Mohenjo Daro: The Marvel of the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley civilization was lost even at the time of Alexander the Great. When his emissary Aristoboulos visited the area in 326 bc, he found 'an abandoned country, with more than a thousand towns and villages deserted after the Indus had changed its course'. It was not mentioned again in historical records for over 2000 years. However, Mohenjo Daro, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient world, lies in the modern-day province of Sindh, Pakistan. This city, whose name translates to "Mound of the Dead" in Sindhi, is emblematic of the sophisticated urban planning and cultural richness of the Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived from around 2600 to 1900 BCE.

Mohenjo Daro was first brought into the light of modern archaeology by Sir John Marshall in the 1920s, following earlier explorations by R. D. Banerji. The site, once buried under layers of alluvial soil, revealed a grid-like pattern of streets, indicating a well-structured urban planning approach rare for its time. This discovery challenged many preconceptions about ancient civilizations, particularly those in South Asia.

One of the most striking features of Mohenjo Daro is its advanced urban design. The city was built on a uniform grid with baked-brick houses, many of which had private wells, bathrooms, and an elaborate drainage system. The Great Bath, one of the largest public water tanks of the ancient world, suggests a ritualistic or communal use of water, possibly for religious purification. The Citadel, elevated above the city, housed what are believed to be administrative or religious structures.

Mohenjo-daro is an archeological site what is now Sindh, Pakistan – Getty Images

Artifacts unearthed from Mohenjo Daro give us glimpses into the daily life of its inhabitants. Seals, pottery, jewelry, and tools suggest a society with a complex social structure, including merchants, artisans, and possibly priests or rulers. The presence of standardized weights and measures points to a regulated trade system, both within the city and with other regions. 

The depiction of animals, especially the unicorn on seals, might indicate religious or cultural symbols. However, much about their religion remains speculative due to the undeciphered script of the Indus Valley Civilization, known as the Harappan script. 

The reasons behind the decline of Mohenjo Daro are still debated among scholars. Theories range from environmental changes, like river course shifts or monsoon failures leading to droughts, to invasions by nomadic groups, notably suggested by the presence of skeletons showing violent deaths. However, no definitive evidence supports a single theory, suggesting that multiple factors might have led to its abandonment.

Today, Mohenjo Daro faces significant challenges in preservation. Environmental factors such as high water tables, salinity, and the physical wear from tourism threaten this UNESCO World Heritage site. Efforts are ongoing to stabilize the structures, with international cooperation aimed at conserving this piece of human heritage.

Mohenjo Daro not only offers insights into one of the earliest urban civilizations but also impacts our understanding of cultural evolution in South Asia. Its legacy in architecture, urban planning, and possibly even cultural practices influences contemporary culture and scholarship. 

Mohenjo Daro stands as a testament to human ingenuity and complexity in urban living. Its study continues to reshape our understanding of ancient civilizations, urging us to look beyond traditional narratives and appreciate the diverse paths of human development. As excavations and studies persist, Mohenjo Daro remains a crucial link in understanding the tapestry of human history, reminding us of the transient nature of civilizations and the importance of preserving our past for future generations.