Archaeological Survey of Charsadda District in the Peshawar Valley

Abstract

Pushkalavati (Ancient name of the Charsadda district) is strategically located at the confluence of Swat and Kabul rivers, previously connecting ancient commercial routes of the east and west. It was because of its geographical location that Alexander possibly wanted to subdue it and establish a Macedonian garrison here. Charsadda has been under archaeological explorations and excavations for more than a century and half. General Court was the first to begin archaeological research in Pushkalavati in 1836. For the first time he diverted attention of archaeologists to the high mound of Bala Hisar, which afterwards became the focus of archaeological activities in Charsadda (Marshall and Vogel 1902-3: 142). Subsequently, General Alexander Cunningham concluded that it was the site of Pushkalavati, which was the first ancient capital of Gandhara, when Alexander attacked this region. (Cunningham 1990: 42). Garrick, John Marshall, Wheeler, Dani and other local and international teams carried out excavations and surveyed the area, as a result the ancient past of Pushkalavati began to be unfolding before us.