Mohenjo-daro is an ancient city located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It was one of the largest urban settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE. The city thrived for approximately 700 years and was abandoned around 1900 BCE.
Mohenjo-daro was discovered in the 1920s by an archaeologist named R.D. Banerji. Excavations revealed a well-planned city with a sophisticated drainage system, brick-lined streets, and multi-story buildings. The city had a central citadel on a raised platform, surrounded by lower residential areas.
The city's layout suggests a highly organized and centralized administration. The buildings were made of fired brick, and many had elaborate bath areas, suggesting a high value placed on cleanliness and sanitation. The citizens of Mohenjo-daro had access to a centralized water supply system and used advanced techniques for wastewater disposal.
Mohenjo-daro's economy was largely based on agriculture, with evidence of irrigation systems and the cultivation of wheat, barley, and cotton. The city also had a thriving crafts industry, with artisans producing pottery, metalwork, and jewelry. Trade played a significant role in the city's prosperity, with evidence of contact with other civilizations, including Mesopotamia.
The decline of Mohenjo-daro is not well understood, but theories suggest that environmental factors such as changes in the course of the Indus River or a decline in rainfall may have contributed to its abandonment. The city was gradually buried under layers of silt and was forgotten until its rediscovery.
Today, Mohenjo-daro is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant archaeological site. It provides valuable insights into the urban planning and cultural practices of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to preserve and protect the site for future generations.