Ancient Pakistan

Beas Landscape and Settlement Survey:

Rita P. Wright — 2024-05-09

This article reports the results of field work conducted between 1996 and 2001 in the Punjab
province of Pakistan. Our methodology was based on scraping surfaces to identify remnant features in a region recently levelled for establishment of homesteads, crop farming, and animal husbandry. The article includes unpublished maps, surface records, diagnostic finds, and radiocarbon dates based on core samples. The research captures a short period when Harappans moved to parts of this region and engaged in unique forms of water management techniques. Follow up analyses and satellite imagery provide evidence for site modification and heritage loss.

Population Dynamics among Ethnic Groups Residing in Hazarewal and Chitral-Gilgit-Baltistan:

Brian E. Hemphill — 2024-05-09

The ethnic groups inhabiting the lowland and highland terrain in far northern Pakistan have recently been suggested to have served as middlemen in an interregional exchange network between Turkestan and the Indus Valley — an exchange network that may have involved populations at the northern end of the Inner Asian Mountain Corridor or populations of the Bactrian Margianan Archaeological Complex (BMAC) of southern Central Asia. Alternatively, it may be that waves of Pathan immigration during the mediaeval period into northern Pakistan introduced such extensive gene flow from the west that all trace of contacts north has been lost. Patterning of morphological trait frequencies of the permanent tooth crown are known to correlate closely with DNA patterns and are largely free of natural selection making them ideal for tracing patterns of past gene flow and genetic drift. Dental morphometric trait frequencies from living members of 11 ethnic groups of the lowlands of Hazarewal and the highlands of Chitral- Gilgit-Baltistan, along with nine archaeologically-derived samples from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Indus Valley, and southern Central Asia (n= 2576 individuals), were analysed. Varying operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and data reduction techniques reveal a striking absence of evidence for interactions with populations to the north, meagre evidence of Pathan-related gene flow from the west or northwest, and little support for a genetic contribution from Chalcolithic era populations from the Indus Valley, signaling long-term local biological continuity in this region of northern Pakistan.

Preliminary Report of Archaeological Excavations at Hayatabad, Peshawar:

Gul Rahim Khan — 2024-05-09

The Department of Archaeology, University of Peshawar, carried out excavations as the fourth field season in a row at the early historic period site in Hayatabad (Peshawar) in 2023. The recent field
campaign successfully added further archaeological evidence to the establishment of smith workshops, which originated in the Indo-Greek period and continued down to the time of the Great Kushans. It was presumably a large urban centre like Sirkap (Taxila) (Marshall 1951) and Shaikhan Dheri (Charsadda) (Dani 1965-66) and remained in occupation for several hundred years. Unfortunately, the site is now mostly occupied by modern buildings, houses, railway line, road networks, and an industrial drain. The existing quarter of the mound was significantly utilised for a contemporary industrial zone when the site was actively inhabited for about four hundred years (second century BCE to second century CE).

The Beads from the Archaeological Site of Barikot:

Mubariz Ahmed Rabbani — 2024-05-09

This article provides new perspectives on the typology of the beads that have been recovered from the 2022 winter excavation campaign of the archaeological site of Barikot (Swat Valley, Pakistan). The examined samples derive from multiple chronological periods and various archaeological contexts revealed during the recent fieldwork activities at Barikot. Preliminary results from ongoing studies appear to confirm, through the discussion of specific examples, that the typological characteristics of the latest finds correlate chronologically with the typological and stylistic features of specimens analysed in earlier studies. Evidence of illegal digging and pillaging activities is, likewise, well-documented within the recently revealed built-up area of the site, and the resulting chronological implications are considered in this contribution. This study provides, in addition, evidence for the operation and maintenance of long distance trade and interaction networks between the Swat Valley and other geographic locations between the 1st century BCE and the 11th-12th century CE. The examination of the new specimens from different periods and areas of Barikot provides not only insight into the prevailing ornamental traditions and the daily lifeways of the inhabitants of the city but also considers the broader cultural and historical narratives that were developing in the region during this dynamic time

Indo-Corinthian Capitals from Shnaisha (Swat)

Abdur Rahman — 2024-05-09

The classical character and extraordinary beauty of the Indo-Corinthian (also called Gandhāran Corinthian) pilaster capitals, found in the ruins of Buddhist sites in Gandhāra, have often excited the imagination and interest of art historians who never failed in making appreciatory comments and in speculating upon the source of inspiration. The most charming (Fig. 12) of these first came to light at Jamāl Gaṛhi situated some eight miles due north of Mardan. But since then, they have been reported from several other sites. A. Cunningham in his excavation of Jamāl Gaṛhi in 1852 found about a dozen of them, at that time considered to be the largest number known from any single site. But now Shnaisha, situated on the Saidu Marghuzar road, has, with its seventeen examples, surpassed this number. The capitals from both the above-mentioned sites are carved out of light grey phyllite and exhibit a good deal of conformity in their design and decorative pattern. But in the mode of construction, they follow different traditions. The Jamāl Gaṛhi examples, for instance, show that each capital was constructed by joining together two to six prefabricated parts by iron cramps. On the contrary, Shnaisha has only one example in which two pieces are joined together, while every one of the rest is carved out of a separate single block. Moreover, the Jamāl Gaṛhi examples revealed traces of gilding at the time of their discovery. But the practice of gilding remains unattested at Shnaisha. Besides this, the bold and natural depiction of acanthus leaves at Shnaisha is apparently different from Jamāl Gaṛhi where imaginary forms, such as fabulous animals, are also included to enhance the decorative effect. Thus, Shnaisha marks the stage of initial experimentation in the art of making the capitals look beautiful and Jamāl Gaṛhi its culmination.

