Mohenjo-Daro

Definition

Mohenjo-Daro is one of the most prominent archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. This ancient city showcases remarkable urban planning, advanced architecture, and sophisticated drainage systems, highlighting the ingenuity of its inhabitants. It is significant for understanding the trade networks and social organization that characterized this early civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-Daro is believed to have been built around 2500 BCE and was one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.
2. The city is famous for its well-planned grid layout, which included streets laid out in a precise north-south and east-west orientation.
3. One of the key features of Mohenjo-Daro is its advanced drainage system, which included brick-lined drains that ran along the streets to manage water flow and sanitation.
4. Mohenjo-Daro's population is estimated to have been around 40,000 to 50,000 people at its peak, indicating a complex and organized society.
5. Archaeological findings suggest that Mohenjo-Daro was an important center for trade, with artifacts such as weights, seals, and pottery indicating economic activity with other civilizations.

Review Questions

• How did the urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro reflect the advanced engineering skills of the Indus Valley Civilization?
  • The urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro showcases advanced engineering skills through its systematic grid layout, featuring straight streets and organized residential areas. The city's sophisticated drainage system exemplified an understanding of sanitation and public health, as it allowed waste water to flow away from living areas efficiently. These features indicate a highly organized society that prioritized both functionality and hygiene in its urban design.
• Discuss the significance of trade in Mohenjo-Daro's economy and how it may have influenced its development as a major urban center.
  • Trade played a crucial role in Mohenjo-Daro's economy, allowing it to thrive as a major urban center in the Indus Valley Civilization. The city had access to various resources and goods through extensive trade networks that connected it with neighboring regions. Artifacts such as weights and seals found at the site suggest a well-established system for measuring and exchanging commodities. This trade likely fostered economic prosperity, social complexity, and cultural exchange within Mohenjo-Daro.
• Evaluate the impact of Mohenjo-Daro's urban planning and trade systems on our understanding of early civilization development.
  • Mohenjo-Daro's urban planning and trade systems significantly enhance our understanding of early civilization development by illustrating how complex societies can emerge through effective resource management and economic interdependence. The city’s well-structured layout demonstrates advanced architectural and engineering capabilities that contributed to public health and community organization. Additionally, the evidence of trade highlights interactions with other cultures, showing that early civilizations were not isolated but rather part of broader networks that facilitated cultural exchange and economic growth. This insight helps us appreciate the sophistication of ancient societies like the Indus Valley Civilization.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization:

An ancient civilization that thrived around the Indus River basin, known for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization.

Urban Planning: The design and regulation of land use in urban environments, crucial for managing resources and infrastructure in cities like Mohenjo-Daro.

Harappan Trade: The extensive trade networks established by the Indus Valley Civilization, facilitating the exchange of goods with neighboring regions and cultures.