Mohenjo-Daro

Definition

Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient city of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE in what is now Pakistan. This archaeological site is known for its advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and well-structured buildings, showcasing the remarkable achievements of the civilization. The city's layout indicates a high level of organization and governance, reflecting the complexity of life during this time period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization and was built around 2500 BCE, showcasing advanced engineering techniques.
2. The city had a sophisticated drainage system that included covered drains and private toilets in homes, indicating a high level of sanitation for its time.
3. Mohenjo-Daro's streets were laid out in a grid pattern, demonstrating impressive urban planning and an organized approach to city development.
4. The Great Bath, one of the most famous structures in Mohenjo-Daro, suggests that communal rituals or bathing practices played a significant role in the society's culture.
5. The decline of Mohenjo-Daro remains a subject of research, with theories ranging from natural disasters to economic changes or invasions leading to its abandonment around 1900 BCE.

Review Questions

• How does the urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro reflect the societal organization of the Indus Valley Civilization?
  • The urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro showcases a highly organized society with advanced engineering skills. The grid layout of streets and placement of public buildings indicate that the residents had a clear understanding of urban infrastructure. This level of planning suggests that there was a governing authority capable of overseeing such complex arrangements, highlighting the importance of social order and cooperation within the Indus Valley Civilization.
• 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 highlights the cultural importance placed on water for ritualistic or communal purposes within the Indus Valley Civilization. Its size and construction suggest that bathing may have held spiritual or hygienic significance for its inhabitants. Additionally, this structure indicates social cohesion as people likely gathered for shared activities, revealing insights into their community life and religious practices.
• Evaluate the factors that may have led to the decline and eventual abandonment of Mohenjo-Daro and discuss their implications for understanding ancient civilizations.
  • The decline of Mohenjo-Daro may have been influenced by various factors, including potential natural disasters like flooding or droughts, shifts in trade routes, and possible invasions or internal strife. These elements provide insight into how environmental changes and socio-economic dynamics can impact even advanced civilizations. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending how societies adapt or collapse over time, offering valuable lessons on resilience and vulnerability that are relevant today.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization: An ancient civilization that emerged around 3300 BCE along the Indus River, known for its advanced urban culture, trade networks, and innovations in agriculture and metallurgy.

Urban Planning: The design and organization of a city, which in the case of Mohenjo-Daro included grid patterns of streets and strategically placed public buildings.

Great Bath: A large public water tank located in Mohenjo-Daro, believed to have been used for ritual bathing or communal gatherings, reflecting the importance of water in Indus Valley culture.