Featured Pakistan: The Archaeological Marvel

[Kambojaric]

Peshawar museum's Buddha statues major attraction at Seoul exhibition

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA:

The 40 statues of Buddha sent from Peshawar museum have become a major attraction at the Gandhara Art exhibition in Seoul, South Korea.


The believers of Buddhism, religious leaders and citizens in thousands attended the event and lauded the Pakistani government and the archaeology department’s for their effort to preserve and maintain the remains of the religion in their original form.

Pakistan’s ambassador to South Korea Rahim Hayat Qureshi, who especially attended the event, told The Express Tribune “the Gandhara art exhibition will help promote a positive image of the country globally.”

Buddhists across Asia mark Vesak with prayers, processions

The exhibition recently commenced at Seoul Culture Centre and will continue for three-months.

On the first day of the event, ambassadors from Bhutan, Taiwan and Sri Lanka participated and expressed special interest in the statues of Buddha brought from the museum.

“Korea and Pakistan share a cultural relationship,” said ambassador Qureshi while addressing those in attendance. “Pakistan’s participation in the exhibition will promote a positive image of the country globally.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/144637...ha-statues-major-attraction-seoul-exhibition/

 

[wiseone2]

Yes, I take it that the sites in India are peripheral from the Indus Valley proper as found in Pakistan. It is like Ancient Egypt. Thee are sites in Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea that display some characteristics of the Egyptian civilization but the real McCoy is in Egypt. Same here in referance to IVC and Pakistan.

And by the way these lecherous Indian;s have even gone to distorting geography to get their grubby hands on IVC. Do you know what Indo-Gangetic Plains are? The conflaction of two distinct geographies into one in a cheap attempt to polish off on the Harappa and Mohenjo Daro.

Indus Basin is distinct geography with it's own catchment and climate. The region is aride to semi arid and Indus flows into Arabian Sea. Ganga flows through humdid tropical jungles east into the Bay of Bengal. Yet even geography is being twisted.

Whether you like it or not India's Punjab and Harayana states are part of Indus river system and part of Indus Valley civilization

What about all those peoples who lived in Indus Valley after the IVC ? I see selective amnesia among Pakistanis

 

[ghazi52]

2000 Year old keys on display at Taxila museum Pakistan.
I wonder how big the locks were in that era.

 

[Kambojaric]

2000 Year old keys on display at Taxila museum Pakistan.
I wonder how big the locks were in that era.

These are huge!

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Mound Dillu Roy: Exploring last vestiges of ancient Buddhist site

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

The ruins of Mound Dillu Roy do not fail to fascinate anyone who visits. Apart from the rich culture and heritage that is preserved at the site, the threads of myths woven around the Buddhist marvel, offer multiple narratives and accounts of the history of the place.

Situated on Jampur-Dajal Road, around five kilometres from Jampur, Mound Dillu Roy, commonly known as Dillu Roy Theatre, is one of the oldest settlements known to mankind. It is an ancient site from Buddhist period which is located in Dera Ghazi Khan District.

Study and ancient objects found from the old city site reveal that it was occupied by the Buddhists in the Scytho-Parthian period dating back to the 1st century BC.

Most historians believe the site remained buried underneath thousands of years of dust, sand and stone until it was rediscovered in 1858 by archaeologists. They say the ancient city is named after a Brahman prince called Dillu Roy. The city is situated on a vast area but the locals have started cultivating crops on major part of the land, thus encroaching upon the heritage site.

Subsequent studies of the site and objects exhibit that Mound Dillu Roy was a sophisticated settlement of traders, fishermen and farmers and had complex religious cults.

The ancient city resembles that of Moenjo Daro and Harappa in Sindh. According to historians, Dillu Roy city was built on two storeys: The upper part is situated above the land which is covered in sand while the lower part is buried underground.

When the archaeologists dug the site, the plan of houses and streets was visible. Some of the walls with traces of mud plaster stand as high as 12 feet and at certain places, complete plan of rooms, streets and shops is traceable. Besides, a wheat warehouse was also unearthed during excavation.

Some people believe that the city consisted of four bastions which were used to guard the city and its people. However, with the passage of time, the bastions were demolished and now only their traces were left.

The surface finds from Dillu Roy included a wide range of plain, painted stamped and incised pottery with applique decoration. A few pottery moulds with flower and leaf motifs have also been found. In addition, knives and sharp edged tools were also recovered from the spot during excavation.

Other finds included sling balls, dabbers, oil lamps, spoon handles, terracotta wheels and animal figurines. The specimens of bottle-neck sprinkles with curved flange and conical knob at the top are quite similar in all respects to the types recovered from such sites in Banbhore, Taxila and Pitalkora (India) and they may be dated to 1st century BC to 2nd century AC. The moulding representation of acanthus foliage, lotus petals and sunflowers carved in the most naturalistic style and burnt bricks decorated with flower and geometrical designs are all the characteristic representation of Buddhist culture. Moreover, a terracotta object having circular umbrellas seems to represent a miniature Stupa.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Archaeology Department Sub-Divisional Officer Malik Ghulam Muhammad said, “The government has decided to preserve Mound Dillu Roy and it has released a sum of Rs10 million for the purpose.” He added, “The excavation work has commenced and the objects recovered from the site will be preserved at Harappa Museum.”

He maintained that the actual area of the historic site would also be included in the official record. He said the funds allocated for the project would be utilised to build a boundary wall around the ancient site and a guard post to keep it safe from outside intervention.

“The department will now prepare detailed estimates which will be sent to Punjab archaeology department for technical sanction following which the scheme would enter the tender process,” he revealed. He elaborated that a full time site attendant already stands posted by federal government to guard the site.

When contacted, Member National Assembly Sardar Jaffar Khan Leghari told The Express Tribune, “The site contains history of an old civilisation which should be preserved.” He added, “The government should establish a museum in the district and preserve all objects recovered from the ancient site.”

The MNA maintained earlier, different objects that were recovered by archaeologists were stolen. He said antiques related to Gandhara civilization were also found from the region.

Dur Muhammad Khan, a retired attendant, who remained posted at the site for 34 years, told The Express Tribune, “The government took custody of the site in 1955. At that time silver and gold coins, jewellery, swords, arrows and utensils were found from the area which were unique in today’s world.” Dur said skulls have also been recovered from the area which suggests that the people living in that era were tall and had strong build.

He pointed out, “I and my forefathers have been protecting the site for years and have foiled several attempts by armed people, who wanted to dig the site and steal items.”

Art brings Lahore’s Walled City to life

Key dates

• In 1858, the then deputy commissioner ordered excavation of the site.

• In 1876, assistant administrator of the region Munshi Hukum Chand wrote a book on Mound Dillu Roy titled ‘Tawareekh of Dera Ghazi Khan’.

• In 1955, the archaeology department deputed an attendant for the first time to guard the site premises.

• In February 1964, the site was declared as a protected heritage.

• In 2010, a survey by revenue department revealed Mound Dillu Roy is situated on 80 acres of land.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1449544/mound-dillu-roy-exploring-last-vestiges-ancient-buddhist-site/

 

[Kambojaric]

Revival of Mughal recipes in Royal Fort

A no-go area inside Lahore Fort has suddenly became a point of attraction for tourists and conservationists. This area was once the splendid area with aroma of enticing dishes cooked for the royals and nobels of Lahore Fort. Yes, that’s the Royal Kitchen “Shahi Bawarchikhana” of Lahore Fort. It’s news for everyone that very soon all heritage lovers will have a chance to sit there in a royal mood and enjoy Mughal recipes. I am sure that every Lahori would love to visit this place. But how did this happen? How an abandoned area got a new life at once?

Well, for my readers, before I jump on to how it happened, let me give you a brief intro of this place. This royal kitchen is located at the backside of the Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort. A narrow passage will lead you to the place from the admin block where department of archeology has its offices. Leading from a narrow passage you will come across a mesmerising beauty of ages old structures now being conserved. The walls are built with small brick, the majestic arches attached together forming the kitchen area and roaming around in 400 years old arches you can imagine the past glory of the place with the hustle and bustle of the chefs and helpers while cooking food for the kings and queens. The royal kitchens were constructed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. It was where the food was prepared along with a huge variety of drinks, sweets and appetizers. The helpers would carry the food from there to the private chambers of the king, queen, princes, princesses and other courtiers. Later when the Sikh took over the Lahore Fort, the royal kitchens were damaged like many other buildings inside the Fort. The kitchen was converted into a food store room and at the same time it was used as a stable for horses and other animals. The British in 1849 converted it into interrogation cells and jails. During that time the open verandas were closed with bricks and new structures like iron doors and beams were added along with the construction of an upper storey. The upper storey served as offices for policemen. The electricity supply lines, sewage system and water drains were laid during the British period. During the British rule, another storey was added in the building. What happened to this place after the partition? It is said that the police department used it as interrogation cells until late 1980s, when they were handed over to the archaeology department. After partition the building of royal kitchen was agonised more than ever. The beams, wooden doors, windows were taken away. Maybe those were pulled down during the riots. The building was dilapidated and later some parts were demolished and offices were constructed there. The building that we see today is the remaining part of the huge kitchen complex.

The conservation of the royal kitchens started in 2015 by the Walled City of Lahore Authority and Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Photographic and technical documentation was carried out of the area which revealed the hidden elements of the place. The excavation of the place was the main task during which several other structures were also revealed and even walls having fresco work on them were exposed. All these structures had somehow gone underground with the passage of time. Similar to the conservation of Shahi Hammam and Wazir Khan Chowk, the original ground level of the place was revealed. Extensions and structures connecting to the temple of Loh were also found there with fresco work on them. Well I am glad that all this is being conserved now. Another interesting thing seen there was the 400 years old Tandoor. This was the most authentic evidence to the fact that this area was a kitchen during the Mughal days.

So the conservation is on but here I have something more interesting for you. The place will be soon open to public as a Mughal era restaurant. This will surely be the first of its kind. While talking to the experts of this project I got to know that there is a separate kitchen and cooking area for the restaurant. This has been done to avoid any damage to the original structures and heritage site. The sitting for the guests will be made at the roof top of the arches. Don’t be afraid the arches are being strengthening during the conservation, so you just imagine yourself sitting at world heritage site and having dinner. The kitchen area being constructed there is of international standards. The courtyard is being preserved and will be turned into a function area. Like Wazir Khan Chowk there will be stage for the cultural performances inside the courtyard of the royal kitchen. It is planned that musical and theatrical activities will be carried out there for the guests. I am sure that these activities will take people to the old days when the fort was at its zenith. Also, the authority is planning to develop a museum and gallery there so that people visiting the site can look back into the history through artifacts and pictures.

Actually the revival of such places is the need of the hour. We need to preserve the heritage we have with us and making a place a tourist spot is the best use, this way the history and place never dies. I am sure that with these additions and illumination at night the royal kitchens will attract every Lahori and international tourists. I am seeing very lively night tourism of Lahore Fort through this project.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/16/revival-of-mughal-recipes-in-royal-fort/

 

[Kambojaric]

KP’s archaeology evokes interest of foreign tourists, researchers

PESHAWAR: Recently, French envoy and her family walked up from 19th century Sethi House to historical compound of Gor Khathree, at a distance of few steps, on her visit to Peshawar city.

These few steps of the foreign diplomat, touring with her family, can be termed a huge step that dispels the impression that Peshawar or for that matter Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unsafe for tourists.

Who knew the archaeological sites or as some would say the places of the dead would awaken the interest of foreign tourists and researchers in this region.

Since 9/11, a misperception had stopped many diplomats, foreign tourists, pilgrims and even research scholars from visiting the bustling Peshawar city -- South Asia’s oldest living city. “Interest of foreign researchers and religious tourists is reviving in the province,” officials of archaeology, museum and sports department claimed.

Officials say students of American, European universities contacting them to come to the province for research

They said that visits of monks, religious tourists, foreign delegations and more importantly historic and archaeological revelations were once again awakening the interest of scholars from abroad in the centre of Gandhara Civilisation.

“Around 122 monks or Buddhist religious tourists from Sri Lanka and South Korea visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the last two years or so. It was unprecedented,” said the officials.

Since 2015, excavations and explorations in places like Rehman Dheri in Dera Ismail Khan, Bamala in Haripur and various international symposiums and exhibitions have attracted interest of foreign scholars as well as religious tourists from Buddhist countries.

Officials said that Khyber Pakhutnkhwa government made Pakistan the first Muslim country recently to exhibit Buddhist artifacts in South Korea, having religious and historic links with the province.

“Researchers and archaeology students from American and European universities are contacting us to let them come here for further research in archaeology,” said officials.

An American researcher working in Harrapa, an archaeological site in Punjab, wants to come and work in Rehman Dheri, a pre-Harappan archaeological site, which dates back to 4,000 BC.

Rehman Dheri came to limelight when a symposium was held that was also attended by international scholars.

For about 20 years, there was no work done on the archaeological site but it was resuming the excavation work in 2015 that drew attention of scholars from all over the world including India. The scientific mapping and samples tested in the US laboratories also tempted the American scholars to get involved here more.

In Khanpur area of Haripur district, on the other hand, Buddhist site of Bhamala not only attracted tourists but also scholars after excavations here pushed the Buddhist era art further back to third century from 6th Century AD.

