Chronological Surveys
2023
MoMA, New York
This is an ongoing project of researching prepublished work on historical maritime activity of
Sindh. The vast scope of the subject raises more questions rather than offering conclusive answers. This is
compounded by the diverse accounts of the region by multiple authors, which at times lack consistency
in site names, events and agendas. Therefore, this body of work does not intend to put forward
a hypothesis. Instead, the approach is to compile a literature review of sorts, and compare
important texts through a historiographical approach with an emphasis on three core areas:
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Firstly, to explore the development of culture under an era-by-era regional authority in Sindh
whilst examining conflicts in empires and governance. This approach is crucial because it helps plot the socio-political background and renders details such as mythologies, and evidences in archaeological studies in conjunction. Furthermore, outlining eras navigates pathways in placing measures taken that contributed to the advancement, as well as destablization of maritime history within Sindh (and its neighbouring territories) in regards to global trade.
- Secondly, when covering
several centuries of rule within a specific geographical region, emphasis should be placed on the relationship sites and events have with topographical features. Changes in the River Indus and the coastline of Sindh have an irreovable history of the development of bandars (ports) and the rise and fall of trading centres.
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And finally, although the
research makes a concerted effort to present facts, the text inevitably divulges into drawing
parallels with mythology and folkore that are related to archaeological evidence, water bodies
and historical periods.
By referencing tangible relics such as ports, vessels, architectural monuments and artefacts in relation to folklore helps anchor this literature review with the sentiments of how Sindhi culture is complex and heavily resonates with oral traditions.
These three umbrellas of research exist to explain the intentions behind the uploaded documents to help provide support to anyone looking for written
sources to contextualise archaeology and maritime history in Sindh.