Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro, meaning "Mound of the Dead Men" in Sindhi, is an ancient city of the Indus Valley Civilization located in present-day Sindh, Pakistan. It is one of the world's earliest major urban settlements, contemporaneous with the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Crete.

History

Mohenjo-daro was built around 2500 BCE and was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The city was abandoned in the 19th century BCE as the Indus Valley Civilization declined, and the site was not rediscovered until the 1920s.

Archaeological Significance

Mohenjo-daro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia. The city is noted for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization.

Urban Planning

The city was laid out in a grid pattern with streets oriented along cardinal directions. It featured a sophisticated drainage system, with covered drains running along the streets and individual homes connected to the main sewer lines.

Architecture

Buildings in Mohenjo-daro were constructed using standardized fired and mortared bricks. The city had a central marketplace, public baths, and a large residential area. The "Great Bath" is one of the most famous structures, believed to have been used for ritual bathing.

Social Organization

The layout and construction of Mohenjo-daro suggest a highly organized society with a strong central authority. The uniformity of the bricks and the city’s infrastructure indicate a standardized system of weights and measures.

Cultural Aspects

Artifacts found at Mohenjo-daro include pottery, tools, and figurines, which provide insights into the daily life and culture of its inhabitants. The "Dancing Girl" bronze statue and various seals with inscriptions are among the most notable finds.

Decline and Abandonment

The reasons for the decline of Mohenjo-daro and the Indus Valley Civilization are not fully understood. Theories include climate change, tectonic activity, and invasions by nomadic tribes.

Preservation Challenges

Mohenjo-daro faces significant preservation challenges due to environmental factors, such as salinity and erosion, as well as human activities. Efforts are ongoing to protect and conserve the site for future generations.

Also see

• Indus Valley Civilization
• Harappa
• Ancient Egypt
• Mesopotamia
• Archaeology