Tools and Tillage:

Traditional Implements and their Role in Agricultural Systems of the Recent and more Distant Past in South Asia, with special reference to Bannu District (Pakistan)

Abstract

This paper presents observations of traditional agricultural tools that were in use in Bannu District in recent times. The principal fieldwork was focussed on village Bharat where many old implements, mostly of wood, were brought to light, having been kept in storage since they were replaced by modern metal, often mechanized, versions. The roles of these implements in traditional agriculture and food production are considered alongside similar studies of traditional agricultural implements that have been made in other parts of South Asia. The ard-plough, an ‘icon’ of agricultural practice across Eurasia, receives special treatment. This leads on to a consideration of sources that might provide information about agricultural implements and practices in the more ancient past. The categories of evidence considered are ancient historical sources, artistic representations, and a diverse range of archaeological evidence. The long-term survival or persistence of many types of traditional agricultural implements is testament to how successful and well-adapted they were. They potentially offer useful and unique insights into present-day environmental issues, in particular the sustainability of agricultural production. Traditional agricultural implements are a vital cultural resource and a tangible link to the recent past. They should be preserved and displayed, to inform an increasingly urbanised society about past ways of life and how people coped with change.