University of Oxford, UK, and University of Wisconsin, the USA, have shown interest in further research at Bhamala Buddhist site. “Four projects involving University of Oxford and SOAS London, Bohum University Germany, and an Italian University have been launched after the initiatives taken home at Bhamala stirred them up,” said officials.

“Now students from foreign universities want to come for research to places like Swat and Bhamala,” said an official, who supervises excavation and research at archaeological sites.

The Chinese officials with whom MoUs have been already signed now want to get engaged in places like Chitral for further research. “The exhibition of Buddhist artifacts in Seoul, South Korea was also an effort to boost religious tourism in the province,” said officials.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1349342

 

[Kambojaric]

Experts identify 25 archaeological sites in Zone IV

ISLAMABAD: A team of archaeological experts has identified 25 ancient archaeological sites in Zone IV of the federal capital, through its ongoing, first ever, archaeological survey.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) is conducting the survey to find potential sites for excavation, preservation and documentation, and saving the precious heritage for future generations.

The survey is being carried out by the archaeological experts who have divided Islamabad into five zones, and the objective behind the survey is to conserve the endangered archaeological sites and monuments.

“The number of identified archaeological sites and monuments has reached up to 25 in Zone IV of the capital, and most of the sites and monuments belong to the Mughal and Sikh periods,” said an official of DOAM while talking to APP.

The official said that the survey has been completed in the zone, which is the biggest zone among all five zones. The survey was discontinued due to monsoon rains and will be continued in Zone V during mid-September.

The discoveries include historical monuments, worship places of the Sikhs before partition, mosques of the Mughal period, remains of the Buddhist period and memorial of the British period wars, in the zone.

The team, conducting the survey, is comprised of archaeological experts, photographers, draftsmen and other staff members, who are recording the details of the sites for documentation and finding potential sites for excavation, said the official.

The project of conducting archaeological surveys in the capital, at the cost of Rs 2 million, was approved by National Fund for Cultural Heritage (NFCH) to address the threat of endangered sites and monuments due to climate changes and construction.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/15/experts-identify-25-archaeological-sites-in-zone-iv/

 

[Kambojaric]

Conference to highlight significance of archaeology, heritage

LAHORE: International experts will gather in Lahore in October to deliberate on the importance of ‘Archaeology and Heritage’ as essential components for preserving national identity and bringing prosperity in any country.

The international conference on “Archaeology Heritage of Pakistan-Challenges, Potential and Way Forward” will be held in Lahore from October 20-22 with participation of national and international level experts and a wide audience. The conference will be co-organised by Higher Education Commission (HEC), National History and Literary Heritage Division,UNESCO, Embassy of France in Pakistan, British Council, and Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).

The primary goal of arranging this conference is to sensitise the decision makers, educationist, bureaucrats and politicians that archaeology and heritage are a constitutive part of the country and must be given due importance.

The overall achievement of the conference would be that the audience walks away with a sense of urgency in terms of taking initiatives to protect and promote cultural heritage which subsequently would spark action on the part of various stakeholders.

The conference will come up with some concrete recommendations for various stakeholders which will be handed over to the government for further follow up and as input for a cultural policy.

The conference will help recognise the following goals: a positive approach about a renewed national narrative, taking into account a broader part of history, inspired by archaeology and heritage; and an economic approach bringing culture and in particular archaeology and heritage as an essential component of development through tourism for instance.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...ghlight-significance-of-archaeology-heritage/

 

[Kambojaric]

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/the-forgotten-graveyard-of-mor-muradi.521439/

KARACHI: A historic graveyard lies forgotten in a jungle where the presence of dust-covered graves shows that no one visits the site, a mere 40 kilometres from Karachi’s Toll Plaza. Locals call it the ‘Graveyard of Mor Muradi’, named after a couple buried there along with around 150 others, dating back to the 16th century.
The graves of males are embossed with turbans, swords and horses while the graves of females with jewellery such as bangles, bracelets and rings. The unique structure and stone carvings on the graves resemble the Chawkandi and Makli necropolises.

“We know that this graveyard was named after a couple who were buried here,” a herdsman tending to his flock of goats in the area said. He added that villages dominated by dwindling populations of Sindhi and Baloch residents were located in the area near Karachi but fall under the domain of Jamshoro district.

“This is wonderful heritage site but unfortunately it has been abandoned. No one has worked or conducted research on it,” said Gul Hasan Kalmati, a researcher who has previously worked on many heritage sites in Sindh. According to Kalmati, this graveyard seems to be older than Chawkandi, as the stone carving techniques on most of the graves were most likely adopted during the Samma Dynasty (1351-1524). He added that more than 37 heritage sites exist in Karachi and its adjoining areas, yet no one pays heeds to them. “Successive governments, researchers, scholars and citizens only discuss the Chawkandi graveyard and its loss of authenticity but no one talks about other sites,” he said.

