Ancient Technologies, Ancient Machines: What to Know About Mohenjo Daro

Introduction to Mohenjo Daro

Mohenjo Daro, whose name translates as “the mound of the dead,” is one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites and a cornerstone of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization124. Located in present-day southern Pakistan, on the right bank of the Indus River in Sindh province, Mohenjo Daro flourished between approximately 2600 and 1900 BCE, making it contemporaneous with the great civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Minoan Crete, and Norte Chico249. It was first recognized for its archaeological significance in 1922, shortly after the discovery of Harappa, and has since captivated scholars and the public alike with its advanced urban planning, sophisticated engineering, and enigmatic culture157.

Discovery and Exploration

Mohenjo Daro was rediscovered in the early 20th century, with systematic excavations beginning in the 1920s under the direction of archaeologists such as R. D. Banerji, John Marshall, Ernest Mackay, and others159. These excavations revealed a sprawling city, once home to an estimated 40,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest urban centers of its time237. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, recognizing its outstanding universal value as the best-preserved urban settlement in South Asia from the early third millennium BCE24.

Since the 1960s, large-scale excavations have been restricted due to concerns about preservation and rising groundwater, but salvage excavations, surface surveys, and conservation projects continue to uncover new insights into the city’s past5.

Urban Layout and Architecture

Mohenjo Daro’s urban design is a marvel of ancient engineering and city planning. The city covers an area of about 618 acres (250 hectares), with a circuit of about 3 miles (5 kilometers)157. It is divided into two main sectors:

The Citadel: This elevated area in the western part of the city was built up artificially to a height of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) using mud and mud brick, and fortified with square towers of baked brick. The citadel housed important public buildings, including an elaborate bath or tank (the “Great Bath”), a large residential structure, a massive granary, and at least two aisled halls of assembly. The Great Bath, in particular, is one of the most iconic structures at Mohenjo Daro, featuring a large, watertight pool surrounded by a veranda and rooms, and is believed to have had a ceremonial or religious function147.
The Lower Town: To the east of the citadel, the lower town was laid out in a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles. This area contained substantial courtyard houses, many with private bathrooms and well-designed drainage systems. Brick stairs in many homes suggest the presence of upper stories or flat, habitable roofs. The walls were originally plastered with mud to protect against the destructive effects of salts in the bricks147.

The city’s advanced drainage and sanitation systems are among its most impressive features. Most houses had small bathrooms connected to covered drains running beneath the streets, which were equipped with manholes for maintenance. This level of urban planning was unmatched in the ancient world at the time and is a testament to the sophistication of Indus Valley engineers147.

Daily Life and Society

Mohenjo Daro was a bustling metropolis, with a population that included artisans, traders, priests, and administrators. The city’s economy was based on agriculture, trade, and craft production. Artifacts recovered from the site include pottery, beads, seals, tools, and jewelry, many of which display a high level of craftsmanship357. The presence of standardized weights and measures suggests a well-organized system of trade and administration.

The social structure of Mohenjo Daro is less clear, as no large cemeteries have been found, only occasional chance burials. This has led to speculation about burial practices and social organization5. The absence of monumental temples or palaces, in contrast to contemporary civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, suggests a more egalitarian or decentralized political system, although the presence of the citadel and public buildings indicates some form of centralized authority17.

Art, Religion, and Culture

The religion and belief systems of Mohenjo Daro remain enigmatic, as the Indus script has not yet been deciphered35. However, artifacts such as seals depicting animals (notably the “unicorn” and bull), ritual objects, and figurines suggest a rich spiritual life. Some scholars see parallels between Indus religious practices and later Hindu traditions, but this remains a subject of debate3.

Art from Mohenjo Daro includes finely crafted pottery, jewelry, and sculptures, such as the famous “Dancing Girl” bronze statue, which is celebrated for its naturalistic style and craftsmanship35. The city’s art and iconography reflect a culture that valued both aesthetic beauty and technical skill.

Decline and Legacy

Mohenjo Daro was abandoned around 1700 BCE, along with other major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization29. The reasons for its decline are still debated, with theories ranging from climate change and environmental degradation to shifts in trade routes and the possible incursion of new peoples. Recent research suggests that a combination of factors, including the drying up of the Ghaggar-Hakra River system and tectonic activity, may have contributed to the city’s downfall29.

Despite its abandonment, Mohenjo Daro’s legacy endures. Its advanced urban planning, engineering, and social organization influenced the development of urbanization in South Asia and beyond. The site continues to be a focal point for archaeological research and a symbol of the ingenuity of ancient civilizations459.

Summary Table: Mohenjo Daro at a Glance

Feature

Description

Location

Sindh province, Pakistan, on the Indus River

Time Period

2600–1900 BCE (peak), abandoned c. 1700 BCE

Size

618 acres (250 hectares), 3 miles (5 km) in circuit

Population

Estimated 40,000

Main Structures

Citadel (Great Bath, granary, assembly halls), Lower Town (grid streets)

Urban Features

Advanced drainage, private bathrooms, courtyard houses

Artifacts

Seals, pottery, jewelry, bronze statues (e.g., Dancing Girl)

UNESCO Status

World Heritage Site since 1980