Daily Times

Sindh is a prehistoric land where civilisation has been thriving for at least 7,000 years. After many decades the Archaeology and Antiquities department with the help of Italian Archaeological experts have reached near to know the reality of Bhambore, an ancient city of Sindh.

According to archaeology experts, the history of Bhambore dates back to Scytho-Parthian era before Muslims. Some historians call it Debal, where Arab General Muhammad Bin Qasim arrived to defeat local ruler Raja Dahir in seventh century.

New excavations carried out at Bhambore have revealed that it was the biggest producer of ivory in the ancient world.

Italian archaeologist, Simon Mantelin said a total of 6,675 ivory pieces have been discovered at Bhambore, an immense number of historical artefacts have been unearthed, including articles made of ivory, coins, copper, bronze, glass, iron, wood, shells, fired bricks and mud bricks.

“We have found huge artefacts and will determine their period too”, he added

He said that it shows that once thick forests existed in the Bhambore region because ivory grows on the mouth of elephants and their natural habitat is in jungles.

He said though a large number of ivory pieces was unearthed in Iraq too, but this discovery at Bhambore was the biggest adding that the latest discovery of artefacts at an ancient site would open up new job opportunities for archaeologists both at historical sites and museums.

New excavations carried out at Bhambore have revealed that it was the biggest producer of ivory in the ancient world

“Such a huge recovery proved there was a factory for the production in the city,” he added

A French archaeologist, Monique Kervran, already has revealed in her finding report that Bhambore is the Debal which was ruled by Raja Dahar and Bhambore is the same place.

On other hand a Researcher Qazi Asif with his views that the south gate of Bhambore Fort from which Muhammad bin Qasim entered the citadel was later called the ‘gateway of Islam’ in South Asia.

While talking to Daily Times, Director General Antiquities and Archaeology Manzoor Ahmed Kanasro said: First round of excavations in the area were first done by Ramesh Chandra Majumdar in 1928 and later by Leslie Alcock in 1951. Pakistani archaeologist Dr F.A. Khan conducted extensive studies and excavations in the site from 1958 to 1965, after the 18th amendment the site came into control of Government of Sind and they commenced with the Joint Pak-French-Italian Archaeologists which was continued till 2015, again in 2017 with the help of Italian Archaeological experts excavated around 12,000 pieces of pottery and artefacts, now 6,675 ivory pieces have been discovered and still working on site.

“Excavations have unearthed an interesting ‘quarter’ with related architectonic structures including a ‘palace’, small houses, rooms, streets, artefacts and warehouses”, he disclosed

While working on site experts observed intense activity both agricultural bases on irrigation, canals and barrages as well as craftsmanship in the north-eastern area outside of the walls.

He said that the archaeological evidence reveal that Banbhore was not only an important harbour-town and market, but also a highly significant centre of production of luxury goods to be exported all along the main sea and land routes.

Kansro assured that excavations work in Bhambore would be continued to unfold the hidden truth and let the people know the value of heritage.

Bhamobore dates back to the first century BC. The port city is supposed to be the capital of Raja Dahir’s. Such discoveries would kindle the young generation’s interest in history.

On other hand there is also a famous folk love story of Sassi and Pannu one of the tragic tales which is also associated with Bhambore as Sassi was the daughter of Raja Bhambore.

There is guest house for tourists and museum in Bhambore which holds the specimens of the Age-old civilization. By entering into the museum we realize that Bhambore was a civilized and well planned city. There are the excavations of the first mosque of South East Asia.

The site, located at the mouth of Indus Delta in Thatta district, hardly 60 kilometres east of Karachi.