Mohenjo-Daro

Definition

Mohenjo-Daro is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Indus Valley civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. It represents an advanced urban center known for its sophisticated urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and well-constructed brick buildings, showcasing the ingenuity of the people who lived there around 2500 BCE. The city serves as a crucial window into the social, economic, and cultural practices of one of the world's earliest civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-Daro was built around 2500 BCE and is one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley civilization, showcasing advanced engineering skills.
2. The city featured a sophisticated grid pattern with streets that were laid out in a precise manner, indicating careful urban planning.
3. Mohenjo-Daro had an advanced drainage system with covered drains along the streets, illustrating the importance of sanitation in this ancient society.
4. The Great Bath, a large public water tank, is one of the most famous structures at Mohenjo-Daro and is believed to have been used for ritual bathing.
5. The site was abandoned around 1900 BCE for reasons still debated by archaeologists, ranging from climate change to shifting river patterns.

Review Questions

• How does Mohenjo-Daro reflect the advancements in urban planning and infrastructure during the Indus Valley civilization?
  • Mohenjo-Daro exemplifies remarkable advancements in urban planning through its organized grid layout and sophisticated infrastructure. The streets were designed in a straight pattern, with wide avenues facilitating efficient movement. Additionally, the city's drainage system was highly advanced for its time, featuring covered drains that contributed to hygiene and sanitation, showcasing the city's commitment to public health and urban order.
• Discuss the significance of the Great Bath found in Mohenjo-Daro and what it reveals about the culture of the Indus Valley civilization.
  • The Great Bath is significant as it suggests that ritual practices and public bathing may have played an important role in the culture of the Indus Valley civilization. This large water tank indicates a focus on cleanliness and possibly spiritual or religious activities associated with water. Its public nature hints at community gatherings and shared cultural practices, providing insights into social life during this era.
• Evaluate the various theories surrounding the decline of Mohenjo-Daro and how these theories connect to broader patterns observed within ancient civilizations.
  • The decline of Mohenjo-Daro has led to several theories regarding its abandonment, including environmental changes such as droughts or flooding caused by shifting river patterns. This aligns with patterns observed in other ancient civilizations where climate changes significantly impacted agricultural production and settlement viability. Additionally, sociopolitical factors such as internal strife or invasions may have contributed to its decline, reflecting broader trends in how civilizations often face challenges that can lead to their collapse or transformation over time.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization: An ancient civilization that flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, known for its advanced urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.

Harappa: Another prominent archaeological site of the Indus Valley civilization, located in modern-day Pakistan, similar in urban planning and architecture to Mohenjo-Daro.

Urban Planning: The process of designing and regulating the use of space in urban environments, which was exemplified in Mohenjo-Daro through its grid layout and infrastructure.