LARKANA: The historical archaeological site of Jhukar Jo Daro – one of Larkana’s most significant ancient sites – is in danger of destruction as villagers nearby have started releasing sewage water into the ruins and sowing of paddy crops which has caused water logging and salinity issues.
Villagers of Mitho Dero said that during the rainy season, several old artefacts are found by the residents including gold coins which are either kept by them or are sold due to no knowledge of their importance. They said former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had ordered excavation but the work was left incomplete. They said they have sent many applications to the concerned higher authorities for building boundary wall around the Daro but no action has been taken. They also demanded preservation and excavation work so that hidden treasures could be revealed.
Mohenjo Daro Curator Ihsan Abbasi told Daily Times on Sunday that encroachments at Jhukar Jo Daro were old and claimed that no new occupation has been made. He said 10 to 12 houses were constructed over the land which presumably belongs to Daro. He said according to their records, Jhukar Jo Daro is spread over a total of 33.39 acres land, adding that he have written to Revenue Department to carryout demarcation.
Abbasi said he has written several times to Sindh Culture, Tourism and Archaeology Department to start preservation work including construction of boundary wall but funds are yet to be allocated and released. He said the ancient archaeological monuments were previously under federal government which did nothing to preserve these historical sites of Indus Valley Civilization. He said Jhukar Jo Daro is located on Main Indus Highway and is ideal for establishing tourist spot.
Sindh Culture, Archaeology and Antiquities Department Director General Manzoor Hussain Kanasro told the scribe that a grant of Rs20 million was approved for 2018-19 but its release was still awaited. He said as soon as the funds are released, boundary walls and preservation works at about 30 to 35 schemes will be started including Jhukar Jo Daro. He said lots of works were to be carried out at all ancient sites for which funds are required. He said renovation work of Sir John Marshall’s car still requires funds.
The ancient Jhukar Jo Daro is located near village Mitho Dero on Indus Highway, about 10 kilometers away from Larkana and approximately 25 kilometers from World Heritage monuments of Mohenjo Daro. No boundary wall has been constructed by Sindh Culture, Tourism and Archaeology Department due to which habitual land grabbers have occupied its precious land.
No museum has so far been established by the Sindh Government to preserve Jhukar Jo Daro’s artefacts. The total area of Jhukar Jo Daro is estimated to be 1300 x 830 ft and consists of two parts; A and B, and distance between both parts is about 300 ft. This site was excavated and explored in 1928 by known archaeologist N. G. Majumdar but it was also seen previously by R. D. Banerji in 1918 who was of the view that there were signs of Budh Stuppa at the place.
Majumdar excavated both A and B areas and found rare artefacts. He presumed that these discoveries have some connections with other historical civilizations. He also discovered walls made of katcha (mud) bricks which consisted about 50 rooms which were cleaned. He found copper coins, stamps and other valuables after the rooms were excavated. The flooring of the rooms was made of mud and with pucca bricks of the same size as those of Mohenjo Daro.
He also found a well which was also made of pucca bricks. Majumdar was sure that Jhukar Jo Daro had some connection with other such ancient sites including Mohenjo Daro, Harrapa. The pots found from this site have roping signs which are different from those excavated from Mohenjo Daro. He also found statue of an ox, goat and a pig. Moreover, he found toys including wheels of ox-cart. Majumdar mentioned names of all the materials which he discovered during excavation in his book ‘Excavation in Sindh‘.