Jhukar-Jo-Daro (2020)

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‘.