‘We must come together to save Sindh’s heritage’
He added that locals such as the Chhutta, Burfat, Burra, Gondar and Kalmati families have lived in this area for centuries and this graveyard belonged to them. “I have brought and facilitated a few renowned scholars to work on this site yet no one has conducted research which could lead to authentic information about this graveyard,” he said.

“Around 2,500 heritage and archaeological sites have been documented but most are neglected, as the government does not conduct research on them,” said Hakim Ali Shah Bukhari, former archeology director. He added that similar heritage structures can be found in Turkey, Iran and India.

Heritage work started in Sindh during the Soomra Dynasty (1024-1351) and reached its peak in the Samma period. Later, the Kalhora and Talpur rulers also attempted to continue this legacy. “In the Chawkandi Graveyard, the graves are attributed to influential people of the Jokhio tribe but later wealthy people started following the trend of building similarly structured tombs and graves for their loved ones,” Bukhari said. There is a dire need to conduct proper research on these sites, he added.

“We have learnt about this site and I will direct my department’s officials to ensure its demarcation and conduct research on it,” said Culture, Tourism, Antiquities and Archives Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah while talking to The Express Tribune. He added that the department will soon start surveying the graveyard by initiating geo-tagging of the site.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1522170/forgotten-graveyard-mor-muradi/

 

[Kambojaric]

Diversity is strength of Pakistan Heritage

LAHORE: Diversity of culture and heritage is the strength of Pakistan and with the help of friends of Pakistan including British Council, European Union and French Embassy in Pakistan the heritage of the land will be highlighted at global level.

Dignitaries from various countries spoke at inaugural ceremony of three-day ‘Heritage Now’ conference organized by British Council Pakistan, Walled City of Lahore Authority, French Embassy in Pakistan, European Union Embassy in Pakistan, UNESCO, Punjab University and Higher Education Commission.

Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana said majority of the participants of this evening are students. He said he belonged to South Punjab the Saraiki belt area where Multan is a place full of heritage sites and 100 miles away there is an ancient city of Uch Sharif.

“We need to promote the national heritage which gives message of peace and harmony. To save our heritage the armed forces and civilians of Pakistan laid their lives in recent years.

“We pledge with our foreign partners that we would do our utmost to save heritage. It is our identity and national heritage. Nations feel pride of their heritage and put efforts to save them,” he concluded.

British Council Country Director Pakistan Rose Marry Hilhorst who has served previously in Africa said she felt privileged to work on the promotion of positive image of Pakistan at global level. “We have engaged 14 British organizations. ‘Heritage Now’ is about partnership as working together is always better. It’s about the past, present & future of this country,” she said.

Rose Marry Hilhorst said British Council celebrated 70 years working in Pakistan and it has been tremendous journey.

“We are bringing together United Kingdom’s best and brightest with Pakistan best minds,” she said.

Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said Pakistan has so many beautiful things and people of this land take pride in their heritage. “Pakistan is home to various religions birth place including Sikhism in Nanakana Sahib, Buddhism in Taxilla. All we need is to showcase these places at global level,” he said.

Dr Mukhtar said image building of Pakistan is the need of the hour.

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said this heritage conference in coming two days will build and strengthen partnerships. “Pakistan has a beautiful rich and beautiful culture and all we need it to highlight it in the world.

Lashari said irony is projection has been adverse adding that instead of missiles putting in the roundabouts of the country there should be music, arts, sports, culture and tourism as they can build the soft narrative which the world values.

“Heritage knits us together,” he said.

President of the French National Museum on Asia Arta-Gumet Sophie Jensen addressing the gathering said French archaeologists since 19th century are working in Pakistan and recently Head of a French archaeologists’ team Dr Aurore Didier completed excavation at Chanhon jo Daro in Sindh, a centre of the Indus Valley civilisation.

She said Asian museum in France founded in 1889 and had conducted several evacuations mission in Indus valley in Balochistan.

Sophie Jensen requested concerned Pakistani authorities to allow exhibiting of Buddha statue in Lahore Museum as it is mankind’s treasure.

UNESCO Country Director Vibke Jensen Pakistan has unique culture and Mohenjo Daro in Sindh is in vulnerable conditions due to landlords and visitors who failed to understand the importance of heritage.

“It is possible to safeguard our heritage for future generation to understand values,” she said.

