Islamabad Conference Abstracts 2012 - 1

CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS
International Conference on
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
in Pakistan and Adjacent Regions
Islamabad, Jan 5-8, 2012
Sponsored by the
American Institute of Pakistan Studies

with support from the
US Embassy, Islamabad
In collaboration with the
Department of Archaeology and Museums

Ministry of National Heritage and Integration
Government of Pakistan
Radio Pakistan: Official Media Partner
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts
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Abstracts Arranged Alphabetically by Author

Tanveer Afzal, State Bank Museum, Karachi
Challenges of Bringing Physically Challenged to the Museum
Due to lack of consideration, most of the schools, institutes & museums do not provide
access to the physically disabled/challenged people in Pakistan. The State Bank of Pakistan
Museum took up the challenge to change this scenario by upgrading the physical features of
the museum in order to provide access to all people who want to visit the SBP Museum. The
main objectives were to study the hurdles in the way and then to develop a system to
implement solutions for this problem. The first encountered issue is the access and mobility
of those people; secondly, there are some rules and regulations of the organizations that have
to be followed. A balanced path or code of conduct has to be defined that will help in
bringing them to Museum without disturbing any of the organizational value of the museum,
At the same time it is necessary to develop respect and acceptance of all visitor. The third
aspect is to stimulate their interest in the museum by involving them in some of the specially
designed activities they are capable of being involved in. Finally, fourth step is to consider a
sustained relationship with the organizations who work with these special types of visitors
The recent results showed that the efforts are worth taking, as the activity has earned positive
reviews from the concerned organizations, scholars, related NGOs, parents and above all it
has generated satisfaction among the participants.
Noor Agha and Atif Iqbal, Hazara University, Mansehra
ACTing practically: The first steps of a wide-scope archaeological
project in the Swat valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan)
ACT (Archaeology Community Tourism) is a joint project carried out in the Swat valley
(Pakistan) by the Italian Archaeological Mission and the Department of Archaeology and
Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). The goal of the project is to recover and
strengthen the archaeological heritage of the valley, endangered and wounded by a
devastating earthquake, a disastrous flood and by armed conflicts. Preserving and promoting
the Swat heritage is a mandatory precondition for the resurrection of tourism business in the
whole valley. ACT was designed as an intensive Field School of archaeology and
conservation, open both to operators of the local communities and to students of the national
Universities.
P. Ajithprasad, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda
Harappan Settlement features at Bagasra and Shikarpur in Gujarat: Unity and Diversity
Harappan settlements have a general similarity in their planning and organization of
space mainly defined by a protective wall around them. Organization and utilization of space
within the general framework of planning however depended up on several factors primarily
related to economic activities. Variation in focus of economic activities in different sites
resulted into difference in space management and layout of structures between sites. The
paper discusses the diversity and unity of the Harappan settlement features unearthed at
Bagasra and Shikarpur, two sites located on either side of the eastern margin of the Gulf of
Kachchh. Located within 20kms these two sites have a rather similar looking general
settlement plan predominated by a massive fortification. There is also a general similarity in
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the materials used in the architectural constructions. However, the focus of economic
production at these two sites it appears had varied quite significantly. While Bagasra appears
to have had mainly focused on economic craft production, Shikarpur was focusing on
collection and distribution of resources and craft products. This suggests diversity in the
polity related to management of resources and organizational skill of the Harappans at these
two sites. The diversity is better reflected in the structural planning and utilization of space at
these two sites. Evidence unearthed in the excavations at these two sites is orchestrated to
demonstrate the above aspects of the development of Harappan society and polity in Gujarat.
Marta Ameri, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York

The View from the Other Side: Changing Patterns of Indo-Iranian Interaction in the
Third and Second Millennia BCE as Seen from the Ahar-Banas Culture Region,
Rajasthan
The analysis of contacts and interactions has always played an important role in
archaeological studies of Middle Asia in the third millennium BCE. The discovery of seals
and sealings with iconography long known from Iran and Central Asia at Ahar-Banas sites in
Rajasthan suggests that interaction networks previously documented only as far as the Indus
River in fact spread much farther. The sites of the Ahar-Banas culture in southwestern
Rajasthan are located far from the centers of urban culture in Southern and Western Asia, and
have limited contact with these areas. Nonetheless, the presence of seals and sealings at these
sites reflects changing relations with lands further to the west, particularly during periods of
instability at the beginning and end of the millennium. While the seals and sealings found at
Gilund were locally produced, the foreign origin of the sealing technology and of some of the
iconography is clear. This paper is a study of the how people at the furthest edges of an
interaction sphere are affected by and react to the changes at their borders. A careful analysis
of the material will show that the people of the Ahar-Banas were not only aware of the
technologies and traditions of the distant centers of Iran, Central Asia and the Indus Valley,
but that they also actively adopted them to their own needs. A chronological analysis of the
material found at Gilund, Ahar, and Balathal suggests that once adopted, sealing was a longlived tradition in the Ahar-Banas. It also demonstrates that the local production of seals was
affected by the patterns of contact and development of Middle Asia, particularly by the
constantly shifting patterns of Indo-Iranian contact.
Muhammad Arif and Ghulam Murtaza Khoso

