Where History Meets Archaeology

Archaeological Sites and Historical Monuments along the Khyber Pass

Abstract

History and Archaeology are inseparable twins. Archaeological data needs to be explained with the help of historical facts and figures while historical narrations always need to be strengthened with tangible evidence in the shape of solid archaeological proofs excavated by archaeologists and described in their style and structure. The historical and archaeological monuments in different parts of Pakistan are a national heritage and potentially a source of earning if foreign tourism is revived and promoted in this country that so badly need a soft image to regain its place among the civilized nations of the world. Some of these treasures are situated in Khyber Pass and with a little effort and projection these can help convert the tourism department into tourism industry in Pakistan, bringing in foreign tourists and economic opportunities for the people.

These monuments are our national heritage and it is our duty as historians and archaeologists to save them from further destruction at the hands of both men and nature and to give them the projection and appreciation that they so rightly deserve. Most of these monuments are a perfect example of a closer link and bond between the discipline of History and Archaeology, historians doing their part of research and archaeologists supplementing their work with technical aspects of their style and structure. This is where History meets Archaeology. The paper is an effort to bring to light the important but neglected historical sites and archaeological monuments in Khyber pass with a brief history so that it becomes an inspiration for the young and budding researchers in both fields, history as well as archaeology, to explore the hidden aspects of these treasures and to make them more known to the people all over the world.