Some Newly Discovered Bronze Age Sites in the Gomal Valley, NWFP, Pakistan

Abstract

Different regions of the Frontier Province have their own historical and archaeological significance―depending mainly on their geology, geography, ecology, resources, accessibility and climatic conditions, which is reflected in the archaeological profile of these respective regions. Gandhāra Art of the Buddhists is found in the Peshawar, Dir and Swat Valleys; Epigraphic records, engravings and rock carvings are mostly found in Northern Areas of Pakistan. The Historic period sites are mostly seen in the Peshawar and Hazara Divisions whereas Bronze Age archaeological sites are mainly known from the southern parts of the Province from the Gomal Valley extending to the Tochi Valley in the Bannu Basin. The southern region of the Frontier Province has the credit of having roots of the Indus Valley Civilizations in its fertile soil.
The Gomal Valley, lying between 310–15′ and 320–31′ north latitude and 700–5′ to 710–22′ east longitude, occupies an ideal geographical position. It is a flood plain of the Indus River and its tributaries like Kurram and Gomal rivers. It is linked in the west to Afghanistan and Central Asia through hospitable passes in the mountains of Wazirstan and the Suleman Ranges, marking the western boundary. The northern and northeastern limits are marked by, Bitthanis, Sheikh Budin and Khaisor hills respectively. These passes in the western hills, which have been used for at least the last seven thousands years, if not earlier, by the trade caravans, traders, missionaries and migrants while entering into the Indo-Pak subcontinent. To the east, where the valley is open, is the Indus River and Indus flood plain of the Punjab. The valley is also open to the south except southwestern part, which is bordered by the Baluchistan Plateau.