Featured Pakistan: The Archaeological Marvel

[Kambojaric]

Pashto book on archaeological sites of Gandhara civilisation launched

Gandhara, the first Pashto book on the archaeological sites of Gandhara civilisation was launched at a simple ceremony at the Peshawar Museum on Tuesday.

Compiled by senior journalist and reporter of Mashaal Radio, Khalid Khan Kheshgi, the book is a compilation of the radio programmes aired on the radio under the titled of “Da Tareekhpanry” (pages from history). Comprised of 21 chapters, with each chapter telling the story of one historical site in the province, the book has been produced by the Mashaal Radio.

The book launching ceremony was attended by many people from different walks of life. Khyber Pakhunkhwa Minister for Culture Mahmud Khan was the chief guest on the occasion while the ceremony was also addressed by Charsadda Bacha Khan University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Fazle Raheem Marwat, Prof Abasyn Yousafzai, Culture Director Dr Abdul Samad and Mashal Radio Bureau Chief Alamzeb Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahmud lauded the publication of the book on Gandhara sites, which he said was a great effort to highlight the historical places of the province. The minister also spoke about some projects initiated by the provincial government for promotion of cultural and heritage of the province.

He said the provincial government would soon launch the walled city project to revive the historical beauty of Peshawar. He said that three more museums were also being established in different parts of the province. He said that some more historical sites in Swat Valley would be explored and developed.

Museum Director Samad said that Gandhara is a unique book on the archaeological sites, which has been compiled by a non-archeologist and is written in very simple and common language. He said it is a good contribution to the study of archeology in the province and it would be very fruitful for common people of the province. He also spoke about some initiatives being taken by the provincial government for preservation of the archeological sites in the province. He said that the ‘Antiquity Act’ adopted by the provincial government is a major step for preservation of the cultural heritage of the province.

He said that the directorate of archeology and museums has also focused attention on exploration of more and more sites and developing the existing ones to use them as tourist resorts. He said that currently, the province has 12 museums and 6000 archaeological sites. He maintained that the archeological sites in the province have not been properly explored. If they are explored properly, they could be used as good spots for tourism, he added.

Prof Yousafzai said that the book is the best effort to compile knowledge about the historical places of the province in a precise and beautiful manner.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/201...ical-sites-of-gandhara-civilisation-launched/

 

[Kambojaric]

• • WCLA to hold moot on museums, heritage

Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has planned to hold 'International Museums and Heritage Conference' in collaboration with the British Council.

Officials said the aim of the conference would be to bring together international sector specialists and government departments to share knowledge, best practices and discuss the challenges faced by Pakistan in the areas of museum and heritage. They said the three-day conference would start on September 1 and end on Sept 3, 2016. Speakers from all over Pakistan and foreign countries will participate in the conference, including Ms Diana Walters, senior research fellow at Exeter University and an international museums and heritage consultant, Exeter University, John David Bull, head of Outreach and Professional Development, UCL, Qatar, Dr Rebecca Bridgman, curator of Islamic and South Asian Art and Curatorial Team Leader, Birmingham Museums Trust Birmingham, Patrick Gibbs, head of Technical Design University of York, Dr Matilda Phoebe Blyth, head of Collections and Principal Curator, Science Museum, London, Ms Marilyn Scrace, director, The Lightbox London, Friederike Cornelia Voigt, senior curator, Department of World Cultures, Scotland, Glasgow, Ms Miranda Stearn, head of learning, The Fitzwilliam Museum, London, Jasdeep Singh Rahal, curator, National Army Museum, London, Ms Joanne Orr, CEO, Museums Galleries of Scotland, Glasgow, Duncan Wilson, chief executive, Historic England, London, Hamish Christopher McGregor, director, The Centre for Digital Documentation and Visualisation LLP Edinburgh, Ms Megan Louise de Silva, objects conservator, Monmouthshire County Council, Birmingham, Ms Laura Jane Dargie Henderson, senior lecturer, Cardiff University, Birmingham, Harvinder Bahra, international speaker, London, Crawford John McGugan, curator, Open Museum, Glasgow, Helen Nerrisa Thomas, head of Museums and Cultural Heritage, British Council, London and Joanne Jolley, communications manager for Arts British Council, London.

