In the local Sindhi language, the name “Mohenjodaro” literally means what?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the study of the Indus Valley Civilization and basic historical geography. Mohenjodaro is one of the most famous sites of this civilisation, and its local name in Sindhi carries a specific meaning. Knowing this meaning helps link modern local traditions with ancient archaeological discoveries.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the literal meaning of the local name “Mohenjodaro”.
• The options are four different “mound of” phrases.
• We assume that Mohenjodaro is located in present-day Pakistan, in the Sindh region.
• We focus on the accepted translation used in history textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Mohenjodaro is a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization. The name comes from the Sindhi language, where “moen” or “mohen” is understood as “dead” and “jo daro” means “mound” or “place of burial”. Therefore, the combined phrase is usually translated as “Mound of the Dead”. This reflects how local people may have viewed the ancient ruins long before archaeologists understood their historical significance. Although other poetic translations exist, standard exam literature accepts “Mound of the Dead” as correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that Mohenjodaro is a site in Sindh, so the local language is Sindhi.Step 2: Recall from history lessons that textbooks translate Mohenjodaro as “Mound of the Dead”.Step 3: Compare the options and find the exact phrase that matches this translation.Step 4: Option c, “Mound of the dead”, clearly corresponds to the standard meaning.Step 5: Eliminate the other options as they do not match the well known historical explanation.

Verification / Alternative check:
School and competitive exam books on ancient India almost always mention Mohenjodaro with a brief note explaining that its name means “Mound of the Dead” in Sindhi. This is repeated so frequently that it has become a set fact in GK questions. There is no reference in authoritative exam materials to “Mound of the living”, “Mound of the great” or “Mound of the survivor” as accepted translations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mound of the living: Directly contradicts the idea of “dead” associated with the ruins and is not supported by linguistic explanations.Mound of the great: Sounds impressive, but it is not the standard translation of the Sindhi phrase.Mound of the survivor: There is no historical or linguistic basis for this meaning in mainstream sources.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students choose “Mound of the great” because it sounds more positive or royal. Others guess randomly because they do not remember the exact wording. To avoid mistakes, fix a simple association in memory: Mohenjodaro – an ancient ruined city – therefore “Mound of the Dead”. This link makes the correct option easy to recall during exams.

Final Answer:
In the local Sindhi language, “Mohenjodaro” literally means “Mound of the dead”.