Sindh artist revives 5,000-year-old Bhoreendo from Mohenjo-daro

In a revival of ancient heritage, Sindh’s artist Faqeer Zulfiqar has breathed new life into a 5,000-year-old clay instrument known as Bhoreendo, which traces its origins to the ancient civilization of Mohenjo-daro. This musical instrument, which produces flute-like melodies, is not elongated like most wind instruments but rather resembles a small, rounded piggy bank.

Circular in shape, the Bhoreendo engages all eight fingers of the musician simultaneously on its eight small holes, creating mesmerizing, hypnotic tones that compel listeners to nod along in rhythm. To preserve and enhance the sound, Zulfiqar has made some modern modifications to the traditional design.

The potter who crafts the clay Bhoreendo, Allah Jariyo, has now lost his eyesight, yet his passion remains undiminished. After being shaped, the Bhoreendo is decorated with colorful designs and engravings, turning it into a visually captivating work of art.

In ancient times, the Bhoreendo produced only three notes, but today’s version can play seven, allowing the instrument to be introduced to the new generation, says Faqeer Zulfiqar.

The archaeological wonders of Mohenjo-daro, a 5,000-year-old civilization in Sindh, continue to enchant visitors, and the artifacts unearthed from its ruins still leave people in awe of ancient human ingenuity. Among these relics was the Bhoreendo, a clay vessel with holes, believed to have been used as a musical instrument during moments of joy and celebration.

Faqeer Zulfiqar and his ancestors have played a key role in preserving this ancient musical heritage, keeping alive a sound whose roots lie deep in the cradle of Mohenjo-daro’s civilization. It is believed that in ancient times, this long-forgotten instrument accompanied festivities and gatherings, and thanks to Zulfiqar’s family, its music now lives again.

The Bhoreendo, resembling a small, rounded clay money jar, produces enchanting tones when the musician’s fingers move in a precise rhythm over its eight fine holes. In his interview with Express News, Zulfiqar explained that his family is now in its third generation of Bhoreendo players, beginning with his father, Meer Muhammad.

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“The Bhoreendo is not just an instrument,” Zulfiqar said, “it is the identity of Sindh’s ancient culture. Though it remained silent for centuries, the bond between past and present was restored when this clay instrument found its way back into human hands”.

He added that potters (kumhars) can easily make the Bhoreendo, since its preparation is similar to that of making clay pots. However, one elderly potter, Allah Jariyo, stands out, despite losing much of his eyesight, he continues to craft Bhoreendos with love and dedication, giving the instrument a uniquely rich tone.

According to Zulfiqar, modern Bhoreendos differ from the ancient ones. The old instruments had two holes, allowing only two notes, while the new ones can play seven notes.

Researchers have also found depictions of similar instruments in the clay figurines excavated from Mohenjo-daro, confirming that such instruments were used for musical expression 5,000 years ago.

According to Adil Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Sindh Department of Culture and Tourism, the Sindh Institute of Music and Performing Arts is currently developing a program to teach this instrument to children.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to include the Bhoreendo in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, which recognizes traditional rituals, oral traditions, performing arts, and cultural expressions that require preservation through time-honored methods.