Officials said that the conference would be aimed at bringing together heritage and museum professionals from around the world to showcase examples of best practice as a step towards addressing some of the most pressing concerns of the museums and heritage sector in Pakistan. The first two days of the conference will be devoted to the presentation of case studies while the third day would invite workshops within the areas of digital imaging of sites and objects.

Representatives of museums, archeology and culture departments from all over Pakistan will be invited by the WCLA to the conference.

WCLA’s senior official Tania Qureshi said that the authority would be sharing the works of Pakistan as well with the delegates and the participants for image-building of Pakistan in terms of culture, heritage and the development of the museums. WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said that for the first time, a conference of this scale would be held in Pakistan which would focus on the museums and heritage of Pakistan.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/143056-WCLA-to-hold-moot-on-museums-heritage

 

[Kambojaric]

MoU signed to promote archeological research

To promote cooperation among institutions, an agreement has been signed in the field of archaeological research, museology and conservation of historical monuments, archaeological sites and movable cultural assets in the country.

With the approval of the government of Pakistan, Archaeology and Museums Department Director General Mashhood Ahmad Mirza, National History and Literary Heritage Division and Dr Ghani-ur- Rehman, Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations Director, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, signed the memorandum of understanding’ (MoU). The MoU will help promote cooperation in the field of archaeological research, museology and conservation of historical monuments, archaeological sites and movable cultural assets across Pakistan.

Both the institutions will organise and conduct joint field research/explorations in Pakistan. The Department of Archaeology and Museums will provide professional hands-on training opportunities to the students/scholars of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations in the field of archaeology, museology and conservation of cultural heritage.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/201...mou-signed-to-promote-archeological-research/

 

[Kambojaric]

DOAM to start survey of archeological sites in capital

Islamabad—Department of Archeology and Museums (DOAM) has planned to start survey of archeological sites in federal capital soon.
Talking to APP, an official of the department said that the amount of Rs. 150,000 had been approved so far by the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage to start the survey.
The team who will conduct the survey include Director Archeology, Abdul Azeem, Assistant Director Mehmood-ul-Hassan and other experts.
All the small and big sites will be documented after surveying and then the potential site would be identified to start excavation process, the official said.—APP

http://pakobserver.net/doam-to-start-survey-of-archeological-sites-in-capital/

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Maybe the findings will related to the Soanian valley culture which predates the Indus Valley civilization. Islamabad is not too far away from the Soan, and numerous tools and axes have been found from this region going as far back as 700 000 years.

Further programmes of thermoluminescent and paleomagnetic dating undertaken by the British Archaelogical Mission to Pakistan have extended and refined this. Hand-axes have been found in strata dated to 700,00 years ago.

page 55, History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Volume 1, edited by Ahmed Hassan Dani & Vadim Mikhaĭlovich

 

[Kambojaric]

Efforts for archaeological tourism’s revival pledged

Massimo Vidale, a professor of Archaeology at the University of Padova, Italy addresses the Seminar.

MINGORA: Culture activists and archaeologists here on Saturday pledged to make joint efforts for the revival and promotion of archaeological tourism in the region.

They were speaking during a seminar on Sustainable Archaeological Tourism and Role of Local Communities in Heritage Conservation at Swat Museum, Saidu Sharif.

The event was jointly organised by the Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan, Archaeology Tourism Project and department of archaeology in museums with the support of Suvastu Arts and Culture Association, and Swat Archaeological Guides Association.

Civil society members, culture activists, officials of tourism department, and representatives of hotel industry, archeologists and media showed up in large numbers.

Experts say cultural, archaeological tourism a major source of foreign exchange
Aftab Rana, president of Sustainable Tourism Foundation in Pakistan, said the seminar was organised to create public awareness of sustainable archaeological tourism in Swat valley and to discuss the role of stakeholders, especially in the conservation of archaeological heritage in Swat, which was a great tourist attraction in KP.

He said sustainable tourism meant to respect local culture and avoid and damage or harm to local archaeological sites and not to spread any pollutant thing at the site.

Dr Luca Maria Olivieri, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission addresses the seminar. -Photo by aurthor.

“Majority of visitors to Swat seems to be unaware of the rich culture and archaeological heritage, so we want to promote archaeological tourism by initiating an off-season tourism and create recourses of earning to the communities living closer to the archaeological sites,” he said.

Massimo Vidale, a professor of archaeology at the University of Padova, Italy, who has been busy with excavation under the Italian archeological mission in Swat since 2000, said he was proud to be part of the Archaeological Community Tourism project with the involvement of local community in archeology in Swat.

“We have been connected with Swat archaeological heritage and communities since 1955. The new phase of archaeological undertakings by Italians with the department of archaeology to promote tourism is really a successful tool,” he said.

Massimo Vidale said tourism was the most important industry in the world as the people took interest in their past.

“The people want to know about others’ culture. They want to know why and what are the difference in other cultures and civilisations for which they are ready to pay and visit,” he said, adding archaeology tourism was one of the best means of earning and learning.

He said he had been working in different countries as Iran, India, Turkmenistan, Nepal and Iraq but he had never found workers more intelligent, dedicated and loving than Swatis.

Zarwar Khan, an archaeology professor in the University of Swat, said internationally where there was archaeology, there was an active tourism.

“Countries like China, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt and Greece earned huge foreign exchange due to cultural and archaeological tourism. Archaeology in Swat is highly important and sacred to Buddhists, who used to visit Swat in droves before militancy,” he said.

He said the government was trying to re-attract Buddhist tourists to Swat as the area was very peaceful once again.

Suvastu Arts and Culture Association chairperson Usman Ulas Yar said he and his colleagues were ready to work for the protection and promotion of Swat’s culture heritage.

Faizur Rehman, curator of the Swat Archaeological Museum, said the archaeology department in Swat was going to initiate a campaign to promote Swat archaeological sites in the educational institutions across the valley.

“Students from primary level to university’s will be invited to Swat museum and different archeological sites in Swat where they will be briefed about the history and importance of each site,” he said praising the Italian archaeological mission for extensive work in Swat.

Later, Swat civil society members and cultural activists presented a souvenir to Dr Luca Maria Olivieri, the head of the Italian archaeological mission in Pakistan to recognise his 30 years of services in Swat archaeology.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1285982/efforts-for-archaeological-tourisms-revival-pledged

 

[ghazi52]

Takht Bhai Ruins

 

[Kambojaric]

Ancient well discovered in Charsadda's centuries old graveyard

PESHAWAR: An ancient well was unearthed in an old graveyard in Charsadda on Saturday when unknown people exhumed a grave, said an official from the archaeology department.

The well was uncovered when a grave was dug along a roadside graveyard.

"It is an ancient well, almost 60 feet deep," said Mir Hayat Khan, an official from the archaeology department.

The official added that various such wells have been identified, and are thought to be from the British era. Khan could not confirm if any artifacts were discovered from the well.

"We will be able to say something after proper investigation is carried out with the help of local police," he said.

An area resident claimed that after recovering the artifacts, the perpetrators did not bury the well as they were in a hurry to leave and not get caught.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department Director Dr. Abdul Samad said: "Charsadda is rich in archaeological sites and a number of archaeological sites have been identified in the area."

The Charsadda graveyard located in the Palang area is the second largest graveyard in South Asia, the director claimed.

“I will inform our relevant officials in the district and report to the area police to further investigate the issue,” Dr. Samad told.

Charsadda was the first capital of Ghandhara civilization, but Dr. Samad believed that the well was built during the British Raj era.

Most of the archaeological sites in the area have been occupied by artifact robbers and they are regularly involved in digging at the sites, added the director.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1288851/ancient-well-discovered-in-charsaddas-centuries-old-graveyard

 

[Kambojaric]

Iconic Buddha in Swat valley restored after nine years when Taliban defaced it
FAZAL KHALIQ

The iconic seventh-century defaced Buddha at Jahan Abad, Swat, at last, got its face back after a nine-year-long wait following a scientific restoration process conducted by Italian archaeologists.