Department of Archaeology and Museums, Govt. of Pakistan
Moenjodaro -An Overview of the Causes of Failure and Decay of the Structural Remains
Moenjodaro is one of the most important sites in Pakistan and has been the focus of
considerable efforts for preservation since being declared a World Heritage monument. This
paper will review the efforts taken to preserve the site and its current state. It will also
provide an overview of the problems faced by the site and treatments that have been
successful.
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Anas Mahmud Arif, Hazara University, Mansehra

Museum and Community: Results of a Pilot Survey
Museums play a vital role in the education and enjoyment of a community. Pakistan has a
diverse cultural heritage which needs to be preserved and promote properly. To know the
existing knowledge and interest of the local community about their cultural heritage and
museums, a pilot survey was initiated in Peshawar city. This questionnaire based survey was
a first step of its kind, where we involved local community and schools. Through this paper
results will be shared, which will ultimately help the provincial government to devise new
strategies for the development of these museums.
Jamil Hussain Baloch, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad

The Discovery of new Archaeological Sites at the Bank of Kech River in Balochistan
The land of Balochistan has been the center of human development through ages. It gives
us a clear continuity of prehistoric to historic period cultures. The continued development of
prehistoric (Stone Age) periods culminated into the well-known Neolithic Revolution which
resulted in the human settlement into well developed villages like Mehrgarh dated to 8th
millennium BC. Mehrgarh is considered a milestone towards the urbanization of South Asia.
The urban centers of the Indus Civilization flourished in a vast territory of the Indian subcontinent. Some of the areas have come to light such as those of Mohenjo Daro, Harappa,
Kalibangan, Lothal, Sokhta Koh and Sotkagendor, but many sites of pre-Indus, Mature Indus
and Post Indus periods are still lying under the earth. Balochistan seems to be the most
neglected region for archaeological activities. It is impossible to think that the first human
evolution took place there but there will be no traces of the sequence of the later human
development. The Author, thus, took pain to go around and see for the traces of pre-Indus
and mature Indus periods on the Makran Coast. In the area of Kech (Makran) the author
found the traces of both of the periods at the bank of Kech River which will be the topic of
discussion in this paper.
Rasul Bawary, Department of Archeology, Kabul University

The First Civilizations of Afghanistan
After 1919 started archaeological excavation in Afghanistan by different missions at
different times. For first time beginning study of archaeological sites by French
archaeologists in Afghanistan at 1922 (Mr.Fuscha and Mrs. Fuscha ) . Then coming Russian
archaeologist delegation in 1922 (Wawilov, Garatsov, and Wicheslov).After to this time
coming continuous some archaeologist delegation from different countries in Afghanistan,
for example: Italian, English, American, Chinese, Japanese, and others groups. So that had
good resolution for found of archaeological artifacts and ancient history of Afghanistan. Yet
we can show some artifacts about Middle Paleolithic particularly Mousterian period of center
and northern Afghanistan is dated from 100000 years ago. In 1959 L. Dupree and A. Wardak
found many flint Mousterian -type flake tools at Dasht-i- Nawar in Gazni province, Darra-eDadil and near by Darra-e-Chaqmaq, Balkh province and so.
Between 4-5000 years ago, as urban civilizations rose in the major river valleys of the
Nile, Tigris- Euphrates and Indus, peasant farming herding villages served as the backbone
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of the economy. Control of a relatively guaranteed food surplus was necessary to support the
growing cities and towns with their multitudes of full-time religio- artisan- political
specialists. Three sites in southern Afghanistan probably relate to the evolution of the
elaborate complex of rural communities, which supported the urban scene. Mundigak (J.M.
Casal) Dem Morasi Ghundai (L. Dupree) and Said Qala (J. Shaffer and M. Hoffman ) in
Kandahar province. These three sites send to complement each other. Mundigak evolved
from an agricultural village (with some evidence of early semi-sedentism ) to a genuine
town, including a granary and a massive monument complex the other two sites remained
farming-herding villages. Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age objects, about 2-3000 years
age, have been reported in northern Afghanistan and Sistan, south of Afghanistan.
About 3000 B.C (Chalcolithic) civilizations emerged on the bank of Indus River. Mundigak
and Sistan areas of Afghanistan, Anau of Uzbekistan, and Mesopotamia developed. A major
cultural relationship developed between Mundigak and Mohenjo daro during this Age. Those
artifacts discovered under J. M. Casals, mission from Mundigak in 1951 are similar to these
artifacts excavated by British archaeologist, Marshall, who excavated Mohenjo daro of the
Indus valley.
Kuldeep K. Bhan, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda

