Mohenjo-Daro

Definition

Mohenjo-Daro is one of the most prominent and well-preserved archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. Known for its advanced urban planning, including a grid layout, sophisticated drainage systems, and large public baths, Mohenjo-Daro provides crucial insights into the life, culture, and technological achievements of one of the world's earliest urban societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohenjo-Daro was built around 2500 BCE and is one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization.
2. The city featured a highly organized grid layout with streets intersecting at right angles, showcasing advanced urban planning.
3. Mohenjo-Daro is famous for its Great Bath, which is believed to have been used for ritual purposes or as a public bathing area.
4. The site had an intricate drainage system that included covered drains and toilets in many houses, demonstrating sophisticated sanitation practices.
5. Artifacts discovered at Mohenjo-Daro include seals, pottery, and tools, indicating a rich trade network with neighboring regions.

Review Questions

• How did the urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro reflect the technological advancements of the Indus Valley Civilization?
  • The urban planning of Mohenjo-Daro showcased remarkable technological advancements through its grid layout and infrastructure. Streets were meticulously designed to intersect at right angles, allowing for efficient traffic flow. The presence of an advanced drainage system, complete with covered drains and toilets in many homes, highlighted their understanding of hygiene and public health. Such features illustrate how the people of Mohenjo-Daro were able to create a complex urban environment that catered to both daily life and sanitation needs.
• Discuss the significance of the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro and what it reveals about the culture of its inhabitants.
  • The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro is significant as it serves as evidence of ritualistic practices or communal activities among its inhabitants. This large structure suggests that water played a vital role in their culture, possibly indicating a focus on purification or religious rituals. The presence of such a large public bathing facility demonstrates not only the importance placed on hygiene but also hints at social interactions among community members. It points to a society that valued shared experiences and possibly held communal gatherings centered around water.
• Evaluate how archaeological findings at Mohenjo-Daro contribute to our understanding of trade networks in the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Archaeological findings at Mohenjo-Daro significantly enhance our understanding of trade networks during the Indus Valley Civilization. The discovery of seals featuring distinct motifs suggests that trade was conducted with neighboring cultures, including Mesopotamia. Artifacts such as pottery and tools also indicate that goods were both imported and exported. This exchange likely facilitated cultural interactions and economic relationships beyond local boundaries, demonstrating that Mohenjo-Daro was not just an isolated urban center but a key player in a broader trade network that contributed to its prosperity and cultural richness.

Related terms

Indus Valley Civilization: An ancient civilization that flourished around the Indus River basin from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE, known for its advanced urban centers and trade networks.

Urban Planning: The design and organization of city spaces and infrastructures, which in Mohenjo-Daro included well-planned streets and sophisticated drainage systems.

Harappan Culture: A term used to describe the cultural and archaeological features associated with the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly in relation to the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.