A Report on the Recent Cultural Objects from Akhorwāl Village and Zindān Dheri-Darra Ādam Khel, F.R. Kohāt Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Darra Ādam Khel is situated between Peshawar and Kohāt, i.e. 40 km from Peshawar side and 25 km from Kohāt. Darra Ādam Khel Valley is the home of several Afrīdī tribes. On the north, it is bordered by Khyber (formerly Agency) and on the west by Orakzai (formerly Agency) districts. This paper explores the artifacts found at two archaeological sites, Akhorwāl and Zindān. These sites along with a Greek site Boulīdāna were first mentioned by M. A. Court in 1836. These sites are located in close perimeters. The site of Zindān dheri is occurred on a medium hill with a diameter of approximately one kilometre whereas, the site of Akhorwāl is partly occupied by modern settlements and partly levelled for agriculture fields and coal stocks. The artifacts reported from these sites include fragmentary Buddhist sculptures, pottery, coins, beads, iron, bronze, and copper objects. It is important to explore the archaeological and historical contexts of these artefacts in order to understand the political and cultural history of this region. The present study reveals the connection and association of these sites with those of the similar sites reported from Gandhāra region. The presence of the coins of Great Kushan kings like Wima Kadphaises and Kaniṣka indicates the historical significance of the site. Moreover, a condenser vessel with dual Kushan insignias and intricately crafted beads suggest a vibrant social and economic activities in Darra Ādam Khel area in ancient times. On the basis of these evidences, the present work highlights the cultural history and archaeological profile of this region.