Archaeological Ruins at Mohenjo-Daro

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم 

 Archaeological Ruins at Mohenjo-Daro

The ruins of an immense city, Mohenjo-Daro, which flourished in the valley of the Indus in the 3rd millennium B.C., were inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1980. The remains of the city are situated on the western bank of River Indus, about 12 kilometers from Mohenjo-Daro railway station, in Larkana District of Sind.

The well-planned city, built mostly in baked brick buildings, having public baths, and a college of priests, elaborate drainage system, soak pits for disposal of sewerage and large state granary, bears testimony that it was a metropolis of great importance, with approximately forty thousand inhabitants, enjoying a well-organized civic, economic, social and cultural life.

Excavations comprising figures of animals like rhinoceros, tigers and elephants on seals enjoyed heavier recovered from the site, and the brick-lined street drains, suggest that the region rainfall at that time than at present. Wheat, barely, sesamum, field peas, dates and cotton appear to have been the main crops. Discovery of precious stones and other metallic objects, not normally found in this region, indicate trade with foreign countries.

It is not known for certain, how the great metropolis came to a tragic end. A gradual decline of the civilization, before the ultimate end is however, clearly noticeable, and an invasion by the Aryans or the neighboring hill tribes, appears to have sealed the fate of Mohenjo-Daro.

The remarkable structural remains of Mohenjo-Daro, when excavated in the early 20s, were in excellent state of preservation, but the phenomenon of salt efflorescence on them was soon noticed. Over the years the problem has assumed alarming proportions, leading to damaging of bricks and disintegration of the structures. Another serious threat to Mohenjo-Daro is that of inundation, posed by the River Indus, flowing very close to the site.

UNESCO, approached by the Government of Pakistan launched an International campaign to safeguard Mohenjo-Daro. The international community responded favorably, and the international organizations such as UNDP, provided financial as well as technical resources to address the main problems of River and Ground Water Control. Some equipment for scientific study and execution of work and training of a few specialists was also arranged. Conservation of structural remains however, did not match the speed of deterioration. The International Campaign has since been closed, and the responsibility of maintenance and further conservation now rests with the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan.

In conclusion, the archaeological ruins of Mohenjo-Daro offer a glimpse into the advanced civilization of the Indus Valley and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Despite the challenges of preservation, the remains continue to inspire awe and wonder and are a valuable resource for the study of ancient history.