Moen Jo Daro,5000 Old Civilization of Indus Valley

The site is called the “Mound of the Dead” means in Sindhi” مئل جو دڙو” because “daro” means “mound” in Sindhi, and it contains ruins of an ancient settlement where no living inhabitants remained. Over time, it became associated with the remains of past civilizations, symbolizing the death of its once-flourishing population.

Moen Jo Daro, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, lies in present-day Sindh, Pakistan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, believed to have been built around 2500 BCE, was one of the world’s earliest major urban centers.

Its advanced town planning, drainage systems, and architectural achievements highlight the sophistication of the Indus people. Despite its glory, the settlement’s eventual decline and abandonment led to its eerie name: “Moen Jo Daro”. The site is situated on the west bank of the lower Indus River in the Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan.

Positioned on a Pleistocene ridge within the Indus floodplain, the site is approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the town of Larkana.

Why It’s Called “The Mound of the Dead”

The name “Moen Jo Daro” is derived from the Sindhi words “moen مئل” (dead) and “jo daro” (mound دڙو), translating to the “Mound of the Dead.” This name was likely given after its discovery in the 1920s by local residents who saw its ruined state and associated it with an ancient burial ground.

The settlement, once thriving with life, commerce, and culture, was mysteriously abandoned, leaving behind its empty structures and silent streets. When British archaeologists unearthed it, they found no signs of a sudden catastrophe, mass graves, or evidence of warfare, making its downfall even more enigmatic.

Urban Planning and Architecture

The Daro’s grid-based layout and rectilinear buildings showcase its architects’ advanced skills. Constructed mainly from fired and mortared brick, with sun-dried mud-brick and wooden elements, the settlement spanned 300 hectares. Housing an estimated 40,000 people, it was a hub of intricate urban planning and social organization.

Divided into the Citadel and Lower City, it featured public baths, assembly halls, and a central marketplace. Remarkably, its sophisticated waste management and water systems are more advanced than many modern villages and towns, highlighting the exceptional engineering expertise of its builders.

The settlement’s urban planning was remarkable for its time. It was laid out in a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles. The “Great Bath” found at the site is considered one of the oldest water tanks in the world. The level of engineering, planning, and standardization across the metropolis suggests a highly organized and centralized form of governance.

Disaster Management

The settlement was equipped with large platforms likely designed to combat flooding. Theories suggest that it faced multiple floods and was rebuilt several times on the same site. Wheeler posited that repeated flooding and siltation led to its eventual abandonment.

However, Gregory Possehl proposed that continuous mini-floods, combined with overuse of land for agriculture and resource extraction, contributed to its decline rather than a single catastrophic event.

Theories Behind Its Decline

While the reasons for the decline of this ancient metropolis remain unclear, several theories have been proposed. Some scholars suggest environmental changes, such as a shift in the course of the Indus River or prolonged droughts, may have led to its abandonment.

Others believe that the settlement’s infrastructure might have collapsed due to overpopulation, failing sanitation, or an economic decline. However, no definitive evidence has been found to confirm a single cause.

The settlement, built around 2600 BCE, was a major centre of the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning and civil engineering. The civilization, thriving from 3000 BCE, spanned Pakistan and North India, reaching as far as Bactria. Mohenjo-daro was abandoned around 1900 BCE as the Indus civilization declined.

Unique Major Buildings of the Site

In the Daro, the “Great Granary” identified by Sir Mortimer Wheeler features massive storage bays and air-ducts, though its true function remains debated. Jonathan Mark Kenoyer suggests it may be a “Great Hall.” The adjacent “Great Bath” is an elaborate public bath with a bitumen-lined pool, likely used for ritual purification. Other significant structures include a “Pillared Hall,” possibly an assembly area, and the “College Hall,” a 78-room complex that might have housed priests.

The Water Supply & Drainage System

The site featured an advanced water supply system with over 700 wells and a comprehensive drainage network. This extensive provision, with about one well per three houses, surpasses those of contemporaneous civilizations like Egypt or Mesopotamia. Its design relied on annual rainfall and the nearby Indus River, with wells serving long-term water needs. The circular brick well design, unique to the Indus Civilization, and a centralized drainage system for waste disposal, reflect the settlement’s sophisticated engineering.

Mother Goddess Idol

Discovered by John Marshall in 1931, the Mother Goddess idol, found among Harappan artifacts, represents early Near Eastern fertility deities. The 18.7 cm tall figure at the National Museum of Pakistan features exaggerated genitalia, suggesting it was an offering rather than a direct deity representation. Shereen Ratnagar theorizes these unique figurines may depict ordinary women used in rituals or ceremonies.

Dancing Girl

The 10.5 cm bronze “Dancing Girl,” found in 1926 and housed in New Delhi’s National Museum, is about 4,500 years old. Praised by Mortimer Wheeler, this statuette showcases advanced metalworking and suggests the Indus Civilization valued dance and entertainment.

Priest-King

Discovered in 1927, the 17.5 cm “Priest-King” is a dignified soapstone sculpture at Karachi’s National Museum. Featuring a bearded man with pierced earlobes and elaborate clothing, it suggests high status, though no direct evidence of priests or monarchs exists at the site.

Pashupati Seal

The Pashupati seal features a seated, cross-legged figure surrounded by animals. Some scholars interpret this figure as a yogi, while others view it as a three-headed “proto-Shiva,” known as the “Lord of Animals,” reflecting early religious symbolism.

Discovery and Excavation

The ruins of the mound were first discovered in 1922 by archaeologist R.D. Banerji, part of the Archaeological Survey of India. Excavations revealed a well-planned urban center, with remnants of homes, markets, and administrative buildings. The discovery of artifacts like seals, pottery, and sculptures shed light on the daily life, trade, and culture of the Indus people. These items also demonstrated the settlement’s connections with distant civilizations, as many foreign goods were found.

Significance and Legacy

The mound of dead remains one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Its advanced city planning, architectural innovation, and mysterious decline offer insights into one of the earliest known civilizations. The lack of written records makes it challenging to fully understand the city’s history and the reason for its downfall, but the name “Mound of the Dead” serves as a haunting reminder of a once-thriving civilization that vanished without a trace.

The site continues to be a focal point for archaeologists, historians, and tourists alike, reflecting the achievements and enigmas of ancient human history.

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