The United Nations in 2015 agreed upon on the 2030 sustainable development agenda that requires interdisciplinary approach.

PU Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Moeen said owing to the importance of the archaeology discipline Punjab University launched discipline of archaeology in 2001 and now we are introducing PhDs also.

EU Ambassador H E Jean Francois Caution talking to The Nation said European Union feels matter of privileged working closely with Pakistan to save the heritage and promote the diverse culture of country at global level.

http://nation.com.pk/featured/20-Oct-2017/diversity-is-strength-of-pakistan-heritage

 

[Kambojaric]

SC takes notice of dried up Katas Raj pond

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday took notice of reports that the pond in the Katas Raj temple complex is drying out and ordered the concerned departments to submit a comprehensive report for the reasons behind the phenomenon within three days.

Suo motu notice was taken by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who subsequently called for reports from the director general of the Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums, the secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Lahore, the director general of the Punjab Directorate of Archaeology and the Chakwal Deputy Commissioner.

The Katas Raj temple complex is located near Kallar Kahar, approximately 100 kilometres by road from another important Hindu site, the Tilla Jogian complex.

Katas Raj is located near the interchange for Kallar Kahar, off the M2 Motorway that connects Islamabad and Lahore.

The complex is located alongside a road connecting Kallar Kahar to Choa Saidan Shah, near the Dulmial village.

According Hindu mythology, the pond was formed from the tears of Shiva, who went uncontrollably over the loss of his wife Sati.

But the pond, which continues to be one of the holiest Hindu sites in the region, is drying out.

Reports suggested that the pond was drying out due to water consumption by nearby cement factories that are sucking water through more than a hundred drill bores, severely reducing the subsoil water level.

In addition to the factories, the reports suggested that owing to an absence of adequate water supply to the local areas of Katas Waulah and the city of Choa Saidan Shah, almost every home is acquiring water through boring.

The problem has become acute with the plantation of eucalyptus trees in the region.

In one of the reports, the pond, which also dried up last May, has remained dry despite monsoon rainfall and currently contains just three or four feet of water.

The steps into the pond, which used to be submerged under water, are now visible.

Although the pond has been de-silted by two to three feet by the ETPB with the help of the district administration and a cement plant, this has had little effect on the pond’s water level due to the fall in the area’s water table.

The water from the Katas Raj pond was once used to irrigate loquat gardens in Choa Saidan Shah, while drinking water from the pond was supplied to the Choa Saidan Shah town and the Waulah and Katas villages, a report regretted, but the very plants in Katas Raj now are irrigated using a water bore.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1367833

 

[Kambojaric]

Pakistan unveils 1,700-year-old sleeping Buddha, evoking diverse heritage

HARIPUR, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan unveiled the remains of a 1,700-year-old sleeping Buddha image on Wednesday, part of an initiative to encourage tourism and project religious harmony in a region roiled by Islamist militancy.

A reflection of the diverse history and culture of the South Asian country, the ancient Buddhist site in Bhamala province was first discovered in 1929. Eighty-eight years on, excavations resumed and the 14-metre-(48-foot)-high Kanjur stone Buddha image was unearthed, and opposition leader Imran Kahn presided over Wednesday’s presentation.

“This is from the 3rd century AD, making it the world’s oldest sleeping Buddha remains,” Abdul Samad, director of Bhamla’s archaeology and museums department, told Reuters.

“We have discovered over 500 Buddha objects and this 48-foot-long sleeping Buddha remains,” he added.

Khan said: “It’s a question of preserving these heritage sites which are an asset for our country.”

The region was once the center of Buddhist civilization that took root under the Mauryan king Ashoka 2,300 years ago.

The presentation of the Buddha image coincided with a lockdown of major highways around the nation’s capital to contain a rightist protest against a perceived slight to Islam by members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Minority communities in Pakistan are often targeted by right-wing groups and successive governments have in the past been reluctant to embrace the country’s non-Muslim heritage.

But recent attempts to improve Pakistan’s image have included overtures to minority communities by the PML-N.

In January, then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the restoration of Hindu temples at Katas Raj in Punjab province.

Considered a conservative figure, Khan has stressed dialogue with Islamist hardliners including the Taliban but on Wednesday said the preservation of sites like Bhamala could promote religious tourism.

“It’s a world heritage site (and) because of it people can come for religious tourism and see these places,” he said.

Khan dismissed the protesters in Islamabad, seeking to project a more tolerant image of Pakistan. “It’s a very small part of what is happening in Pakistan. The majority of the population wants to see such (Buddhist) sites restored.”

