The Harappan civilization stands out for its remarkable development of urban centers, with Mohenjodaro being one of the most prominent sites. Although Mohenjodaro is widely known, the first discovered site was Harappa.

The settlement of Mohenjodaro is divided into two distinct sections: the Citadel and the Lower Town. The Citadel, smaller in size but elevated, features buildings constructed on mud brick platforms. It was fortified by walls, creating a physical separation from the Lower Town. Similarly, the Lower Town was also enclosed by walls. Numerous buildings in this area were erected on platforms, serving as sturdy foundations. Archaeological calculations suggest that the construction of these foundations alone would have required a massive mobilization of labor, estimating around four million person-days if each laborer moved approximately one cubic meter of earth daily.

Approximately how many person-days of labour were estimated to have been required to lay the foundations in the Lower Town of Mohenjodaro if each labourer moved about one cubic meter of earth daily?

Four million person-days

The settlement of Mohenjodaro is divided into two distinct sections: the Citadel and the Lower Town. The Citadel, smaller in size but elevated, features buildings constructed on mud brick platforms. It was fortified by walls, creating a physical separation from the Lower Town. Similarly, the Lower Town was also enclosed by walls. Numerous buildings in this area were erected on platforms, serving as sturdy foundations. Archaeological calculations suggest that the construction of these foundations alone would have required a massive mobilization of labor, estimating around four million person-days if each laborer moved approximately one cubic meter of earth daily.