The exact cause of Mohenjo-daro's destruction remains a mystery, but historians and archaeologists propose several potential explanations.
Possible Causes of Destruction
While definitive proof is lacking, the following theories are most commonly considered:
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Flooding: The most cited reason is massive flooding. The Indus River, upon which Mohenjo-daro depended, could have experienced catastrophic floods that overwhelmed the city.
- Evidence: Archaeological findings reveal layers of silt and mud, suggesting periods of inundation.
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Decline in Trade: The city relied heavily on trade with Mesopotamia. Political instability and/or decline in Mesopotamia could have severely impacted Mohenjo-daro's economy and sustainability.
- Evidence: Disruption in trade routes or decline in Mesopotamian artifacts found at Mohenjo-daro could support this theory.
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Other potential causes:
- Tectonic Activity: Earthquakes or shifts in the Earth's crust could have caused structural damage leading to collapse.
- Climate Change: Changes in rainfall patterns could have resulted in drought and famine, forcing the population to abandon the city.
- Invasion: Although less likely due to lack of widespread evidence of warfare, some argue that invading groups might have contributed to the city's demise.
Summarization
Although the precise reason is still unknown, it is probable that a combination of variables, such as flooding, declining trade, or climate change, contributed to Mohenjo-daro's decline and ultimate abandonment.
