The Indus Civilization c4.22

c4.22

In addition to the enemies by which it was beset at a later date, Mohenjo-daro, perhaps from the time of its foundation, had a more serious foe with which to contend. This was the Indus, which now flows three and a half miles east of the city, though at one time it must have been much nearer. The river when in flood is constantly shifting its bed; it begins to rise early in June, generally being at its highest in July and August. Abnormal conditions, such as the unduly rapid melting of the snow and ice at its source, the breaking of ice dams, or excessive rains in Sind or Baluchistan, may, and often do, lead to extensive floods, which in the past could not have been anticipated. The subsidence of walls and well-linings at two distinct levels of the city, one much lower than the other, proves that a flood took place early in the history of Mohenjo-daro and that another marked the beginning of its decline. On both occasions the city was deserted for a comparatively short period, but when all danger was passed it was again occupied.