THE RECENT EXCAVATION AT THE ANCIENT CITY OF VIJNOTE, DISTRICT GHOTKI SINDH, PAKISTAN
Abstract
Sindh, situated at the southern entrance of the Indus River, is a testament to the former grandeur of ancient civilizations. This paper presents the latest findings from the archaeological excavation at Vijnote, located in the district of Ghotki. Vijnote is situated in the barren plains, approximately 8 kilometers to the south of the Reti Railway Station and 73 kilometers to the northeast of Rohri Tehsil. The mound stands out with well-defined features, rising from the surrounding cultivated lands. During the excavation process, we uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, beads, coins, metal objects, bones, ivory, seashells, bricks, mural paintings, and architectural remains. This research specifically focuses on selected objects from the excavation, such as pottery, stratigraphy, and fresco painting to establish their chronology through scientific methods. A comprehensive comparative analysis has also been conducted to compare the features with previously documented sites, thus reconstructing the history of the Vijnote mound. Furthermore, the study examines the ancient routes through which foreign invasions were made, as evidenced by the literature, and explores the historical presence of the site until the time of the Kushan and Arab invasions from Central
Asia and the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent.