Mohenjo-daro: Unveiling the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization

Table Of Contents

Key Facts

Rediscovery and UNESCO Recognition

Location And Etymology

Historical Context 

Challenges and Preservation

 

Mohenjo-daro, also known as the “Mound of the Dead Men,” is an archaeological site located in Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it stands as one of the most remarkable remnants of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Let’s delve into the fascinating history and significance of this ancient city.

Key Facts

• Origins: Mohenjo-daro was established during the 26th century BCE and thrived as a major urban center.
• Indus Valley Civilization: It was part of the Harappan Civilization, which spanned much of present-day Pakistan and North India.
• Population: With an estimated population of at least 40,000 people, Mohenjo-daro was a bustling hub of activity.
• Contemporaries: This ancient city existed alongside other great civilizations like ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Minoan Crete, and Norte Chico.

Rediscovery and UNESCO Recognition

• The site remained hidden until its rediscovery in the 1920s.
• In 1980, Mohenjo-daro was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the first such site in South Asia.

Location and Etymology

• Mohenjo-daro lies on the flat alluvial plain of the Indus River, approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the town of Larkana.
• Its modern name translates to “Mound of the Dead” in Sindhi.
• The original name of the city remains unknown , but some speculate it could have been Kukkutarma, associated with ritual cook-fighting.

Historical Context

• The Indus Valley Civilization emerged around 3000 BCE from prehistoric Indus culture.
• At its peak, this civilization extended westward to the Iranian border, south to Gujarat in India, and northward to an outpost in Bactria.
• Major urban centers included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi.

Challenges and Preservation

• Mohenjo-daro faces threats from erosion and improper restoration.
• Despite these challenges, it remains a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of ancient urban planning.

As we explore the remnants of Mohenjo-daro, we glimpse into a distant past—a civilization that flourished, traded, and left behind an enduring legacy.