Chanhudaro is one of the prominent archaeological sites belonging to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. It is located in Sindh, Pakistan, and was inhabited between 2500 BCE and 2000 BCE. The site was discovered in the 1930s and excavations were carried out in the following years to uncover its historical significance.


The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the world's first urban societies. It thrived in the fertile plains of the Indus River and its tributaries, covering parts of modern-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The civilisation lasted from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE and exhibited several unique characteristics:

- Planned cities: The Indus Valley Civilisation featured well-planned cities with advanced drainage systems, grid-like street patterns, and multi-story houses.
- Sophisticated infrastructure: The cities had advanced infrastructure, including public baths, granaries, and fortified structures known as citadels.
- Harrappan script: The civilisation had a script that is yet to be deciphered, and it is believed to be one of the earliest forms of writing.
- Trade and economy: The Indus Valley people engaged in long-distance trade, particularly in precious stones, metals, and other goods.
- Agricultural practices: The civilisation relied heavily on agriculture, with evidence of well-irrigated fields and domesticated animals.


Chanhudaro is a unique site within the Indus Valley Civilisation because it lacks a citadel. A citadel refers to a fortified area within a city that typically serves as a defensive structure. It is usually located on higher ground and provides protection against external threats.

The absence of a citadel in Chanhudaro suggests that the site did not face significant external threats or attacks. It is possible that the natural topography of the area provided sufficient protection, eliminating the need for a separate citadel.

Instead of a citadel, Chanhudaro had a well-planned layout with residential and commercial areas. The site also featured a large cemetery, indicating the importance of burial practices within the community. The absence of a citadel in Chanhudaro does not diminish the significance of the site within the Indus Valley Civilisation. It provides important insights into the urban planning, social organization, and cultural practices of the ancient civilization.

In conclusion, Chanhudaro was a major urban center of the Indus Valley Civilisation that lacked a citadel. The absence of a citadel suggests that the site did not face significant external threats and had natural defenses. Chanhudaro's well-planned layout and other archaeological findings contribute to our understanding of this ancient civilization.