THATTA: Eminent historian Dr Mohammad Ali Manjhi says that Thatta, which had been a capital of Sindh for over 400 years (1389 to 1839), still had scores of heritage sites yet to be explored besides many others that have been swallowed up by the sea.

He says he has already discovered and identified 17 unexplored archaeological sites in the district right from Nai Baran on the National Highway to the tail-end town of Laribunder along the coastline.

Dr Manjhi, told a group of journalists here on Monday that his explorations included Rood Makan, Jannat Range, Kot Mir Gullo, Palijano, Soun Maari, Jhol Maari, Leemo Patni, Halaar Patan, Sareji, Tharirro, Shah Hussain, Auranga Bundar, Majhi Rai and others.

Shedding light on the history of some of the sites, Dr Manjhi said, Rood Makan in Jhimpir was the site where he found visible signs of Stone Age civilisation. Jannat Range near railway station had also ancient caves, hill torrent routes and other material signs of civilisation, he said.

He said that he had collected fossils and unearthed sharp edged weapons made of stone which might have been used by the inhabitants of the yore.

About Soun Maari and Jhol Maari, Dr Manjhi said, these were among the seven similar structures built by Jam Tamachi, who ruled Sindh in 14th century, for the relatives of Noori, his love of life. Remains of most of the buildings were still visible on hilltops in Khirthar mountain range, he added.