Field guides / Sindh / Kahu-Jo- Daro
Field guide · Heritage
Kahu-Jo- Daro
The Kahu-Jo-Daro, or Mirpur Khas stupa, is an important Buddhist site located in Sindh, Pakistan, spread over 30 acres.
Excavations before 1910 revealed a large brick stupa and numerous terracotta reliefs, some of which are displayed in world museums. Initially dated to the 4th to 5th centuries, the stupa is now believed to date from the 5th to early 6th century, based on its complex artwork resembling that found in Ajanta and Bhitargaon. The site also yielded Hindu and Buddhist artworks, including Buddha images and a 7th-century painted figure of Avalokitesvara. Terracotta clay tablets with Buddhist inscriptions were also discovered. The stupa's unique art style blends Greco-Buddhist and Gupta traditions. The site has suffered significant damage over time due to brick theft and previous construction activities.
Why go
- ✦Buddhist heritage
- ✦Indus Valley archaeology
- ✦history
Current Condition
Kahu-Jo-Daro remains unprotected and in a deteriorating state, with much of the structure damaged due to brick theft, salinity, and encroachment. Despite its significance, no proper preservation work is currently underway. The site falls under the Sindh Directorate of Antiquities, but practical conservation efforts are lacking.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Year-round; confirm local conditions and any festival dates before travel.
Getting there, In or near Mirpur Khas, Sindh; confirm current local access before visiting.
