Mohenjo-Daro (meaning “Mound of the Dead”) is one of the most prominent archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC). Located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, near the Indus River, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides critical insights into one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. Below is a detailed overview of Mohenjo-Daro, along with objective and subjective questions for competitive exam preparation.
Key Features of Mohenjo-Daro:
- Urban Planning:
- The city was divided into two parts: the Citadel (for administrative and religious purposes) and the Lower Town (residential area).
- Streets were laid out in a grid pattern, intersecting at right angles.
- Houses were made of standardized baked bricks and had private wells and bathrooms.
- Great Bath:
- One of the most iconic structures at Mohenjo-Daro.
- It was a large, rectangular tank made of baked bricks and waterproofed with bitumen.
- Likely used for ritual bathing or religious ceremonies.
- Drainage System:
- Mohenjo-Daro had an advanced underground drainage system with covered drains.
- Each house was connected to the main drainage system, ensuring proper sanitation.
- Granaries:
- Large granaries have been discovered, indicating the importance of agriculture and food storage.
- Artifacts:
- Seals: Made of steatite, featuring animal motifs (e.g., bull, elephant, unicorn) and inscriptions in the undeciphered Harappan script.
- Pottery: Red and black pottery with geometric designs.
- Statues: Notable examples include the Priest-King and the Dancing Girl (made of bronze).
- Toys: Clay carts, figurines, and dice suggest a vibrant culture.
- Trade and Economy:
- Mohenjo-Daro was a major trade center, with evidence of trade links with Mesopotamia, Oman, and other regions.
- Standardized weights and measures were used for trade.
- Decline:
- The decline of Mohenjo-Daro, like other Indus Valley sites, is attributed to factors such as climate change, river drying, and invasions.
Objective Questions (MCQs):
- Where is Mohenjo-Daro located?
a) Punjab, Pakistan
b) Sindh, Pakistan
c) Gujarat, India
d) Rajasthan, India
Answer: b) Sindh, Pakistan - What is the meaning of “Mohenjo-Daro”?
a) City of the Dead
b) Mound of the Dead
c) City of the Gods
d) Mound of the Gods
Answer: b) Mound of the Dead - Which of the following is a notable structure found at Mohenjo-Daro?
a) Great Granary
b) Great Bath
c) Dockyard
d) Stupa
Answer: b) Great Bath - What material was commonly used for building houses in Mohenjo-Daro?
a) Stone
b) Wood
c) Baked bricks
d) Mud bricks
Answer: c) Baked bricks - Which river is closest to Mohenjo-Daro?
a) Indus
b) Ravi
c) Sutluj
d) Ganga
Answer: a) Indus - What is the most famous artifact found at Mohenjo-Daro?
a) Terracotta toys
b) Seals with inscriptions
c) Dancing Girl statue
d) Stone tools
Answer: c) Dancing Girl statue - Which animal is most commonly depicted on Harappan seals?
a) Elephant
b) Tiger
c) Unicorn bull
d) Horse
Answer: c) Unicorn bull - What does the Harappan script primarily appear on?
a) Pottery
b) Seals
c) Walls
d) Jewelry
Answer: b) Seals - Which of the following is NOT a feature of Mohenjo-Daro?
a) Grid-like street system
b) Advanced drainage system
c) Pyramids
d) Great Bath
Answer: c) Pyramids - What is the approximate period of the Indus Valley Civilization?
a) 1500–500 BCE
b) 2600–1900 BCE
c) 1000–500 BCE
d) 3000–1500 BCE
Answer: b) 2600–1900 BCE
Subjective Questions:
- Describe the urban planning and architecture of Mohenjo-Daro.
- Answer: Mohenjo-Daro was a well-planned city with a grid-like street system. It was divided into a citadel (for administrative or religious purposes) and a lower town (residential area). Houses were made of standardized baked bricks and had private wells and bathrooms. The city also featured advanced drainage systems and public structures like the Great Bath.
- What is the significance of the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro?
- Answer: The Great Bath is a large, rectangular tank made of baked bricks and waterproofed with bitumen. It is believed to have been used for ritual bathing or religious ceremonies, reflecting the importance of water in Harappan culture.
- Discuss the drainage system of Mohenjo-Daro.
- Answer: Mohenjo-Daro had an advanced underground drainage system with covered drains. Each house was connected to the main drainage system, ensuring proper sanitation and waste disposal. This highlights the civilization’s emphasis on hygiene and urban planning.
- What are the key artifacts found at Mohenjo-Daro?
- Answer: Key artifacts include seals with inscriptions and animal motifs, pottery with geometric designs, statues like the Priest-King and Dancing Girl, and toys such as clay carts and dice. These artifacts provide insights into the culture, economy, and daily life of the Harappan people.
- Explain the possible reasons for the decline of Mohenjo-Daro.
- Answer: The decline of Mohenjo-Daro is attributed to factors such as climate change, the drying up of rivers (e.g., the Ghaggar-Hakra), natural disasters, and invasions by nomadic tribes like the Aryans.
- Compare Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
- Answer: Both Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were major urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization. While Mohenjo-Daro is known for its Great Bath, Harappa is famous for the Great Granary. Both cities had advanced drainage systems, but Mohenjo-Daro had more elaborate public structures.
- What role did Mohenjo-Daro play in the trade and economy of the Indus Valley Civilization?
- Answer: Mohenjo-Daro was a major trade center, with evidence of trade links with Mesopotamia, Oman, and other regions. The use of standardized weights and measures, as well as the discovery of seals and artifacts, indicates a well-organized economy.
- Why is the Harappan script considered a mystery?
- Answer: The Harappan script, found on seals and pottery, remains undeciphered due to the lack of a bilingual inscription or a “Rosetta Stone.” Its short inscriptions (usually 5–6 symbols) make it difficult to interpret.
- What were the main economic activities of the people of Mohenjo-Daro?
- Answer: The economy of Mohenjo-Daro was based on agriculture (wheat, barley), trade (both local and international), and craftsmanship (pottery, bead-making, seal-making). They also engaged in animal husbandry and fishing.
- How did the Indus Valley Civilization contribute to modern urban planning?
- Answer: The Indus Valley Civilization’s grid-like street system, advanced drainage, and standardized construction techniques set a precedent for modern urban planning. Their emphasis on sanitation and organized living spaces remains relevant today.
These questions cover both factual recall and analytical thinking, making them ideal for competitive exam preparation. Let me know if you need further clarification or additional questions!