Mohenjo-daro A Detailed History of the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization City

History of Ancient City Mohenjo-daro 

Ancient City Mohenjo-daro Located in Sindh, Pakistan

Mohenjo-daro is an ancient city located in present-day Pakistan, near the Indus River in the Sindh province. It is one of the most well-known and significant archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, which existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. The history of Mohenjo-daro spans several centuries and offers valuable insights into the urban planning, culture, and lifestyle of the Harappan people.

1. Early Development:

The earliest evidence of settlement in the area of Mohenjo-daro dates back to around 3500 BCE. Initially, the region was inhabited by agricultural communities, and over time, it developed into a major urban center. The city of Mohenjo-daro itself was founded around 2600 BCE and reached its peak between 2500 BCE and 1900 BCE.

2. Urban Planning and Architecture:

Mohenjo-daro was an exceptionally well-planned city, showcasing advanced engineering and urban design. It was divided into two major parts: the Citadel, located on the western side, and the Lower Town, situated to the east. The Citadel was built on an elevated platform and consisted of monumental structures, possibly serving administrative or religious purposes. The Lower Town comprised residential areas, markets, workshops, and a sophisticated drainage and sanitation system.

3. Trade and Economy:

Mohenjo-daro was an important center for trade and commerce. Excavations at the site have revealed evidence of long-distance trade connections with other Harappan cities and regions. Artifacts like beads, pottery, and seals made from materials such as carnelian, lapis lazuli, and shell suggest a thriving trade network. The economy of Mohenjo-daro was primarily based on agriculture, with evidence of irrigation systems and well-planned fields.

4. Culture and Society:

The culture of Mohenjo-daro was characterized by a high level of sophistication. The people of the city were skilled in various crafts, including pottery, metalworking, and jewelry making. They developed a unique system of writing, known as the Indus script, which remains undeciphered to this day. The city had a well-organized social structure, with evidence of a central authority, possibly a governing body or priesthood.

5. Decline and Abandonment:

Around 1900 BCE, Mohenjo-daro and other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization went into decline. The exact reasons for this decline are still debated among historians and archaeologists. Possible factors include environmental changes, such as the drying up of the Ghaggar-Hakra River, which may have affected agriculture and disrupted the economy. Additionally, there is some evidence of violence and destruction, possibly due to external invasions or internal conflicts.

6. Rediscovery and Excavations:

Mohenjo-daro was rediscovered in 1922 by R.D. Banerji, an Archaeological of the officer Survey of India. Extensive excavations were conducted by various archaeological teams, including Sir Mortimer Wheeler in the 1920s and 1930s. These excavations unearthed a wealth of artifacts, revealing the city's advanced urban planning, architecture, and material culture.

Today, Mohenjo-daro is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors and researchers interested in exploring the fascinating history of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ruins of the ancient city continue to provide valuable insights into the achievements and way of life of one of the world's oldest urban civilizations.