Discovery of Mohenjo Daro

Mohenjo Daro, an ancient city located in present-day Pakistan, was discovered in the 1920s by archaeologists during excavations conducted by the British colonial government. The city dates back to the Bronze Age and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia.

Sir John Marshall
The credit for the discovery of Mohenjo Daro goes to Sir John Marshall, who was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India at that time. He led the excavations at the site from 1922 to 1929 and played a pivotal role in uncovering the remains of this ancient civilization.

Excavation Process
The excavation process was a significant undertaking and involved careful planning and systematic excavation techniques. Archaeologists used various methods such as digging trenches, removing layers of earth, and documenting findings to reconstruct the history of the site.

Key Findings
During the excavation, numerous artifacts and structures were unearthed, providing valuable insights into the urban planning, architecture, and lifestyle of the people who inhabited Mohenjo Daro. Some of the key findings include:

1. Great Bath: One of the most iconic structures discovered was the Great Bath, which was a large public bathing area. It was lined with bricks and had a sophisticated water management system.

2. Citadel: The city was divided into two parts, with the higher western part known as the Citadel. This area contained important buildings, including a large residential complex and a granary.

3. Houses and Streets: The excavation also revealed the layout of houses and streets in Mohenjo Daro. Houses were made of baked bricks and had multiple rooms and courtyards. The streets were well-planned and had a sophisticated drainage system.

4. Artifacts: Various artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, tools, and figurines were found, indicating the skilled craftsmanship of the people. These artifacts provided insights into their daily lives, trade, and cultural practices.

Importance of the Discovery
The discovery of Mohenjo Daro was significant as it shed light on the existence of a sophisticated urban civilization dating back to around 2500 BCE. It challenged the prevailing notion that ancient civilizations were limited to Mesopotamia and Egypt, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

Preservation and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Since its discovery, efforts have been made to preserve and protect the site. Mohenjo Daro was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, recognizing its outstanding universal value and the need for its conservation.

In conclusion, Sir John Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, discovered Mohenjo Daro in the 1920s. Through meticulous excavation, numerous artifacts and structures were unearthed, providing insights into the urban planning and lifestyle of the ancient civilization. The discovery of Mohenjo Daro is of immense importance in understanding the history and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.