Mohenjo-Daro

Definition

Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient Indus Valley city, one of the world's earliest urban centers, established around 2500 BCE. It represents a significant example of early urbanism, showcasing advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and a uniform layout that reflects the complex social structure of its inhabitants. The rise of such cities has profound environmental implications, as they highlight the interaction between human societies and their surrounding ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest cities in the Indus Valley Civilization, showcasing a grid-like street layout and large public buildings.
2. The city featured advanced drainage systems that included covered drains along the streets, highlighting its residents' emphasis on sanitation and urban infrastructure.
3. Mohenjo-Daro's population is estimated to have been around 40,000 at its peak, making it a significant urban center in the ancient world.
4. The decline of Mohenjo-Daro around 1900 BCE may have been influenced by environmental factors such as changing river patterns and climate change.
5. Artifacts found at Mohenjo-Daro indicate a thriving trade network with other ancient civilizations, demonstrating economic interconnectivity in early urban centers.

Review Questions

• How did the urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro reflect the social structure of its inhabitants?
  • The urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro was highly organized, with streets laid out in a grid pattern and significant public buildings like the Great Bath suggesting a complex social structure. This indicates that the society valued order and possibly had centralized authority to oversee construction and maintain infrastructure. The uniformity in housing also hints at social stratification and communal living arrangements that may have reflected the city's governance.
• In what ways did Mohenjo-Daro's advanced drainage systems demonstrate the city's relationship with its environment?
  • Mohenjo-Daro's advanced drainage systems reveal a sophisticated understanding of water management and urban hygiene among its inhabitants. The covered drains along streets not only provided sanitation but also indicated that the residents were keenly aware of their environment's impact on health and daily life. This relationship showcases how early urban societies adapted to and manipulated their surroundings to support large populations.
• Evaluate the potential environmental factors that may have contributed to the decline of Mohenjo-Daro and similar urban centers in the Indus Valley.
  • The decline of Mohenjo-Daro was likely influenced by a combination of environmental factors including changing river patterns, which affected water supply for agriculture, and shifts in climate that may have led to droughts or flooding. These environmental changes would have strained resources necessary for sustaining a large urban population. As agricultural productivity declined, it could have resulted in economic instability and ultimately contributed to the abandonment of this once-thriving city.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization: An ancient civilization that flourished along the Indus River, known for its urban planning, architecture, and advanced societal organization.

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas develop into urban areas, leading to an increase in population density and changes in land use.

Archaeological Site: A location where evidence of past human activity is preserved and studied, providing insights into historical cultures and their environments.