Mohenjo-daro

Definition

Mohenjo-daro is an ancient Indus Valley city that dates back to around 2500 BCE, located in present-day Pakistan. It was one of the largest urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, showcasing advanced urban planning and engineering techniques that influenced subsequent urbanization in the region and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-daro featured a sophisticated drainage system that was ahead of its time, indicating a high level of sanitation and public health awareness.
2. The city was organized in a grid pattern, with residential areas separated from industrial and public spaces, showing advanced urban planning principles.
3. Archaeologists believe that Mohenjo-daro had a population of around 40,000 at its peak, making it one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
4. The Great Bath, a large public water tank found in Mohenjo-daro, suggests that ritual bathing or other ceremonial activities played a significant role in the society.
5. The decline of Mohenjo-daro around 1900 BCE is still a topic of debate among historians, with theories ranging from climate change to resource depletion or invasion.

Review Questions

• How does the urban planning seen in Mohenjo-daro reflect the social organization and technological advancements of its time?
  • The urban planning of Mohenjo-daro demonstrates a highly organized social structure and technological prowess. The grid layout suggests deliberate planning for efficient living and trade, while features like wide streets and sophisticated drainage systems indicate advanced engineering skills. This level of planning reflects a society that prioritized public health and infrastructure, showcasing how urbanization can influence social organization.
• What are some key similarities and differences between Mohenjo-daro and Harappa in terms of their urban design and cultural significance?
  • Mohenjo-daro and Harappa both exhibit advanced urban planning, with grid layouts and public structures. However, while Mohenjo-daro is renowned for its Great Bath, Harappa is notable for its unique artifacts like seals. Both cities serve as vital archaeological sites that reveal insights into the Indus Valley Civilization's culture, economy, and technological achievements. Their similarities highlight a shared cultural identity, while differences emphasize regional variations within the civilization.
• Evaluate the impact of Mohenjo-daro's decline on the broader historical context of urbanization in South Asia.
  • The decline of Mohenjo-daro marks a significant transition in South Asian urbanization. Its fall around 1900 BCE likely disrupted trade networks and led to shifts in population centers. This decline may have contributed to the eventual rise of other regional powers and altered patterns of settlement in the Indian subcontinent. Understanding this transition helps illustrate how environmental changes or socio-political factors can influence urban development throughout history.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization: An ancient civilization that flourished in the northwestern region of South Asia from around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, known for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization.

Urban Planning:

The process of designing and regulating land use and the built environment in urban areas, which was exemplified by the grid layout and infrastructure of Mohenjo-daro.

Harappa:

Another major city of the Indus Valley Civilization, often compared to Mohenjo-daro, known for its similar urban planning and cultural characteristics.