Pakistan Heritage

Research Journal Department of Archaeology

ISSN: 2073-641X (Print) 2708-2237 (Online)

Volume # 13 Articles

Studies on Gandhara Mirrors: The Specimen from Shaikhan Dheri

Author 1:

Pranab K. Chattopadhyay

Author 2 :

Zakirullah Jan

Abstract:

Shaikhan Dheri, the ancient Pushkalavati (modern Charsadda), one of the earliest cities of ancient Gandhara, was excavated by A. H. Dani, who along with other important cultural artifacts, discovered a metal mirror, in typical Gandhara style, highlighting skillful metallurgical art of the time. This paper highlights the initiation of mirrors at Anatolia from ore-minerals which later on transformed into metal in due course of time. The earliest evidence of metal is known from Mehrgarh, Baluchistan from its Neolithic context. There is every possibility for the beginning of mirror from that site or region. Introduction of mirrors in South Asia originated in Harappan sites most likely from South Baluchistan. From Harappan sites of Pakistan and India the use of mirror was popularized in mature Harappan Phase, (2600-1900 BCE).

Kewords:

Gandhara mirrors, Shaikhan Dheri, Pushkalavati, Taxila, copper-bronze.

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

01-12

Volume :

13

The Shpola Stupa of Khyber Pass: The Twentieth- Century Record of a Proposed Conservation Project

Author 1:

Zarawar Khan

Author 2 :

Fawad Khan

Abstract:

The Shpola stupa of Khyber Pass is one of the biggest Buddhist sepulchral mounds of Gandhara, situated on the main road, which connects Peshawar with Afghanistan. It was a well-preserved monument until the 19th century of the Common Era; however, with the annexation of Khyber into the British Indian Empire, the stupa suffered from illicit diggings. The contractor of the road reutilized its building materials, while the antiques hunters dug out its dome in the hope of finding treasures. In the first half of the twentieth century, the Political Agents of Khyber Agency tried to preserve the stupa from further deterioration, however, the plan postponed due to various reasons. The present study is focused on a set of archival documents, dealing with the failed conservation project of the Shpola stupa of Khyber Pass in the twentieth century.

Kewords:

Shpola Stupa, Khyber Pass, conservation, twentieth century

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

13-22

Volume :

13

A Coin Hoard of Samantadeva in the Sub Regional Office (SRO), Peshawar Museum

Author 1:

Sami Ullah

Author 2 :

Jan Muhammad

Author 2 :

Sadam Hussain

Abstract:

The present paper deals with a coin Hoard that belong to a renown Hindu Shahi ruler Samantadeva. The coins of this hoard were confiscated and now lie in the Sub Regional Office (SRO), Peshawar Museum, Pakistan. In number, these are fifty-one coins known in silver, billon and copper metal. They represent a common Hindu Shahi coinage design of bull and horseman on the obverse and reverse respectively

Kewords:

Samantadeva, Hindu Shahi, Sub Regional Office (S.R.O), Peshawar Museum

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

23-35

Volume :

13

The Case of Togau Ware: An Analytical Study

Author 1:

Zahir Hussain

Author 2:

Kiran Shahid Siddiqui

Abstract:

Balochistan is archeologically rich and possesses several types of ancient wares. Togau ware is one of the wares which has been abundantly found at many sites. It has at least five types. Togau ware is a Chalcolithic pottery. This paper presents a simple review and analysis of Togau ware in Balochistan. The paper also incorporates a general discussion about the recent survey Panjgur carried out by the principal author. It also analyzes the six Togau type ceramics found in the personal collection of Sultan Ahmed Shahwani following a general comparative study of them. It also generally discusses illegal digging of the cultural objects from Togau sites in the province.

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

37-47

Volume :

13

Tracing the Origin and Nature of Gandharvas and Apsaras

Author 1:

Gulzar Hakim

Author 2:

Ghani-ur-Rahman

Abstract:

Generally, the class of Gandharvas and Apsaras is referred to heavenly musicians, servants, and entertainers. This class of entertainers has been mentioned not only in religious texts but also in other ancient written records. The present paper attempts to define these divine beings and their duty and also to trace the origin of gandharvas and apsaras mentioned the ancient religious and other texts.

Kewords:

India, Religious Text, Gandharvas and Apsaras

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

49-57

Volume :

13

Preliminary Analysis of Hindu Shahi Pottery from North-Western Pakistan

Author 1:

Ijaz Khan

Author 2:

Muhammad Zahir

Author 3:

Ehsan Javed

Author 4:

Ashfaq Ahmad

Abstract:

This paper explores the pottery assemblage from Hindu Shahi sites in the north-western Pakistan, collected during the landscape survey in the districts of Swat, Lower Dir, Malakand Agency and Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. During the survey, an area of nearly 2500 square kilometres was investigated using systematic techniques, resulting in the documentation of 225 Hindu Shahi sites. Preliminary analyses of the pottery assemblage revealed vessels with nine types of rims and ten types of decorations. Some rim types and decorations are widespread, showing broad regional similarities and design choices across the study area. In contrast, others are relatively rare and limited to particular localities, reflecting possible socio-political and economic considerations. The similarities within pottery forms and their distribution patterns suggest an integrated socio-political system, wherein production and usage of pottery was systematized within a short period of time. .

