Hyderabad, Pakistan – Near Mirpurkhas, approximately 2 kilometers away, lies Kaho Jo Daro, a historical site in Sindh that predates the advent of Islam by centuries. Estimated to be around 2,500 years old, this site was built under the supervision of Emperor Ashoka, a ruler historically associated with the Lohaṇā community, according to scholars. Kaho Jo Daro is believed to have housed Ashoka’s palace and residential quarters. Originally sprawling over 30 to 35 acres, only about 8 acres remain intact today due to the passage of time and lack of preservation.
Prominent writer and researcher Riaz Umrani, along with historian Qaim Solangi, visited Kaho Jo Daro recently from Mirpurkhas. They emphasized the importance of preserving and researching the site. Riaz Umrani highlighted that Ashoka, a significant figure in South Asian history, had constructed this site long before Islam arrived in the region. Similarly, other historical sites in Sindh, such as Brahmanabad, built by Raja Dalor, and Agham Kot in District Badin, reflect the rich architectural and cultural history of Sindh that remains largely unexplored.
Kaho Jo Daro was first excavated in 1908, revealing artifacts that were later transported to Lahore and Karachi. Local oral traditions suggest that some relics were also brought to the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, where they were eventually integrated into local Islamic culture. The site’s significance is not only archaeological but also cultural, linking Sindh’s pre-Islamic history with its later spiritual and societal developments.
Scholars stress that further research and preservation efforts are essential. Kaho Jo Daro is just one of the many ancient sites in Sindh that remain understudied and underprotected. Proper archaeological surveys, preservation initiatives, and historical documentation could reveal new insights into the ancient civilizations of the region, their governance, and their cultural contributions.
According to Riaz Umrani, the region holds hundreds of other unexplored historical sites, each with its own story, yet most remain untouched due to lack of resources, awareness, and institutional support. The research and preservation of Kaho Jo Daro could pave the way for systematic study of Sindh’s pre-Islamic and early historic period, shedding light on ancient dynasties, trade routes, and cultural exchanges in the region.
Preserving Kaho Jo Daro is not just about archaeology; it is also about connecting the people of Sindh with their ancient heritage. The site stands as a testament to the region’s rich history, reflecting the architectural skills, governance systems, and lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants. Educational programs, heritage tourism, and scholarly research can help highlight the significance of Kaho Jo Daro and encourage broader public interest in Sindh’s historical legacy.
In conclusion, Kaho Jo Daro represents a vital link to Sindh’s ancient past, offering insights into the pre-Islamic era, the reign of Ashoka, and the broader cultural and historical landscape of the region. Scholars and historians alike call for immediate research and preservation initiatives to safeguard this invaluable heritage site for future generations and to illuminate the rich history of Sindh to both national and international audiences.
