22 February, 2020
All Pictures are
owned
Text taken from web
Jhukar-Jo-Daro is an archaeological
site where Jhukar Phase was explored and it has been recorded
that Harappan Phase came after or it is followed by Jhukar Culture. Some
historians have revealed that Jhukar Phase partly covers or overlaps with the
Harappan Phase but obviously persists much later. The remains of the late Harappan
culture of the Chalcolithic period were discovered here at Jhukar-Jo-Daro.
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 waterlogging and salinity issues.
Villagers
of Mitho Dero said that during the rainy season, several old artifacts 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.
According to records, Jhukar Jo Daro is
spread over a total of 33.39 acres of land, adding that he had written to Revenue
Department to carry out demarcation..
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 the 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 artifacts. 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 Buddha Stupa at the place.
Majumdar excavated
both A and B areas and found rare artifacts. He presumed that these discoveries
have some connections with other historical civilizations. He also discovered
walls made of Katcha (mud) bricks which consisted of 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
that 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 a statue of an ox, goat, and a pig. Moreover, he found toys
including the wheels of an ox-cart. Majumdar mentioned names of all the materials which
he discovered during an excavation in his book ‘Excavation
in Sindh‘.
