Archaeologists call for new research, reconstruction of Mohenjo-daro city wall

Archaeologists and heritage experts have called for renewed archaeological research at Mohenjo-daro and the reconstruction of a replica of the ancient city’s perimeter wall to enhance public understanding, promote cultural tourism, and strengthen appreciation of Pakistan’s archaeological heritage.

The recommendations were presented during a programme held at the National Museum of Pakistan, Burns Garden, Karachi, where Dr Asma Ibrahim, General Secretary of SEAS Pakistan (Sindh Exploration & Archaeological Society), Dr Kaleemullah Lashari, noted archaeologist, and Dr Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, Senior Archaeologist from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, presented the findings of the Mohenjo-daro Field Season 2025–2026.

The speakers emphasised the importance of constructing a replica of the ancient city wall as an educational and interpretive feature to increase public engagement and tourism.

Presenting the Vision and Five-Year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030) for the Mohenjo-daro Museum and Archaeological Site, Ali Lashari, Assistant Director, Sindh Department of Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archaeology, outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on archaeological research, integrated conservation, museum transformation, digitisation, and sustainable heritage development.

He stated that the long-term objective was to establish Sindh as an internationally recognised leader in heritage conservation, archaeological research, and sustainable cultural development. He also encouraged both national and international researchers to undertake new archaeological investigations while promoting greater collaboration with educational institutions.

According to the report issued by SEAS Pakistan, the 2025–2026 Documentation and Conservation Program at Mohenjo-daro was implemented over three field seasons—Summer 2025, Winter 2025–2026, and Summer 2026—through a collaborative effort involving the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Sindh, SEAS Pakistan, and international researchers.

The programme integrated archaeological research, conservation, museum improvement, scientific analysis, and digital documentation to enhance the understanding and long-term preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The museum component included the assessment of display galleries and reserve collections, conservation of selected copper and faience artefacts, improved storage and packaging systems, desalination treatment of vulnerable faience objects, and scientific analysis of selected artefacts using non-destructive techniques. These interventions significantly enhanced both the preservation and documentation of the museum collections.

Archaeological investigations focused on the western edge of the Stupa (Citadel) Mound to better understand its construction history. Through excavation, coring, and the reassessment of Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s 1950 excavations, researchers established that the feature previously interpreted as a “bund” is, in fact, a substantial mudbrick perimeter city wall extending along the western side of the mound. Evidence from multiple construction phases indicates that the wall originated during the Early Harappan period, significantly revising current understanding of Mohenjo-daro’s early urban development.

Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples recovered from excavated contexts and mudbrick cores produced dates ranging from approximately 2708–2576 cal BCE for the earliest phase of wall construction and 2460–2280 cal BCE for later occupation levels. Together with the discovery of Kot Diji Phase pottery, these findings provide the first definitive chronological evidence that Mohenjo-daro’s defensive perimeter wall was constructed during the Early Harappan period.

The project also introduced innovative conservation and interpretation initiatives, including the production of replica mudbricks and the construction of a demonstration section of the ancient city wall to assist public interpretation. Comprehensive drone mapping, three-dimensional documentation, geological studies of mudbrick production, metallurgical analyses of copper artefacts, and systematic artefact documentation have further strengthened the scientific record and future conservation planning for the site.