The 7th century Buddha seated in a meditative posture which is considered one of the largest rock sculptures in South Asia was attacked in September 2007 by the Taliban, who blew up half the statue's face by drilling holes into the face and shoulders and inserting explosives.

The explosives in the face, when detonated, destroyed half its face, but the explosives in the statue's shoulders failed to detonate.

The defacement of the Buddha sparked worldwide anger and concern among the Buddhist community, historians and archaeologists.

The Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan were able to restore the statue to its original form after six scientific missions.

"It was our professional and moral obligation toward the people and heritage of Swat and Pakistan which forced us to restore the Buddha. It took about five missions of about a month each from 2012-2016 in its complete conservation program," said head of the Italian Archaeological Mission, Dr Luca Maria Olivieri, adding that international experts worked on the restoration process.

“Two restorers/trainers, two 3D scan experts/trainers, one chief restorer, five local restorers, 20 field workers, two carpenters, and three watch-keepers were involved in the restoration process, while the 3D equipment was provided all-inclusive by the University of Padua, Italy,” he said

"It was restored under the Archaeology Community Tourism (ACT) Field School project funded by Italian government, a joint project of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Italian Archaeological Mission," Olivieri added.

Fabio Colombo, a restorer and member of the Italian Archaeological Mission who has vast experience in the field of conservation and who worked on-site in Bamyan, Afghanistan, said that he enjoyed the work at Jahan Abad as it was a very important historical site where the locals also gave him love and respect.

"It is one of the biggest rock sculptures in the region and different traces showed that it was once a central Buddhist location in the past. The surrounding of Buddha statue is peaceful, picturesque and serene. Owing to its historical, religious and archaeological importance," he told Dawn.

"I hope local people understand its value as it is one part of their history which also belongs to the entire world.”

Syed Niaz Ali Shah, an official and representative of the Archaeology department with Italian Archaeological Mission in the ACT project, said that Tibetan pilgrims who visited Swat in the past mentioned about the Jahan Abad Buddha along with a Buddhist temple here.

“Some of the highly technical and experienced Italian experts worked in the conservation and restoration process using 3-D technology for which we are thankful to them."

He said that the site would, once again, become a tourist spot as it was in the past. “I hope Buddhist visitors and other tourists will once again visit this place, not only to enjoy the area serenity but the rich cultural heritage of the region here,” Niaz Ali Shah hoped.

He said that the Buddha sculpture would play a vital role in the revival of International and national tourism.

After restoration of the Buddha the first foreign delegation which visited the site was Russians, who appreciated the classic sculpture art and the scenic location.

Yury Zhorno, a Russian tourist who visited Swat valley to see Buddhist archaeological monuments and rock carvings, said he was excited to visit the iconic Buddha.

“The Buddha sculpture is really amazing not only for its history but also for its nifty carving. The view from the foot of Buddha is also amazing as Swat valley is beautiful,” he told Dawn.

He invited people from across the world who took interest in Buddhism and natural beauty and said there was no need to be afraid as there was perfect peace.

Another Russian tourist who is tour agent in Moscow and brings Russian tourists to Pakistan also liked the location of Buddha and said that it was good sign that the situation in Pakistan was improving.

“The security situation here in Swat valley is very good and when we came here so the army assisted us everywhere and we feel safe here,” he said, adding that Pakistan had huge potential for tourists with diverse landscapes and rich culture heritage and people from across the world should visit it.

Abdul Bari a resident of Gilgit Baltistan and an owner of the tourist company said Swat was the most beautiful place in Pakistan with oldest Buddhists records in form of archaeology.

“People of the valley are also hospitable so I want tourists to come here and discover all these things at the same time,” he said, adding that the government must promote tourism and attract tourists from across the world here.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1294246

 

[Kambojaric]

Archaeology dept starts working on conservation plan for Rawat Fort

Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) has started working on the plan and modalities for conservation of the famous archaeological site ‘Rawat Fort’, located in the Pothohar region.

According to the official source in DOAM, the Rawat Fort was in dilapidated condition for the last several years and needed urgent attention of the authorities for its preservation.

“Rawat Fort was protected by the federal government and the DOAM was working on PC-I for conservation of this forgotten relic and will soon submit it to the authorities for approval”, the source added.

