Harappa

Introducing Harappa

Harappa dates back to the 3rd millennium BC and is the second most important Indus Valley civilisation site, but it’s not nearly as well preserved as Moenjodaro. This, combined with the difficulty in reaching it, means that those without a specialist interest may be disappointed. On the flip side, some travellers come here purely to soak up the site’s tranquil setting.

Excavations have been carried out almost every spring since 1986 by the universities of California and Wisconsin, in conjunction with the Pakistani Department of Archaeology. If you’re interested in learning more about this ancient civilisation, the Harappa Museum sells a booklet, The Glory that Was Harappa, by Dr FA Khan, for Rs 200. You should also be able to find specialist books about Harappa at Pakistan’s major bookshops.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009