BADIN: Ancient artefacts and statues, reportedly dating back centuries, were discovered by the residents of village Vidhri Chak, near Shadi Large area of Badin.

The discovery came as a result of recent rains in the area which unearthed the artefacts on river Hakro’s dry riverbed.

The artefacts are said to be influenced by Buddhist culture.

“Many of the statues and artefacts are made of brass, copper and ivory,” said Habib Lund, a villager who was part of the group which found the objects.

Habib added that after finding a few pieces, a group of villagers from his village started excavations in the area and unearthed more statues and artefacts.

“We used to discover similar artefacts from the area and we request the government to start proper archaeological excavations at the site,” added Habib.

Local archaeologists and historians working in the Wango area told Dawn that this place was the site of an ancient city which used to be the capital for lower Sindh and Thar.

“This region was of prime importance and centuries ago acted as the centre of various civilizations,” said Mashkoor Phalkaro, a local historian and researcher.

Another historian, Abu Bakar Shaikh said that the objects discovered suggest that they are centuries old when Dravidian culture was predominant in the region.

Zulfiqar Kalhoro, along with other anthropologists and an archaeologist, told Dawn that the artefacts discovered are of great importance and belong to the Buddhist religion.

Area residents and local historians have requested the government to take over the site and start proper excavations to unearth the remains of the ancient capital.