Some Important Aspects of Craft Production and Organization in
Harappan Tradition of Gujarat
The purpose of this paper is to discuss some aspects of craft production and organization
during Harappan Phase of Gujarat which corresponds with the Integration Era. The data for
presentation will be mainly derived from three recently excavated sites Gola Dhoro
(Bagasra), Nagwada and Nageshwar. Nevertheless the data obtained from others sites of
Gujarat will also be viewed in conjecture, in order to have a holistic view of the organization
and production of stone bead making, shell working and faience production. The
interpretations are based on the rigorous recording and analysis of the archaeological data
and the application of specialized ethnoarchaeological and experimental studies that has led
to the development of more appropriate interpretive models. A possible organizational
pattern emerges from the available evidence, since we have detail information now available
on the stone bead making and shell working from the above mentioned sites of Gujarat. Both
Gola Dhoro and Nagwada have revealed intensive and efficient manufacturing evidence and
show very specialized techniques were used in the transportation of semiprecious stones into
beads. Comparisons with the ethnoarchaeological studies from Khambhat has indicated that
the Harappan stone bead industry of Gujarat was more flexible, independent form of
production as compared to centralized production, controlled by the political elite represented
by the manufacturing center of Chanu-daro. While the analysis of shell industry, has reveled
three levels of production with sites like Nageshwar and Gola Dhoro at the top of hierarchy.
The studies have highlighted the importance and dependence of larger urban Harappan
settlements on small settlements for the procurement of raw material as well as finished
goods.
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Mastoor Bukhari, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur

Brick Stupas of Sindh: Unique Perspectives on Buddhist Architecture in Pakistan
In Sindh all stupas made by burnt and unburnt bricks, as compare to northern areas
material used in Sindh is entirely different most of the stupas now in ruined and Deteriorated
condition, only three of them are in better condition. Such stupas, Monasteries and viharas
wiped out from the scene due to ravages of time, topographical conditions, re-cycling of
material, manhandling and most of all because of negligence and unawareness. The 5th, 6th
and 7th Centuries AD witnessed usage of new material with old traditional patterns. Stupas
made here are of burnt or backed bricks with mud plaster containing very beautiful carvings
on terracotta; sometimes having Jataka scenes carvings a delicate and sophisticated cut
brick revetment. The use of clay as a building material has been common since time
immemorial in the plains of Sindh. Initially unbaked mud was employed but soon baked stuff
was introduced. It was a common and a favourite medium. The Buddhist masons of Sindh
also preferred it for secular and religious edifices. Building of the brick stupas and
decorating them with carved and moulded bricks and figures caught their fertile imagination
as this new mode of construction was cheaper. These brick stupa became common in
northern and central India but some of the splendid brick stupas from Sindh prove brick
construction as a favourite medium of artistic expression.
Muhammad Shah Bukhari, National Museum, Karachi

Illustrated manuscripts in National Museum of Pakistan
In terms of Archaeological material, the National Museum of Pakistan is the biggest
Museum in Pakistan. The largest collection of Islamic Manuscripts is housed in it. Among
the this large collection of manuscripts, there are 40 illustrated manuscripts. Some of these
are in no other museums or libraries in the world. The illustration in Islamic manuscripts
begins with the scientific diagrams, and drawings. Medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and
Geography were the main subjects for applying illustrations. Later on, this art had also been
utilized in books related to arts, poetry and history. Illustrated manuscripts in the National
Museum of Pakistan range from 12th century AD to 19th century. The earliest manuscripts
are in astronomy and medicine. The earliest manuscript on the topic is 800 hundred years old
in Arabic which deals and guides with sketches, diagrams and other illustration as to how to
read the Astrolabe, the scientific instrument for studying celestial bodies and for sea faring.
There is a very unique copy of illustrated manuscript of astronomy of the 18th century in
which the ozone layer is discussed with the help of illustration but it was only discovered by
modern scientists in early 20th century. There are illustrated manuscripts on Shah Namah-eFirdousi, the legendry stories of Iran and written in 10th century by the order of Mahmud of
Ghazni. On medicine, the book entitled "Azharul Adwiah"( the Flowers of medicine) is
although transcribed in the beginning of 20th century but very unique. Every flower is
illustrated and almost all the available names are given in different languages of the world,
like English, Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabic, Persian, Punjabi, Kashmiri etc.
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Ahtesham Aziz Chaudhury, Lahore Museum

