Food and Drink in Mohenjo-Daro: Unveiling Ancient Culinary Secrets

The ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, located in present-day Pakistan, was one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2500 BCE. The city’s well-planned streets and impressive structures hint at a sophisticated society, but what about their culinary habits? What did the people of Mohenjo-Daro eat and drink? Did they have any food preparation techniques? Let’s delve into the culinary secrets of this ancient civilization.

The Diet of Mohenjo-Daro

Archaeological evidence suggests that the diet of the people of Mohenjo-Daro was primarily vegetarian. They cultivated a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, peas, sesame seeds, and mustard. They also grew fruits like dates and melons, and vegetables such as okra and garlic.

• Grains: Wheat and barley were staple foods. These were ground into flour and used to make bread and porridge.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits like dates and melons were likely eaten fresh, while vegetables were probably cooked in stews.
• Legumes: Peas were a common source of protein. They were likely boiled or stewed.
• Seeds: Sesame seeds and mustard were used for their oil, which was used in cooking.

Meat and Dairy

While the diet was primarily plant-based, the people of Mohenjo-Daro did consume some animal products. Bones of fish, fowl, and small mammals have been found at the site, suggesting that these were part of their diet. They also kept cattle, which were likely used for milk and dairy products.

• Fish: The city was located near the Indus River, providing a plentiful supply of fish.
• Fowl: Birds were likely hunted for their meat.
• Small Mammals: Small mammals like rodents may have been trapped and eaten.
• Dairy: Cattle were kept for their milk, which was likely used to make dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

Food Preparation Techniques

The people of Mohenjo-Daro had a variety of food preparation techniques. They had grinding stones for making flour, and pottery vessels for cooking and storage. They also had ovens for baking bread. The presence of large storage jars suggests that they preserved food, possibly through pickling or drying.

Drinks

As for drinks, the people of Mohenjo-Daro likely drank water from the Indus River, as well as milk from their cattle. They may have also made a type of beer from barley, as suggested by the discovery of a barley cleaning area and a large number of pottery jars.

In conclusion, the people of Mohenjo-Daro had a diverse diet and a variety of food preparation techniques. Their culinary habits provide a fascinating glimpse into their daily life and culture.