Mention two main features of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500 BCE–1500 BCE) was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. It is especially known for its advanced town planning and economic life. Two of its main features are:

Well-Planned Cities: The cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were built on a grid pattern with straight, wide roads cutting each other at right angles. Houses were made of baked bricks, and most had multiple rooms and private wells. The presence of a scientific drainage system with covered drains shows the people were highly skilled in urban planning and sanitation.

Trade and Economic Life: The people of the Indus Valley were skilled traders and craftsmen. They used standardized weights and measures for trade, both within the civilization and with other regions like Mesopotamia. They also produced beautiful pottery, ornaments, and seals, which show their artistic abilities and economic prosperity.