Khan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is hoping to make big gains at the 2018 elections as the PML-N has been increasingly embroiled in corruption investigations.

Sharif resigned as prime minister in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him for not declaring a source of income and faces trial before an anti-corruption court.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...buddha-evoking-diverse-heritage-idUSKBN1DF2RK

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Mystery surrounding age of Ranikot Fort may be resolved

KARACHI: The Sindh government on Wednesday entered into an understanding with the Italian authorities to launch joint research activities in the fields of history and archaeology, especially in connection with the historical sites of Bhambhore and Ranikot, said a statement issued here.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was held at the Sindh Archives, where director general of antiquities Manzoor Ahmed Kanasro signed the MoU on behalf of the Sindh culture department and Prof Mario Pianccentini represented the Italian government and archaeological mission of his country.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Sindh Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that nobody exactly knew how old the Ranikot Fort was, but through the MoU a major breakthrough was expected in this regard very soon.

“We have taken a great step forward towards knowing the age of Ranikot Fort that is also called the Great Wall of Sindh,” he said.

“The MoU between our department and the Italian consulate is aimed at exchange, cooperation and research activities within present and future programmes embarked upon by both the parties. Our main objectives are to carry out joint research activities in the fields of history and archaeology with specific regard to the sites of Bhanbhore and Ranikot.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Consul General of Italy Dr Gianluca Rubagotti, culture secretary Akbar Laghari, former secretary of archaeology Dr Kaleemullah Lashari and others.

The provincial minister said that the three-year MoU was also meant to work together for developing a common programme to train young officers of the department.

“The five-member archaeological mission of Italy will start their work from the first week of December and we hope that within two to three months we will be receiving some good news about the age of Ranikot Fort, which, till today, has been a mystery for researchers,” he added.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1370739

Pictures of the Fort

 

[ghazi52]

Takht-I-Bhai (archaeological site of an ancient Buddhist monastery)

 

[Kambojaric]

Supreme Court orders cement factory to refill Katas Raj pond within a week

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday ordered Bestway Cement in Chakwal to fill up the Katas Raj temple's pond within a week.

A three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, is hearing a suo motu case based on media reports that the Katas Raj pond is drying out due to water consumption by nearby cement factories.

The factories are reportedly draining the pond through a number of bored wells which have reduced the subsoil water level the created shortages for domestic users as well.

A Bestway Cement factory is on of the four major cement production units located in the area.

In the Wednesday hearing of the case, the bench expressed anger over the continued absence of Bestway Cement's counsel, Babar Sattar.

The bench told the Punjab government to provide details of the conditions under which the authorities had allowed the construction of cement factories in the area. The court also sought reports on the environmental pollution factories cause in the area.

The prosecution claims that the cement factories in the Katas Raj temple area have worsened the risks of breast cancer and respiratory diseases among people living nearby due to their activities.

"We will not allow cement factories to operate at the cost of people's health," the chief justice declared on Wednesday.

The SC had also expressed dismay over the absence of representations of Hindu deities in the historic Sri Ram and Hanuman temples in the complex and sought an explanation from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in this regard a day earlier.

The ETPB, which oversees the temple's affairs, had informed the SC that representations of Hindu deities had been removed from the temples on fears of reprisal attacks following the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India in 1992.

The temples were then locked up to prevent desecration that might be caused by wild jackals and bats in the area.

The court was perturbed to learn that Hindu pilgrims who visited the holy site had to bring their own idols to perform their rituals.

The authorities had later requested an Indian political leader to donate some idols, but it was not granted, the ETPB chairman said in a written response.

The chairman also claimed that no religious services are held in Shri Ram and Hanuman temples since they are archaeological sites. The Shiv Ling (an idol of Hindu deity Shiva) was present in all temples where people come to worship, he said.

Katas Raj temple
The Katas Raj temple is one of the Hindu community's most well-known places of worship. The name of the temple complex is a derivative of Kataksha, a Sanskrit word meaning “tearful eyes”.

According to legend, its fabled pond was formed from the the tears of Lord Shiva as he wept uncontrollably upon the death of Sati, his wife.

The pond occupies an area of two kanals and 15 marlas, with a maximum depth of 20 feet.

 

[Kambojaric]

China to train Pakistani experts for preservation of archaeological sites

ISLAMABAD: China is ready to provide training to archaeological experts and researchers of Pakistan on the methods to preserve the potential archaeological sites and artefacts, said a six-member Chinese delegation led by Zhang Xiaolan on Wednesday during a meeting with National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Division Secretary Aamir Hasan.

Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Secretary Aamir Hasan said Pakistan and China are tied in the long lasting relation of iron brothers. This relation is strengthening with each passing day through mutual trust and cooperation. He said Pakistan and China need to enhance cooperation in the fields of literature, history and culture like other fields. Aamir Hasan said the division under the supervision of Adviser to Prime Minister on NH&LH, Irfan Siddiqui is diligently working on the plan to establish National Museum of Pakistan at federal capital which would help preserve thousands of artefacts.

He said the foundation stone of this state-of-the-art museum will be laid early next year as per the vision of Adviser to Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui.

The federal secretary said Pakistan is a centre of ancient civilisations and the holy places of different civilisations including Sindh Valley, Mohenjodaro, Gandhara, Mehrgarh, Harappa exist in Pakistan. He said Pakistan always ensure best arrangements for Sikh Yatrees and Buddhists when they visit their holy places in Pakistan to celebrate their religious festivals as the constitution of Pakistan ensure complete religious freedom to minorities.

The members of Chinese delegation appreciated the efforts of the present government for focusing on the promotion of literature and culture and offered to provide training to the Pakistani experts on the preservation of archaeological sites and antiquities to enhance their capabilities.

The delegation later visited the week-long exhibition “National Heritage of Pakistan” at Islamabad Museum, Sir Syed Memorial, displaying hundreds of antiquities. The delegation members showed a keen interest in the antiquities of different eras and appreciated the efforts of the division for arranging this novel activity. The meeting was also attended by Joint Secretary, NH&LH division, Capt (R) Abdul Majeed Niazi, Deputy Secretary, Nazir Ahmad and other officials of the division.

Meanwhile, a weeklong exhibition titled ‘National Heritage of Pakistan’ concluded on Wednesday after providing art lovers with an insight into historical and cultural events through a variety of antiquities representing different eras of Buddhists, Sikhs, Mughal and Hindus. The week-long exhibition was arranged by Department of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM) at Islamabad Museum in connection with the 70th Independence Day celebrations.

A number of art lovers especially students of different educational institutions from twin cities visited the exhibition to see around 500 displayed antiquities belonging to different periods of the history of Pakistan including sculptures, pottery, coins, art objects, manuscript, weapons etc.

“Nations which keep their culture and traditions alive can only survive and live a dignified life. This exhibition is indeed a marvellous effort to pass on the rich cultural heritage to the younger generation”, said a visitor, Muneeb Akhtar. “It is good that the officials of the department are present at the venue all the time to guide the visitors about the significance of these antiquities”, he said while talking to APP. Another visitor, Samia Muneer said archaeology was once a dormant subject and not given patronage at government level however now the present government was taking strong initiatives to preserve our cultural heritage. She said educating the youngsters about our rich cultural heritage during the present era of modern technology is a need of the hour. The exhibition was inaugurated by Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui on Thursday in a ceremony.

On the concluding day of the exhibition, a six-member Chinese delegation led by Zhang Xiaolan visited the venue and showed a keen interest in the antiquities displayed.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...rts-for-preservation-of-archaeological-sites/

Exhibition promoting heritage of Pakistan concludes

ISLAMABAD: Week-long exhibition, titled “National Heritage of Pakistan”, concluded here on Wednesday after providing the art lovers an insight into historical and cultural events through a variety of antiques representing different eras of Buddhist, Sikh, Mughal and Hindu rulers in the country.

The week-long exhibition was arranged by the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM) from December 7 till December 13 at Islamabad Museum, Sir Syed Memorial, to mark the 70th Independence Day (I-Day) celebrations.

A number of art lovers, especially students of different educational institutions from the twin cities, visited the exhibition to see around 500 displayed antiques belonging to different periods of history of Pakistan, including sculptures, pottery, coins, art objects, manuscripts and weapons.

“Nations which keep their culture and traditions alive can only survive and live a dignified life. This exhibition is indeed a marvelous effort to pass on the rich cultural heritage to the younger generation,” said a visitor Muneeb Akhtar.

“It is good that the officials of the department are present at the venue all the time to guide the visitors about the significance of these antiques,” he further said.

Another visitor Samia Muneer said that archaeology was once a dormant subject and not given patronage at the government level, however, now the present government was taking strong initiatives to preserve our cultural heritage.

She said educating the youngsters about the country’s rich cultural heritage during the present era of modern technology was the need of the hour.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui on Thursday last.

On the concluding day of the exhibition, a six-member Chinese delegation led by Zhang Xiaolan visited the venue and showed keen interest in the antiques displayed at the exhibition.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/12/13/exhibition-promoting-heritage-of-pakistan-concludes/