Moenjodaro means City of the Dead. It is situated at a distance of 27km from Larkana, in Sindh. Harrapa is a site 24km away from the city of Sahiwal, in Punjab. In spite of a distance of 650km between the two cities, both are similar many ways. The people of these cities were very civilized and urbane. Indus Valley Civilization came to an end about 2500 years ago as a result of floods.

An impressive architectural taste is visible in the buildings of the Indus Valley Civilization. The cities were well planned and were developed on large areas. Most of the roads were 33feet wide. A proper sanitation and drainage system was present and the drains were kept covered. During the excavation a number of idols made of metals, wood, clay and stone were discovered. Therefore it is believed that most of the people of ancient Indus Valley Civilization worshiped idols while the others worshiped sun, moon and the stars. Archaeologists say that the people of Moenjodaro and Harrapa were quite trendy. A machine resembling a spinning wheel has also been discovered. The people of Indus Valley were very peace loving. This is clear from their attitude towards the battle field. Consequently, the warriors from Central Asia conquered the Indus valley and a number of these warriors settled here permanently. It is believed that the people of Indus Valley had a strong system of trade. The traded with far off nations. Although the ancient valley didn\'t produce metals like Silver, Bronze and Copper but articles and jewelry made of these metals were quite common in Moenjodaro and Harrapa.

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The capital of ancient Gandhara was Taxila. It was considered as the center of cultural activities and education. A grand university was also present here. People from all over the subcontinent visited the place for trade and to quench their thirst for knowledge. The ancient Gandhara excelled in the field of fine arts specially in the making of stone statues. The statues of Mahatama Gautam Budha are quite impressive and tourists from all over the world visit this place to see these magnificent pieces of art. The cultural outlook of Gandhara was superb even 2500 years ago but the invaders caused a lot of devastation and the Gandharan civilization came to an end. Jayapala was the last great king of this dynasty. His empire extended from west of Kabul to the river Sutlej. However, this expansion of Gandhara kingdom coincided with the rise of the powerful Ghaznavid Empire under Sabukatigin. Defeated twice by Sabukatigin and then by Mahmud of Ghazni in the Kabul valley, Jayapala committed suicide. Anandapala, a son of Jayapala, moved his capital near Nandana in the Salt Range. In 1021 the last king of this dynasty, Trinocanapala was assassinated by his own troops which spelled the end of Gandhara.

Pieces of Gandhara art can be seen in all the major museums of Pakistan, specially the Taxila museum. The city of Taxila is only 40km away from the Rawalpindi city and can easily be approached either by plane or by road. The government of Pakistan is striving to preserve this national asset.

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