Mohenjo-daro Reduced Inequality to Thrive

Why this is here: Mohenjo-daro’s economic inequality shrank to levels typical of early agricultural villages in its later years, suggesting a unique approach to urban development.

Archaeologists at the University of York studied Mohenjo-daro, a city in present-day Pakistan, and found it flourished as economic inequality decreased. The city, occupied from roughly 2600 to 1800 BCE, was a major center of the Indus Valley Civilization. Researchers analyzed house sizes and discovered Mohenjo-daro became more equal over time, unlike contemporary cities in Mesopotamia and Greece.

Instead of palaces or elaborate tombs, Mohenjo-daro invested in practical infrastructure like brick-lined drainage systems and standardized weights. Trade tools, called Indus seals, appeared more often in common homes than in public buildings. This suggests city residents collaborated to ensure fair access to resources and a good quality of life.

The study challenges the idea that growing inequality always accompanies economic growth. While the findings suggest a link between lower inequality and increased productivity, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Further research will explore how this model sustained Mohenjo-daro’s prosperity for centuries.