Kewords:

Hindu Shahi Dynasty; pottery typology; Decorations; Ghaznavids invasion; Pottery distribution patterns; Mayar Valley

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

59-82

Volume :

13

Sikh Bazar at Garhi Habibullah, Mansehra (Pakistan): History Architecture and Tourism Potential

Author 1:

Abdul Hameed

Author 2:

Adnan Anwar

Author 3:

Anas Mahmud Arif

Author 4:

Sonia Anjum

Abstract:

The Sikh era (1799-1849 CE) in the Northern Part of Pakistan, which includes present day Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is generally known for the multiple past expeditions carried out under the leadership of Ranjeet Singh to suppress the rebellions and overwhelm small independent states. With this short reign full of revolts, it was not possible for the Sikh state to commission monumental construction projects like their predecessors (i.e. the Mughals).....

Kewords:

Sikh Bazaar, British era, Garhi Habibullah, Mansehra

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

83-96

Volume :

13

Derawar Fort Cholistan- History, Architecture, Conservation

Author 1:

Humaira Nazir

Abstract:

Nowadays, lots of ancient sites are threatened by diverse anthropogenic actions. The absence of documenting of these ancient sites, mainly in developing nations like Pakistan, has resulted in the loss of a valuable part of history. The purpose of this research is to investigate one such site, the Derawar fort, a massive square fortification situated in Tehsil Yazman of Bahawalpur District, Punjab, Pakistan, in terms of its historical importance in the Cholistan desert and also the possible dangers it confronts nowadays....

Kewords:

Archaeological Sites, Derawar Fort, Cholistan Desert, Bahawalpur District, Preservation

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

97-109

Volume :

13

Mystic Expressions and Sufi Architecture: The Shrine of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast Dargah

Author 1:

Naveen Zaman

Author 2:

Yasmeen Ahmed

Abstract:

Even in modern age of Pakistan, Sufi saints are reminisced by visiting shrines and performing various rituals. Dargahs, which emerged as socio-religious institutes are being used by people across the country as a meeting place of Sufi brotherhood. Sufi dargahs not only used religiously but they also draw secular tourists and others for socializing. Even when the textual sources are missing, these rituals and commemorative monuments associated with the dead are the sources of exploration and studding the societal values of the region as well as art and architecture.....

Kewords:

Funerary Architecture, Sufi Shrines, Hazrat Sachal Sarmast, Sufi Rituals, Artistic Exchange

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

111-126

Volume :

13

Shah Anayt Ullah: Built Environment that Inspires Senses of awe and Delight in Islamic Architecture

Author 1:

Yasmeen Abid Maan

Author 2:

Maryam Jamil

Abstract:

Shah Anayat, a spiritual leader, saint and reformist belonged to the Syed family of Multan. The marvels associated with the saint are clear depiction of the divine strength of his character. Shrine of Shah Anayat had been an epicenter of spiritual accomplishments and religious stimulation for many years. Being located at one of the prime locations of natural scenic city Muzaaffrabad the shrine totally pays gratitude to the environment. He played an exceptional role as a preacher of Islamic principles in this region and devoted his whole life being a role model of teaching Islamic values like peace organization and fraternity to the entire society.

Kewords:

Spiritual Leader, Islamic Architecture, Heritage Monuments

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

127-134

Volume :

13

Kalhoro, Z. A. (2020). Wall Paintings of Sindh: From the Eighteenth to Twentieth Century. Islamabad, Pakistan: Silk Road Centre

Author 1:

Sirat Gohar

Abstract:

early paintings of the Kalhora period are at the necropolis of Naseer Muhammad Kalhoro (Naseer Faqir) located in Gaarhi, Dadu. He has also mentioned that in Sindh the art of painting flourished during the Sama period and reached its height under the patronage of Kalhora rulers; the best evidence of that can be found at the necropolis of Naseer Faqir. .....

Kewords:

=================

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

===========

Volume :

13

Excavation at the Buddhist Site of Zar Dheri 2021: A Preliminary Report

Author 1:

Shakirullah

Author 2:

Abdul Hameed

Author 3:

Muhammad Zahoor

Abstract:

Zar Dheri, a well-known Buddhist complex is located in Tambah, a small village on the right side of Shinkiari-Dadar road in District Mansehra. This important Buddhist complex was for the first time recorded and published by Mr. Harold Hargraves, the then Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India in 1922-23. The site had remained at the mercy of the plunderers till it was revisited by a joint team of archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan and Tokyo National Museum Japan during their collaborative field research carried out in Hazara region in 1990s

Kewords:

Zar Dheri, Mansehra, Cruciform Stupa, Stone Sculptures

Language:  

English

Page NOs:  

137-144

Volume :

13