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Mohenjo-Daro's District of
Outer Residence
Administrator:
Position is currently vacant
 The Outer Residence spreads from the basin of the great residential area discovered during excavations and extends into the farmland bordering the Indus River. Obviously not as many building outlines were found in this region but a wealth of artifacts such as pottery, engraved tablets, jewelry and small scultpures were found throughout this area. It likely housed medium homes and some shops in the area by Lower Town, and larger homes in the spread that constituted it's great farmlands. Because the Indus script has not been deciphered yet, we are unsure of whether or not they held to a landowning system, but with their economic diversity it is certainly possible. For our purposes, we've nominated this district as being our Social Center within Mohenjo-Daro and occupations that can be expected to live here include farmers, landowners, elephant and livestock keepers, hunters and traders for supporting the Harrapan tradition of import and export with places like Mesopotamia. Of course all occupations should choose where they would live of their own accord. This is only meant to describe the expected dynamic of Outer Residence. For instance, it wouldn't be incorrect for a potter to reside here, as many farming families may have used the clay found in their area and their skills to provide extra funds after the growing seasons.
 You and Your Family's Diet:
Grain was available to the families for bread from the central granaries housed in each district. It is not known whether they stored other harvest crops in these granaries and it is likely that other goods were purchased from local shopkeepers instead. From these food bazaars a variety of items could be purchased; barley, dates, melons, peas and of course meat from the locally kept herds of water buffalo, cattle, pig, antelope and sheep. Due to the closeness of the two rivers and the proximity to the ocean fish was plentiful as well. All the makings of a great dinner for you and your family! No cafe's have been found as yet, but some were likely to have existed but over time their remains have become indeterminate buildings. Your Home:
Built with the standardized bricks used throughout Mohenjodaro and it's surrounding lands, homes were plentiful and well built if not containing much variety in construction. Flat roofed with an inner courtyard, and windows that opened up to your own courtyard well and garden were typical features of an Indus Valley home. Evidence of stairways tell us that many homes were two story affairs. In the city districts homes were found with clay pipes leading to sewers located outside the city walls. Your Occupation:
The Harrapa are considered an agricultural civilization, and farming, hunting and fishing all would have been jobs available in an abundance. But many think of the Indus as being great artisans and traders, and the vast array of beautiful pottery, jewelry and carved objects can surely attest to that. Found as far as the border to Iran, beautiful Indus artwork was much sought after in the ancient world and so not only the occupation of trader, sailor and caravan attendants would have been available but possibly also forms of goverment ambassadors to ensure their people's goods were well received and fairly traded. This also opens up the help wanted list for jewelry makers, carvers, potters and other artisans. From beautiful statues like the 'dancer in repose' found in Mohenjodaro main 'hood, we also know that the physical arts were appreciated. Dance the night away for a wealthy patron and earn some coin! Perhaps you can save up enough to purchase goods from Mesopotamia brought back by the brave, world-weary traders. Your choice of beasts of burden to help you carry out your day's duties include camels, elephants (of course!) and oxen. That means the job of mahoot or elephant trainer is available!
*Choosing an occupation to associate yourself with will soon be available Use Your Imagination:
We have a great many theories and knowledge about the ancient Harrapa through these discovered works of art, the records in Mesopotamian archives and their many cities. But little is known of their true daily lives, very few details emerge and as yet do not even know about their religious practices or language. Script of sorts have been found on the numerous clay tablets that may shed light on these issues, but no murals or story-art remain. Imagine yourself in ancient Mohenjodaro, imagine your home, your job, your family and daily routines from what is known and paint the rest with your own imagination. Look around you, what colors are your cotton clothing dyed? What does your name sound like? Who do you pray to? We are in a unique land to AncientWorlds, one where the facts act as structure, but it is your own vision that determines it. City-builder:
Lalita Ashoka
The Discussions of Outer Residence:
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