Khalid Khan
Buried beneath layers of history, the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro still whispers secrets of a civilization that flourished over 5,000 years ago. Its discovery in 1922 by R.D. Banerji of the Archaeological Survey of India unlocked the mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilization, a society that, in many ways, was ahead of its time. Unlike contemporary civilizations where power and wealth dictated social structure, Mohenjo-Daro was built on principles of economic parity and social cohesion—an enigma that continues to intrigue historians.
A marvel of urban planning, Mohenjo-Daro was meticulously designed with baked-brick houses, well-laid streets, and a sophisticated drainage system that would put many modern cities to shame. The city had a central marketplace, large granaries for food storage, and an intricate water management system, including a massive communal bath with underground heating—an astonishing feat of engineering for its time. Its ruins even suggest the existence of a shared educational institution, further emphasizing the society’s focus on collective welfare.
In stark contrast to the imposing palaces and grand tombs of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Rome—symbols of power and hierarchy—Mohenjo-Daro’s remnants tell a different story. There are no opulent royal chambers or towering monuments dedicated to rulers. Instead, its architecture reflects a classless society where civic amenities were accessible to all. Sir John Marshall, in his seminal work Mohenjo-Daro and the Indus Civilization (1931), noted, “Unlike contemporary civilizations, where temples and royal tombs consumed vast wealth, the Indus people focused on comfortable, practical living for all members of society.”
The significance of this civilization extends beyond its bricks and mortar. It was in Mohenjo-Daro that cotton was first used for textile production—an innovation that the Western world would only adopt thousands of years later. The city’s egalitarian ethos, advanced civic planning, and technological ingenuity stand as a testament to a society that valued intellect and collective progress over individual glorification.
Yet, this grand legacy is crumbling before our eyes. The very civilization that defied class structures and pioneered urban planning is now a victim of neglect. Harsh weather, erosion, and human apathy have left Mohenjo-Daro’s remains in a fragile state. Both local and international archaeologists sound the alarm over its rapid decay, fearing that one of humanity’s greatest historical treasures may soon vanish.
This concern is not new. During British rule, historians and scholars consistently urged authorities to protect the site. Even Jawaharlal Nehru, in his book Discovery of India (1944), wrote about his visits in 1931 and 1936:
“On my second visit, I saw how rain and winds had begun to erode these ruins. Structures that had survived five thousand years beneath the earth were now falling apart. The efforts to preserve this history were feeble and insufficient.”
Since the birth of Pakistan, decades have passed, but the fate of Mohenjo-Daro remains uncertain. Despite being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, little has been done to shield it from environmental degradation and official neglect. What was once a city of innovation and resilience is now at the mercy of time and indifference.
If we fail to act, Mohenjo-Daro will not just be a lost city—it will be a lost lesson in human civilization.
