Which feature defines the Indus Valley civilization?

The defining feature of the Indus Valley civilization is indeed its advanced civic systems and trade routes. This civilization, which thrived around 2500 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, is renowned for its well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The cities featured complex drainage systems, grid layouts, and impressive public buildings, which indicate a high level of urban planning and governance.

Moreover, the Indus Valley civilization engaged in extensive trade, both internally among its cities and externally with neighboring regions such as Mesopotamia. Trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, which also points to the economic sophistication of the society. This combination of advanced infrastructure and economic activity through trade routes is what sets the Indus Valley civilization apart, highlighting its complexity and significance in ancient history.