The Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, located in the Indus Valley, are an exceptionally well-preserved urban settlement dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. This ancient metropolis, situated on the right bank of the Indus River in Pakistan’s Sindh Province, played a significant role in shaping subsequent urbanization. It represents the Indus civilization, one of the world’s three great ancient civilizations that thrived between 2,500-1,500 BC.
Discovery and Significance
Discovered in 1922, Moenjodaro offers valuable insights into the customs, art, religion, and administrative capabilities of its inhabitants. The city was meticulously planned and constructed mainly with baked bricks. Its features include public baths, a college of priests, an elaborate drainage system, wells, sewage disposal units, and a large granary. These attributes attest to its importance and well-organized civic, economic, social, and cultural systems.
City Layout and Planning
Moenjodaro consists of two sectors: a citadel area in the west, where a Buddhist stupa was later built, and an eastern lower city along the banks of the Indus River. The city follows a highly organized form of urban planning, with buildings arranged along intersecting streets at right angles. It also incorporates advanced systems of sanitation and drainage.
Criterion (ii): Influence on Urbanization
The Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro represent the oldest planned city on the Indian subcontinent and have greatly influenced subsequent urban development in the region.
Criterion (iii): Testimony to Indus Civilization
As the most ancient and well-preserved urban ruins in the Indus Valley dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, Moenjodaro provides exceptional evidence of the Indus civilization.
Integrity and Authenticity
The Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro cover an area of 240 hectares, with only about one-third excavated since its discovery. The significant attributes of the property are well-preserved and maintained within the established boundaries. However, the foundations of the structures are threatened by saline action resulting from a rise in the water table of the Indus River. Efforts have been made to mitigate this threat, but further conservation measures are necessary.
The authenticity of Moenjodaro lies in its original planning, form, design, materials, and location. However, the site’s setting is vulnerable to the potential impact of surrounding development.
Protection and Management
The Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro are protected by national and regional laws. A management system is in place to administer the property, preserve its Outstanding Universal Value, and address threats and vulnerabilities. A comprehensive Master Plan has been prepared to identify the archaeological extent of Moenjodaro, and the responsibility for upkeep and maintenance has been transferred to the Culture Department, Government of Sindh.
To address authenticity and integrity concerns, a site office with a scientific laboratory handles conservation issues using scientific and traditional methods. Techniques such as mud slurry, mud capping, re-pointing, and consolidation works are employed to combat salt action, thermal stress, and rain damage. Additionally, measures like embankments and spurs have been constructed to mitigate the risk of floods. Regular monitoring of the dam is conducted, and efforts are being made to secure funding for its strengthening.
