‘Antique’ object surfaces during recent rainfall in Mohenjo Daro

LARKANA: An object, believed to be of archaeological importance, has surfaced in the DK area of Mohenjo Daro during recent downpour and experts’ opinions are being sought to establish its make and age.

A private tourist guide, Irshad Ahmed Solangi, a resident of Dhand village located very close to the archaeological site, revealed on Thursday that he had found this object in a ditch, developed during the recent rainfall, a day earlier (Aug 3). He told Dawn that he reported the “discovery” to the site officer, Naveed Sangah.

After examining the object, Mohan Lal, a former chief engineer of the department of archaeology and museums and currently working as project director of the Endowment Fund Trust (EFT), labeled the object as ‘Buddha Pendant’ and opined that it could be a unique antiquity.

“This rare discovery demands further studies to find out missing history links,” he said.

A senior officer of the culture department said the object appeared to be like a pendent worn by people around the neck.

He said it could be a rare discovery of its nature at this site. It should be established by experts whether it was made up of bronze or some other material, he said, adding that they could also ascertain its historic or pre-historic value.

When contacted, Naveed Sangah, the conservator at Mohenjo Daro, said the object was found by Irshad Solangi in the DK South area.

“We have approached an expert working in the culture department to know about the object’s make and age,” he said.

Ali Haider Gadhi, a senior conservationist in the department, said that heavy rainfall led to the surfacing of this small figurine.

The object is kept by Mr Solangi for the time being.