Exam 2: Ancient India

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Mohenjo-Daro is an archaeological site situated in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was one of the major urban centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, which developed around 2600 BCE and flourished until 1900 BCE. Mohenjo-Daro, which in Sindhi means "Mound of the Dead Men," was discovered in the 1920s and has since been significant for understanding the life, culture, and technological advancements of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The city is known for its advanced urban planning, with a layout that included a grid system of streets, and impressive public and residential structures. Some of the notable features of Mohenjo-Daro include the Great Bath, which is an early form of public water tank, various large granaries, and advanced drainage systems. The buildings were constructed with standardized fired bricks, and the city had a complex water management system, which is evidence of sophisticated civil engineering for its time.

Mohenjo-Daro, along with Harappa, another major Indus site, provides crucial insights into a civilization that was contemporary with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia but was distinct in its organization, technology, and art. The reasons for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, and Mohenjo-Daro in particular, are still a subject of research, with theories including climate change, tectonic activity, and invasion.

The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its archaeological importance and contribution to our understanding of ancient urban life. However, it faces challenges such as erosion, salinity, and potential damage from tourism and improper conservation efforts.