Stepped Pyramid as a Decorative Motif in the Buddhist Art of Uḍḍiyāna:

Aisha Bibi — 2024-05-09

The scenic valley of Swat, historically known as Uḍḍiyāna, is renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage in art and architecture. This region is dotted with impressive stūpas, monasteries, and vihāras. These sanctuaries were exquisitely adorned with relief and portrait sculptures. Through extensive excavations by foreign and indigenous organizations, a wealth of Buddhist sculpture has been unearthed, shedding light on the Valley’s illustrious past. Apart from indigenous features, the Buddhist art of Uḍḍiyāna was heavily influenced by Hellenistic, Roman, Mesopotamian, Persian and Central Asian cultures. The sculptural reliefs portray captivating architectural elements that serve as a powerful means of expression, offering a comprehensive visual representation of the historical developments that have influenced the art created in the region.

The stepped pyramid or stepped merlon as a decorative motif in the Buddhist art of Gandhāra and Uḍḍiyāna is a recurrent architectural element known for its series of stacked, progressively decreasing tiers or steps. It is commonly employed as an embellishment in relief sculptures and sometimes used as an architectural ornamentation. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the use of the stepped pyramid as a decorative motif abundantly found in the Buddhist art of ancient Uḍḍiyāna. The investigation commences by tracing the origins of this motif, which can be found in the ziggurats of Mesopotamia. It explores how this design was initially utilised by the Egyptians, Nabataeans, Achaemenids and subsequently adopted by the Buddhist communities of northwest India. It then provides a conceptual framework that aims to elucidate the reasons behind the use and the symbolic significance of this ornate motif in the context of Buddhist art within Uḍḍiyāna. Through a thematic analysis of relevant literature and an examination of existing architectural and sculptural remnants, we can infer that the stepped pyramid as decorative pattern enjoyed both religious and worldly significance.

GIS Mapping of the Buddhist Relics of Hazara Division, Pakistan

Shakirullah — 2024-05-09

The cultural activities of the Hazara region can be traced back to the early Stone Age in Pakistan, although systematic and planned archaeological investigations throughout the region in the pre- and postindependence period were scantily available. During the colonial period, there were certain efforts, largely targeted at removing treasures from Buddhist monuments and other archaeological sites. For paying attention to the culturally rich and fertile land of the Hazara Division, the Hazara University (Mansehra) got the credit to establish the Department of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Management in 2006, which later (in 2008) grew into the School of Cultural Heritage and Creative Technologies comprising of five teaching departments (i.e., Archaeology, Architecture, Art & Design, Tourism & Hospitality, and Conservation. The Department of Archaeology made serious efforts to map up the cultural relics of the Hazara region with the help of many national and international funding agencies. The current research focusses on the GIS mapping of the rich Buddhist heritage of the present eight districts of Hazara division namely, Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Batagram, Torghar, Kohistan Lower, Kohistan Upper, and Kolai Palas. The GIS technology allows for the spatial analysis of Buddhist relics' distribution. This analysis revealed patterns of religious activities, trade routes, and cultural diffusion. By overlaying GIS data with historical records, researchers can develop new theories and insights into the dynamics of ancient civilizations in the region. GIS mapping of these relics will help develop the tourism industry by making it easier for travellers and tourists to locate and study these assets of archaeological and historical interest.

Tibetans in Brusha:

John Mock — 2024-05-09

The kingdom of Po-lü, known from the Chinese Tang Dynasty Annals, is now identified with the Palola Shahi kings of Gilgit. In the early 8th century CE, the Chinese Annals record a distinction between Greater and Lesser Po-lü, which current scholarship now identifies as the Gilgit and Chilas region (Greater Po-lü) and the Yasin and Punyal region (Lesser Po-lü). However, to the Tibetans, Lesser Po-lü was known as Brusha, a toponym which is assumed to refer to the Burusho people. The Darkot Pass inscription and the seven inscription stones found near Gahkuch in Punyal attest to Tibetan presence in Brusha. This article presents a new Tibetan inscription and several accompanying chorten (stupa) rock carvings from the Yasin Valley, which is the first archaeological evidence of Tibetan presence in the settled area of Yasin. These new discoveries add to our understanding of Tibetan authority in Yasin and Punyal and of Tibetan presence and activity in the greater Gilgit region.

A Note on the Sphero-conical Vessels:

Luca Maria Olivieri — 2024-05-09

The study deals with three recent finds of imported sphero-conical vessels datable to the Ghaznavid or slightly later period, from Barikot and Udegram in the Swat Valley, northern Pakistan. The first vessel (complete) comes from the excavation conducted in 2023 at the base of the south wall of the site’s Acropolis, the second from a reconnaissance conducted in the 1950s by Giorgio Gullini on the spur where excavations would later unearth the so-called ‘Castle’ of Udegram. The third container (a fragment) is also from Barikot, but from a much earlier chronological phase. Based on these findings, the study features an update of the bibliography from work also published in Ancient Pakistan by Saifur Rahman Dar in 2007, and an overview of new hypotheses about the intended use(s) of these enigmatic objects.

Tools and Tillage:

Kenneth D. Thomas — 2024-05-09

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.