Rawat Fort is located in Pothohar region of Pakistan. The fort was built in early 16th century by Gakhars, a designated warrior clan raised by local tribes to defend the Pothohar plateau.

The grave of the Gakkar chief Sultan Sarang Khan is present within the fort. It is located 17 kilometres east of Rawalpindi on Grand Trunk Road.

The fort was the scene of a battle between the Gakhar chief Sultan Sarang and Afghan king Sher Shah Suri in 1546 AD. It is almost in square form and has two gates. The fort also contains a mosque made up of three big dome shaped rooms. There is also a quadrangular building with a dome.

Along the wall, there are additional small rooms. In the centre of the fort there are many graves and among them is the tomb of Sultan Sarang Khan. His 16 sons, who died there fighting, are also buried inside the fort.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/201...-working-on-conservation-plan-for-rawat-fort/

 

[Kambojaric]

An article from a couple of years ago which gives some more background info on the Gakhars and Sarang Khan specifically:

http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20121116&page=26

Pharwala: The formidable fort of the Gakhars

The Pharwala Fort is believed to have been built by Sultan Kaigohar Gakhar in the 11th century. This is the most fabled fort in Islamabad territory. Sultan Kaigohar was an associate of Sultan Mehmood of Ghazna. The fort was supposed to have been built over the ruins of a fort of the Hindu Shahi period. It is located some 20 km north of Airport Chowk or Karal on the left bank of Soan River. This fabled and formidable fort is now in a crumbling condition. However, a few Gakhar families still reside in the fort.

The fort was entirely renovated by Hathi (also called Hatti) Khan Gakhar, one of the chieftains of the Gakhar tribe. He was the first ruler to rise from among the Gakhars and establish a dynasty. He fought against the Janjua Rajputs and drove them away from the present tehsils of Kallar Syedan, Kahuta and Rawalpindi. The Janjuas were the lords of these tehsils. It was Hathi Khan Ghakhar who defeated them in many battles and brought their state under his dominion.

Soan gate

It was during the reign of Hathi Khan Gakhar, in 1519, that Pharwala Fort was attacked by Babur and captured. Later Babur returned the fort and reconciled with Hathi Khan. In the battle between the Gakhars and the army of Babur, many Gakhar soldiers died fighting bravely. Their graves and tombs are located in four villages of Islamabad. Two graveyards are located at Bagh Jogian village, one near the mosque of Mai Qamro and the other close to an unidentified tomb. The third graveyard is situated inside the fort. The fourth is a necropolis on a hillock overlooking Darwala village. All these people died while putting up a tough resistance to the army of Babur. One of Hathi Khan's eminent generals, Bora Bangial or Bugial (now the name of a whole branch of Gakhars), also died in that encounter. His tomb is located in the necropolis. The gallantry of Bora Bangial is still preserved in the memories of the folk storytellers of Darwala, Bhimber Tarar, Gora Mast and Pharwala villages.

Hathi Gate

Ghakhars were loyal to the Mughals. When Humayun lost his kingdom to Sher Shah Suri, the Gakhars did not change their loyalties. They launched a guerrilla war against Sher Shah. It was to subdue the Gakhars that Sher Shah built the awe-inspiring Rohtas Fort. But he could not crush the resistance of the Gakhars.

After the death of Hathi Khan Gakhar, Sultan Sarang shifted his capital to Rawat. Pharwala lost its splendor, and its cultural flowering came to an end with the shift of the capital.

Graves of Gakhar soldiers at Darwala village

Apart from Hathi Khan and Sultan Sarang Khan, the Gakhar tribe has produced many powerful rulers, including women such as Mai Qamro (wife of Hathi Khan) and Rani Mungo (wife of Sultan Quli Khan Gakhar, d.1674). Both of them are still remembered for their social welfare activities, such as constructing mosques for the faithful, water-wells for the poor and serais for travelers.

With the decline of Mughals, the Gakhars became weak politically and were eventually replaced by Sikhs in 1819 A.D. The Pharwala Fort came under the control of the Sikhs. It began losing its past glory in the Sikha Shahi period.

