Mohenjo-daro

Definition

Mohenjo-daro is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning and sophisticated architecture. The city showcases remarkable features such as a grid layout, advanced drainage systems, and public structures that reflect the organized social and economic life of its inhabitants. It also includes artifacts like seals and pottery, which provide insight into the cultural practices and trade relations of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-daro was built around 2500 BCE and is considered one of the earliest urban centers in the world.
2. The city had a well-planned layout with streets organized in a grid pattern, showcasing advanced urban design principles.
3. One of the notable features of Mohenjo-daro is its sophisticated drainage system, which included covered drains along major streets to manage waste and rainwater.
4. Artifacts like seals found at Mohenjo-daro suggest that the city engaged in extensive trade with other cultures, including Mesopotamia.
5. The Great Bath is a prominent structure at Mohenjo-daro, believed to have been used for ritualistic purposes or public bathing, highlighting the cultural practices of its society.

Review Questions

• How does the urban planning of Mohenjo-daro reflect the social organization and daily life of its inhabitants?
  • The urban planning of Mohenjo-daro reveals a highly organized society with a clear emphasis on community living. The grid layout indicates careful planning for residential areas and public spaces, while the advanced drainage system shows concern for hygiene and sanitation. This level of organization suggests that inhabitants likely had a complex social structure with designated roles and responsibilities, enhancing their daily life through efficient urban management.
• Discuss the significance of pottery and seals found at Mohenjo-daro in understanding the trade practices of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • The pottery and seals discovered at Mohenjo-daro play a crucial role in understanding the trade practices of the Indus Valley Civilization. Seals were used for marking goods and indicating ownership, reflecting a system of commerce that extended beyond local boundaries. The motifs on pottery and seals suggest cultural connections with other civilizations, particularly Mesopotamia, indicating that Mohenjo-daro was an active participant in regional trade networks that facilitated economic exchange and cultural interaction.
• Evaluate how the architectural innovations observed in Mohenjo-daro contributed to its classification as a significant urban center during the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • The architectural innovations seen in Mohenjo-daro underscore its significance as a major urban center during the Indus Valley Civilization. The well-planned layout, complete with wide streets, residential blocks, public buildings, and an advanced drainage system, exemplifies sophisticated urban design principles. These features not only facilitated daily life but also showcased engineering prowess that set Mohenjo-daro apart from contemporary settlements. Additionally, structures like the Great Bath indicate a focus on public health and communal activities, further establishing its importance as a hub of culture and society.

Related terms

Harappa: Harappa is another major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization, often studied alongside Mohenjo-daro, known for its similar urban planning and cultural artifacts.

Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished along the Indus River, characterized by its urban centers, trade networks, and advanced societal organization.

Seals: Seals are small carved objects used in the Indus Valley to mark ownership or authenticate goods, often featuring intricate designs and symbols that remain undeciphered.