PRESERVING A LEGACY

Pakistan needs to unlock the immense potential of archaeology, which remains one of the least prioritised fields in both policy and investment

- FARZAND MASIH

Pakistan rightfully takes pride in being the custodian of one of the world’s most advanced and ancient civilisations—the Indus Valley Civilisation. Not only does it represent the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the ancient world, it also serves as a cornerstone in our understanding of early urbanism, trade, and technological innovation.

Sir John Marshall, credited with the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation, played a key role in establishing its historical significance. Equally significant were the contributions of Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni and Rakhal Das Banerji. Their excavations at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa uncovered key archaeological evidence, shaping our understanding of the civilisation.

After the partition of India in 1947, Pakistan inherited many important archaeological sites, including Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Initially, however, it lacked a formal governmental structure dedicated solely to archaeology. The ministry of education and culture took on the responsibility of overseeing the protection and management of archaeological sites and museums. However, the absence of a specialised and organised department meant that archaeological work was often fragmented and lacked coherence.

In the absence of a formal department, many early archaeological efforts relied on the support of international missions and foreign scholars. One such mission was the American School of Oriental Research, which played a key role in studying the Indus Valley Civilisation. American archaeologist George F. Dales conducted surveys and excavations at Harappa and along the Makran coast during the 1950s and 1960s. Notably, he excavated Sutka Koh and Sutkagendor, the earliest known seaports of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Dales was actively involved in the interpretation of findings from Harappa and was among the first to propose that the Indus Valley Civilisation had its own script, which remains undeciphered.