The city had multi-roomed houses made of fired bricks, indicating a well-developed construction technique. Houses were typically two-storied, with access to courtyards and sometimes private wells. Public buildings like the Great Bath, which was a large water tank likely used for ritualistic bathing, and the granary, suggest centralized planning and communal spaces.

5. Citadel and Lower Town:
   Mohenjodaro was divided into two major sections: the Citadel and the Lower Town. The Citadel was an elevated area believed to have housed administrative and religious structures, indicating a hierarchical organization of society. The Lower Town comprised residential and commercial areas where the majority of the population lived and worked.

6. Religious Structures:
   The city featured several structures believed to be religious or ceremonial in nature. Apart from the Great Bath, which may have had ritualistic significance, Mohenjodaro had platforms and structures resembling temples or assembly halls. These structures suggest a complex religious and social organization within the Indus Valley Civilization.

7. Art and Craftsmanship:
   Mohenjodaro was renowned for its craftsmanship, as evidenced by artifacts such as pottery, seals, and figurines discovered at the site. The seals, often depicting animals and symbols, suggest a system of writing or symbolic communication. The artistry and technological prowess of Mohenjodaro reflect the cultural and economic vibrancy of the Indus civilization.

8. Trade and Economy:
   The layout of Mohenjodaro, with its granaries and craft workshops, points to a thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. The city likely served as a hub for regional and long-distance trade, facilitating cultural exchanges and economic prosperity.

In conclusion, Mohenjodaro was an ancient city that exemplified the advanced urban planning and civilization of the Indus Valley. Its grid-based layout, sophisticated infrastructure, and cultural artifacts reveal a society that valued order, craftsmanship, and communal living. The chief characteristics of Mohenjodaro provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and religious life of the Indus people and their contributions to early urban development.