The Pharwala Fort had seven gates, of which only three survive today. However, all the surviving gates - namely Soan, Lashkari and Hathi - are crumbling to pieces. All the ramparts have caved in, and only the three gates have withstood the weather.

The oldest mosque of Islamabad

Mai Qamro mosque at Bagh Joghian

This mosque is located in the small village of Bagh Joghian. The village is noted for containing the sacred spaces of Nath yogis (Shiva ascetics). It can be reached by way of Darwala and Bhimber Tarar. (Darwala village is close to Gulberg housing Scheme in Zone V.) From Bhimber Tarar a road leads to Bagh Joghian. This mosque is situated west of Bagh Jogian village and well nigh close to the Soan riverbank. It is located on the right bank of Soan river, while on the left bank is located the Pharwala Fort. From the mosque one has spectacular view of the fort.

The mosque is believed to have been built by Mai Qamro, wife of Hathi Khan Gakhar. It is a great specimen of Gakhar architecture and appears to have been built in the early 16th century. The mosque is built on a rectangular plan and crowned with three squat domes. The southern dome has caved in whereas two others are in fairly good condition. The mosque is noted for its three arched entrances. The central entrance is flanked by two recessed arches which lend an amazing beauty to the facade. Above the arched entrance, one finds a beautiful cut-brick ornamentation. Such embellishment cannot be found in the whole of the Potohar region. Dressed stone was used to construct the mosque. Formerly it was lime-plastered, the traces of which are still visible on the facade.

Easten view of Mai Qamro mosque

he mosque of Mai Qamro was the prototype for all other mosques in Potohar region. Barring the Giri mosque at Taxila, this is the most ancient surviving mosque of the Potohar.

Some parts of its boundary wall have survived the vagaries of weather. The northern boundary has survived. The remains of the southern and eastern walls are still visible. Close to the remains of the eastern wall are the tombs of Gakhar chiefs and soldiers. These dignitaries too are believed to have died fighting the troops of Babur when he invaded Pharwala, then capital of Hathi Khan Gakhar.

A closer view of the so-called tomb of Sultan Muqarab

Some of the tombs here are huge and built on a single platform, whereas others are on the double platform. Unfortunately, all these tombs are victims of neglect. And Mai Qamro's mosque is in a similarly appalling condition. Ironically, the locals have stored their hay inside the mosque. Even the courtyard of the mosque is littered with bags full of hay. The northern and western walls have developed cracks. The southern arched entrance is also falling to pieces. Vegetation has grown all over the roof and domes of the mosque.

A mysterious tomb at Bagh Joghian

The tomb is located at a walking distance from Mai Qamro's mosque. Adjacent to it are numerous Gakhar graves. According to locals, here lies buried a soldier of Mughal emperor Akbar. This is possible; many monuments from Akbar's period are located in and around Islamabad.

This tomb is unique in terms of architecture, with its octagonal shape and use of portico. Its shape suggests that it is either a samadhi or the tomb of a Gakhar noble. The exterior appears to be a century old and was probably built in the Sikh period. One does not find any grave inside the building. If it is a Muslim tomb, it might have been vandalized by Sikhs. If it is a samadhi, the burial chamber might have been destroyed by the local people after the Partition.

The building is decorated with paintings, the traces of which have survived on the walls of the inner sanctum.

This building too is in a state of utter disrepair, and should be seen for its quaint charms before they vanish altogether.

 

[Kambojaric]

Kunala Stupa to be restored

TAXILA: The Punjab Department of Archaeology and Museums has initiated a project for the conservation and restoration of the Kunala Stupa from Ashoka’s time near the Sirkap City, also known as the second city of the ancient Taxila Civilisation.

According to conservation engineer Ali Gohar, the department has allocated Rs1.1 million for the restoration and preservation of the site.

A path to the site will also be established and the stairs to the stupa will be renovated.

He said the project is expected to be completed by January 2017.

The stupa dates back to the second century BC and has importance in Buddhist history and the Gandhara civilisation, according to Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) Deputy Director Mohammad Irshad Khan. He explained that the stupa was named after Emperor Ashoka’s son, Kunala, who was heir to the Mauryan Empire and the stupa marks the place where Kunala was blinded by a step mother.

