Could a Nuclear Explosion have destroyed the Ancient City Mohenjo-daro?

A Forgotten city

Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site situated in Pakistan, located on the right bank of the Indus River, approximately 510 kilometers northeast of Karachi and 28 kilometers from the city of Larkana.

Estimated to have been established around 3000 BCE, the Harappan civilization constructed a city that is regarded as one of the largest urban centers of ancient civilizations. The city was meticulously planned; 700 wells were excavated to facilitate the design of houses and the alignment of streets that intersected at right angles. Moreover, sophisticated systems of sanitation and drainage were integrated into the residential areas. Mohenjo-daro is notable for its impressive structures, including both indoor and outdoor bathhouses, a granary, and a citadel featuring public baths, as well as a substantial residential complex capable of accommodating approximately 5,000 individuals. At its peak, the estimated population of the surrounding suburb was around 40,000, and the site encompassed approximately 300 hectares. Mohenjo-daro thus exemplifies the most advanced city of its era, characterized by remarkably sophisticated civil engineering and urban planning. The site was eventually abandoned around 1900 BCE.

The site was rediscovered in 1922 and has since been the focus of extensive archaeological research. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mohenjo-daro is deemed one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It offers invaluable insights into the history and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest and most sophisticated civilizations in human history.

Decline of Mohenjo-Daro

The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1900 BCE, and Mohenjo-daro was eventually abandoned, leading to significant archaeological interest and research in the region. It is likely that a combination of factors contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, such as climate changes, shifts in trade routes, flooding of the land and social upheaval. Further research and archaeological discoveries, including the analysis of ancient artifacts and settlement patterns, may help to shed more light on this complex and fascinating period of history. The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, including the iconic site of Mohenjo-daro, remains a subject of debate among scholars, with some suggesting that environmental degradation played a crucial role, while others emphasize the impact of external invasions or internal strife. Several theories have been proposed, but no single explanation is universally accepted, as each theory has its strengths and shortcomings.
However, there is a newfound hypothesis by Indian physicist Dr. Rajendra Prasad, along with a team of interdisciplinary researchers, is exploring the role of astronomical events in influencing climatic conditions in the region, which could provide a fresh perspective on the factors that contributed to the civilization’s eventual decline.

Nuclear explosion ? DR. Rajendra’s hypothesis

This theory was first proposed by Indian physicist Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who claimed to have found evidence of unusually high levels of radiation and other anomalies at the site that could be indicative of a nuclear explosion
The nuclear weapon theory is a highly controversial hypothesis that suggests that the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, including the city of Mohenjo-daro, may have been destroyed by a nuclear explosion. The primary evidence supporting the nuclear weapon theory for the Indus Valley Civilization, including Mohenjo-daro, comes from the work of Indian physicist Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Elevated radiation levels:

Dr. Prasad reported finding unusually high levels of radiation at certain areas within Mohenjo-daro, suggesting the possibility of a nuclear event.

Blackened bricks

Bricks that appeared to be blackened and fused together, which he attributed to the effects of a nuclear blast.

Melted glass:

Claimed to have discovered glass-like material at the site, which he interpreted as a result of intense heat, such as that caused by a nuclear explosion.

However, these claims have been met with significant skepticism and criticism from other experts. Many archaeologists and scientists argue that the evidence presented by Dr. Prasad can be explained by natural phenomena or other factors, and that there is no conclusive proof of a nuclear weapon being used at Mohenjo-daro.
Some of the arguments against the nuclear weapon theory include natural explanations such as the elevated radiation levels could be explained by natural sources,like radioactive minerals or cosmic rays or that here is no clear evidence of an explosion, such as a crater.Other theories such as environmental changes, natural disasters, social and political unrest, provide more plausible explanations for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Alternative theories

Environmental changes

Some scholars believe that climate change, such as a shift in the monsoon patterns or a decrease in river flow, could have contributed to the decline of the civilization.

Natural disasters:

Earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters may have damaged or destroyed cities like Mohenjo-daro, leading to their abandonment.

Social and political unrest

Internal conflicts, invasions, or changes in social or political structures could have destabilized the civilization and led to its decline.

Economic factors:

Trade routes, agricultural practices, or other economic factors may have been disrupted, leading to economic hardship and societal breakdown.

Aryan invasion

One popular theory suggests that the Indus Valley Civilization was invaded by Indo-Aryan peoples, leading to their decline and cultural assimilation. However, this theory is debated and lacks strong archaeological evidence.

Urbanization and resource depletion

The growth of cities like Mohenjo-daro may have led to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social unrest.

Disease outbreaks

Epidemics or pandemics could have devastated the population and contributed to the decline of the civilization.