A sustainable strategic hand to deal with environmental change in Sindh

Quratul Ain Kareem

Environmental archaeology is a multidisciplinary field that studies the interactions between past human societies and their environments through the analysis of biological, geological, and archaeological data. It seeks to understand how ancient communities adapted to and modified their natural surroundings, especially in relation to climate, agriculture, settlement patterns, and resource use. In the current era of rapid climate change, especially in vulnerable regions like Sindh, Pakistan, environmental archaeology becomes increasingly relevant not only to reconstruct the past but also to inform sustainable strategies for the present and future.

Sindh, located in the south-eastern part of Pakistan, comprises a wide variety of ecological zones from the Indus River plains and deltaic regions to arid deserts and coastal environments. The region has supported human life for thousands of years, as evidenced by Indus Valley Civilization sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Amri, Chanhudaro, and others. These early societies relied heavily on seasonal river flows, fertile alluvial soils, and relatively predictable climatic patterns for agriculture and settlement.

In recent decades, Sindh has witnessed significant climatic changes. These include: Erratic rainfall and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, temperature increases, resulting in heatwaves and higher evaporation rates. Rising sea levels leading to seawater intrusion in coastal agricultural lands, Water scarcity due to reduced river flows and poor water management upstream.

These changes have led to the displacement of communities, loss of agricultural productivity, salinization of soil, and increased vulnerability of heritage sites to erosion and decay. Through environmental archaeology, researchers can analyze past climate data (paleoclimatology), ancient agricultural practices, and patterns of environmental degradation or resilience. In Sindh, archaeological sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Kot Diji reveal how ancient people responded to environmental stress shifting settlements, changing crop patterns, and constructing advanced water management systems.

Studies of pollen, phytoliths, faunal remains, and soil stratigraphy provide evidence of environmental shifts over time. For instance: Paleo-botanical evidence can show changes in vegetation and land use. Zooarchaeology helps track domestication, overgrazing, and shifts in diet. Geoarchaeology reveals past river movements and erosion patterns.

These data offer valuable case studies for understanding how societies can cope with or collapse under environmental pressures.

By examining how ancient communities in Sindh managed environmental risks, environmental archaeology can contribute to Sustainable land use planning, based on traditional knowledge of soil and water. Water management strategies, including the revival of ancient irrigation techniques. Community resilience models, derived from understanding historical coping mechanisms. Cultural heritage preservation, by identifying vulnerable sites and implementing conservation strategies.

Furthermore, this field encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, climatologists, hydrologists, and sociologists to develop holistic solutions for today’s challenges. Modern climate extremes threaten the preservation of heritage sites in Sindh. Rising salinity, increased humidity, and flash floods are accelerating the deterioration of unprotected archaeological remains. Sites such as Mohenjo-Daro are at particular risk due to their earthen architecture and exposure to waterlogging. Environmental archaeology not only documents these changes but also advocates for heritage-sensitive climate action, integrating conservation into broader environmental policies.

Archaeological data from key sites in Sindh reveal how past societies managed environmental challenges.  Following case studies illustrate the relevance of environmental archaeology:

1. Mohenjo-Daro (District Larkana)

A major urban center of the Mature Indus Civilization (c. 2500–1900 BCE), located on the right bank of the Indus River. The site features sophisticated drainage and water management systems, including covered sewers and wells—indicating careful planning for water use and flood mitigation. Climate Relevance Geological and sediment studies around Mohenjo-Daro suggest that changing river courses, reduced water supply, and flooding may have contributed to the city’s decline. Modern flooding in Larkana District mirrors these ancient vulnerabilities.

2. Chanhudaro (District Nawabshah/Shaheed Benazirabad)

A smaller Indus settlement that functioned as a craft and trade hub. Located far from the main Indus channel, the site depended on local water bodies and seasonal rains. Archaeobotanical remains show adaptation to arid conditions by growing hardy crops like barley and millet. The agricultural strategies adopted here are relevant for present-day dryland farming in Sindh, especially as water shortages become common.

3. Allahdino (Near Karachi)

A small coastal Harappan site known for bead-making and trade. The presence of brackish water and saline soil suggests the community adapted to semi-marine conditions. Specialized pottery and tools indicate awareness of water conservation. Rising sea levels and coastal salinity intrusion today are affecting similar areas around Karachi, making this a valuable comparative study in how ancient coastal communities sustained livelihoods.

4. Rato Kot (District Sanghar)

A lesser-known archaeological mound with evidence of rural settlement and agricultural activity.  Shell remains, soil samples, and burnt layers point to both drought stress and possible responses through food diversification and seasonal migration. The shifting rainfall patterns in Sanghar today reflect the kind of environmental fluctuations that may have shaped Rato Kot’s history.

Thus, Environmental archaeology provides a critical bridge between the past and the present. In the face of escalating climate crises in Sindh, it offers valuable lessons on resilience, adaptation, and sustainability drawn from thousands of years of human experience. By recognizing and learning from historical interactions with the environment, contemporary society can better navigate the challenges of climate change and preserve both its natural and cultural heritage for future generations. Environmental archaeology in Sindh provides an essential framework for understanding how past societies survived climatic and environmental upheavals. The region’s rich archaeological record from urban centers to rural villages and coastal settlements offers a window into historical adaptation strategies that remain highly relevant. As Sindh faces the brunt of climate change today, integrating archaeological knowledge into environmental planning and community resilience efforts is not just academically valuable but it is a societal necessity.