He said the site was in bad condition and could not be easily approached due to overgrowth.

Mr Irshad said some conservation work had been carried out on the site by the Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums in 2006 and that no conservation work had been done since.

“It was important to carry out preservation work on the site as soon as possible to save it from decaying,” he said, adding that after the work was completed, the site will attract more tourists as well.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1296196/kunala-stupa-to-be-restored

 

[Zeeshan Farooqi]

Its just amazing.Its beautiful.

 

[Kambojaric]

Archaeologists discover 110 sites in Pakistan that are 30,000-year-old

Archaeological department in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has unearthed as many as 110 sites that are 30,000-year-old. The sites include some that are of Buddhist importance.

Peshawar :

Archaeological department in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has unearthed as many as 110 sites that are 30,000-year-old. The sites include some that are of Buddhist importance.

Archaeological department with the help of Political Administration and Pakistan Army made the discoveries, Political Agent Khyber Khalid Mehmood said.

Eight sites that are of significant Buddhist importance have also been found in the survey, said Khalid Mehmood.

The archaeological survey was carried out for nearly 75 days in tehsil Jamrud of Khyber Agency and the result was the discovery of thirty thousand years old 110 ancient sites.

A variety of relics including pictures and paintings carved on stones were discovered from the sites.

Also discovered from the sites were the remnant of mosques, forts, gallows, tunnels and other buildings of Ameer Taimur period.

“Surveys were also conducted in these areas during British rule but they failed to achieve any success. Though deep excavation has not been conducted but we discovered sites with the evidence having historic value of thirty thousand years,” Mehmood said.

The discovery could help boost economic and tourism activities in tribal areas in Pakistan. Efforts were underway to establish archaeology department in FATA Secretariat.

An archaeologist said that in past “militancy hindered our efforts to conduct archaeological survey in FATA.” He said that “it is our utmost desire to excavate more sites in FATA with the help of political administration for identifying Buddhist relics besides establishing museums in these areas.”

http://www.newsnation.in/article/15...ites-in-pakistan-that-are-30000-year-old.html

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Khyber’s ancient treasures

AS militancy in Pakistan’s tribal areas is reined in, a cornucopia of archaeological treasures scattered in the region is coming to light. A report in this paper yesterday detailed the first-ever survey in Khyber Agency — carried out by a team of archaeologists from KP — that has discovered around 110 archaeological sites in Jamrud tehsil. The two-month pilot project resulted in the unearthing of remains and structures, as well as rock carvings and paintings, some of which date back to the Buddhist period and others even earlier to prehistoric times. The credit for the initiative goes to the Khyber Agency’s political agent, Khalid Mehmood, who engaged Dr Abdul Samad, the head of KP’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, to conduct the survey.

Given that the area used to be a gateway to Central Asia and a cultural crossroads for many centuries, it stood to reason that evidence of this ancient past was in existence. However, historical exigencies and, more recently, the militancy that has ravaged parts of northern Pakistan, had rendered it almost inconceivable that finds of this magnitude would actually come to light. And more such discoveries are certain to be made when the survey is extended, as planned, to other parts of the agency, including Landi Kotal, Bara and Tirah valley. In fact, the potential for developing Khyber Agency — and in time, the other tribal agencies — as a tourist destination significant for its archaeological heritage is truly exciting. But there are many practical considerations, aside from a sustainable peace, that must be factored in before that objective can be achieved. For one, the sites must be studied, catalogued and preserved in a scientific manner, and opened up for international research as well. To do so, as suggested by Dr Samad, Fata should have its own directorate of archaeology. This will go some way to ensure that the tribal agencies’ multicultural heritage, rather than falling prey to antique smugglers, remains intact to be savoured by generations to come.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1301489/khybers-ancient-treasures

 

[Kambojaric]

Book on Indus Valley to be launched today

Asian Study Group will hold a launching ceremony of a research book ‘Melluhas of the Indus Valley (8000 BC - 500BC)’ here today (April 23).

Based on the culture and civilization of the Indus Valley, the book is written by the writer Naeem Tahir while the launching ceremony is being held at the auditorium of National Art Gallery.

