Mohenjo-daro Citadel Mound — Larkana
Mohanjo-daro High Mound · Indus Citadel — DK-G · Moen-jo-Daro Mound
Indus Valley Civilisation, Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE)·Indus Valley (Harappan)·🇵🇰 Sindh, Larkana District, Indus west bank, Pakistan
About
About Mohenjo-daro Citadel Mound — Larkana
Mohenjo-daro Citadel Mound — Larkana in Sindh, Larkana District, Indus west bank, Pakistan is a Indus Valley Civilisation, Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE) pyramid/mound site attributed to Indus Valley (Harappan) culture. The tell/mound rises markedly above the plain, with stratified mudbrick and burnt levels documenting successive rebuilds. Excavations reveal early planning, drainage and cult installations. Comprehensive stratigraphy and published sections allow detailed phasing. Systematic survey, magnetometry and radiocarbon provide chronology.
Why it mattersKey Indus Valley (Harappan) mound/pyramid informing urbanism and monumentality debate; long stratigraphy anchors regional chronology; type-site for local ceramic sequence.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of earliest level — radiocarbon vs ceramic seriation unresolved
- 02Function of platform — defense vs ritual vs flood refuge debated
Theories
- 01Urban genesis — mound as autonomous centre vs secondary foundation
- 02Hydraulic hypothesis — platform responding to irrigation and flood control
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.2600–1900 BCE (Mature Harappan)
- Period
- Indus Valley Civilisation, Mature Harappan (2600–1900 BCE)
- Culture
- Indus Valley (Harappan)
- Purpose
- Pyramidal mound / tellsite — Indus Valley (Harappan) settlement with monumental platform, controlling regional trade and irrigation
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.2600–1900 BCE (Mature Harappan)
Initial major platform/tell settlement founded
c.2000 BCE
Peak occupation with citadel and lower town
1900
Early antiquarian soundings
1950–80
Modern stratigraphic excavations establish sequence
On the ground
Structures & features
27.3292° N · 68.1389° E · 48 m · 3 mapped features
- Mohenjo-daro Citadel Mound — Larkana — Citadel/platform moundpyramidMain high mound/platform with mudbrick terraces and retaining walls — central pyramid/mound27.3295° N · 68.1392° E
- Mohenjo-daro Citadel Mound — Larkana — Lower town/lower moundsettlementLower settlement sprawl with streets, drains and domestic quarters at foot of main mound27.3284° N · 68.1384° E
- Mohenjo-daro Citadel Mound — Larkana — Temple/granary complextempleCult or storage complex on platform summit — plastered hall with podium and drainage27.3297° N · 68.1385° E
Gallery