Director General, Department of Archaeology and Museum, Fazl Dad Kakar and eminent poet and literary activist, Kishwar Naheed will highlight the importance of the book and the services of the writer at the launching ceremony whereas Ambassador of Switzerland, Markus Peter will deliver keynote address.

The book is a solid research in archaeology, anthropology, prehistory and mythologies with valuable reference material and a book of general interest for all those who took pride in their national heritage.

‘Melluhas of the Indus Valley’ has captures 250 works of art by the ancient people and glorious part of the ancient recorded civilisation.

Based on 10 years of intense research and dedication, Naeem Tahir has attempted to lift the veil from that intriguing period of the Indus Valley Civilisation of approximately three millennium ago.

The ceremony will be followed by the performances including ‘Moenjodaro’ in which the artists will present the oldest record of five thousand years ago dance poses of a Moenjodaro girl discovered by archaeologists in the 20th century.

While a performance ‘Songs of Love’ will be presented by Akhtar Channal who renders songs of love and mind maps for travellers in his native tongue, the 5000 year old Brahvi.

The event will also include a multi-media presentation by the writer regarding various aspects of the material included in the book.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/172501-Two-commodores-promoted-as-rear-admirals

 

[Kambojaric]

Researchers demand conservation of Amri remains, Rani Koat

DADU: Historians, archeologists and research scholars have demanded of both the Federal and Sindh governments to preserve and protect the 6000 years old historical site of Amri remains, located in Amri town, some 70km away from Sehwan city and 100km from Dadu city.

Historians said, since Amri remains is located close to the world's biggest fort, Rani Koat, people of both areas maintain a close relations and it will be their common demand to protect both the sites of Amri and the Rani Koat fort. Famous historian, Prof, Aziz Kingrani said that Amri remains need immediate preservation. He said, Amri, like Indus Civilization holds ancient the status of heritage.

He said that supper flood of 2010, rains and animals left stranded over the Amri have forced to site towards destruction. "Amri remains are older than the Moen Jo Daro," he said. "It was one of the oldest historical sites of the country and should be." A resident of Amri town, Ahmed Bux said that there was a need to conduct research on Amri remains, but no one was paying even attention to protect the heritage.

He said, animals were left there to roam freely, which is further damaging the site. Further, he complained that funds allocated for the protection of the site were being embezzled by the Archeological Department of Sindh government and District Administration. Moreover, some influential people have encroached upon major parts of the sites, he added.

Ahmed Bux told daily Times that local people have opened a museum in a room of an old house, where all items like coins and other things, that were used by the people in Amri township, were kept, but unfortunately that room had become shabby and can collapse. The Executive Director, Society for Research and Heritage Site (SRHD), Roshan Ali Khushik said that Rani Koat was located at a distance of 40km from Amri remains.

People living in Rani Koat and Amri remains share heritage bondage of thousands year old. "Since it is located near River Indus, floods have damaged this historical site in time to time." Further, he said that construction work of Right Bank Out Fall Drain (RBOD-II ) had started near the site to drain out the drain water of interior Sindh to Sea, but its construction has badly damaged the site.

"People of Amri were civilized. They had underground drainage system and an organized city planning even in the past. But unfortunately it will be vanished someday, if not conserved and preserved," Roshan Ali Khushik said. Prof Saeed Ahmed Mangi, Director of Institute of Sindhiology, Jamshoro and professor of Art and Design, Sindh University, Jamshoro, said that the art work used in the fort Rani Koat was related with religious combination.

He suggested carrying out carbon test to determine the period of Rani Koat fort, items found from the Amri remains should be studied and both of the sites should be protected. An anthropologist, Qurban Ali Khushik said that Amri remains, located in Amri town has 6000 years old history, while fort of Rani Koat located at Kheer Thar range mountains, near Sann town are facing destruction due to negligence of Archaeology Department.

He said that the history of Rani Koat fort was a big mystery as no one had reached its final conclusion, therefore there should be research and studies to determine its period and people. He also urged the government to announce these sites as tourist spots so as to attract visitors.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/pakistan/1...demand-conservation-of-amri-remains-rani-koat