Preservation of Cultural Heritage through documentation and exhibition
Lahore Museum has an invaluable collection on Islamic arts, crafts and history. There are
around 3000 artifacts from different areas of South Asia including a vide range of materials
like paintings, leather, metal, textile and wooden artifacts displayed in one of the biggest
galleries of Lahore Museum. In this report, a complete scheme for the upgrading of the
Islamic Gallery (display and cataloguing) has been presented. The theme of this design is to
make exhibition more appealing & driving for visitors and to attain more control on agents of
deterioration. The core idea of this project is to bring effective modifications within very
nominal regular budget of one of the 19 collections of the museum. The success of this pilot
project will not only help improving the precious collections but also encourage the concept
of resource management for the whole museum. Furthermore, some pipeline projects have
also been shared including field research and academic programs with other departments in
which documentation and projection of cultural heritage are being made. Establishment of
"Traditional Crafts Recognition and Revitalization Association (TCRRA)" is also one of the
projects which are in progress. These projects have been designed such that no institutional
funds will be utilized.
Yasmin Cheema, Beacon House University
The Consolidation and Preservation of Bibi Jawandi Tomb Complex
Uch Sharif is located 38 miles south-east of Bahawalpur and has a population of
approximately 20,000. The city dates back to the mature Harappan period, 2600-1700 BCE,
and is spread over 350 hectares, comprising 15 provincial and national monuments linked to
traditional bazaars, historic streets, and open squares. Therefore, the city is a monument of
global heritage value. Of the 15 monuments currently extant, the most striking are a group of
three from the late 15th c., the Bibi Jawandi Tomb Complex, located south-west of the city.
The Conservation and Rehabilitation Center (CRC) was established in 1994 to prepare
heritage inventories, conserve the monuments and rehabilitate small historic cities. Since its
foundation, CRCs main involvement has been: 1) the conservation and revalorization of
Uch city and 2) the consolidation of Bibi Jawandis Tomb Complex. After mapping the city,
CRC prepared conservation plans for the historic neighborhoods of Uch, as well as a master
plan. Eleven projects were designed, including the restoration of the traditional bazaar and
Mela critical to the citys rehabilitation and future sustainable development. The existing
sewage network was also mapped, a new sewage plan was prepared, a government-funded
sewage main laid out, and secondary and primary sanitation pipes financed and installed by
the community. The Bibi Jawandi Tomb Complex is being conserved through a scientific
methodological approach encompassing pre-conservation studies and investigations to
mitigate unintentional damage to the monuments and the site that inform physical and
management interventions. This attempt is being made to steer monument conservation in
Pakistan towards current internationally accepted norms. Given time constraints, the concern
of this paper will focus on the CRC consolidation work of the Bibi Jawandi tomb complex,
with a focus on the investigative methodology and decision-making process.
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Mary Davis, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lithic Analysis of the Indus Civilization: Insights into the nature of
early urban centers through the study of chipped stone tools at Harappa
This paper is focused on the analysis of the assemblage of chipped stone tools at the site
of Harappa recovered by the Harappan Archaeological Research Project (HARP). Chert
blades or blade segments of Rohrilike raw material, dominate the Harappas chipped stone
tool assemblage. While a wide range of tool forms have been recovered at the site, most of
the assemblage does not conform to standard forms and types that have been described for
classic Western archaeological assemblages. Such typologies were typically designed for
hunter and gatherers and provide little interpretative value. I present a new typology
developed at Harappa to classify the bulk of materials in a behaviorally meaningful way.
This typology can be used as a basis for comparison and a tool for the creation of typologies
for other assemblages in Pakistan and adjacent regions. This classification scheme is used to
address important questions that are not limited only to the study of stone tools but to larger
social questions. The spatial distribution of stone tools across different proposed
neighborhoods and districts of the site has led to the development of hypothetical spatial
organization of the site and the nature urbanism and the ancient inhabitants social
interactions.
K. N. Dikshit, Indian Archaeology Society, New Delhi
The Lost Saraswati : The Cradle of Indian Civilization
Before taking up the problems of the origin of Harappans whose rise was undoubtedly an
urban revolution, of our knowledge was limited concerning the contribution of the
excavations at Harappa (1946). While cutting through the defences, a pre/non Harappan level
was encountered at Harappa. After 1947 the lowest levels at Kalibangan, Banawali, Balu,
Sothi, Nohar etc. were recognized after some years keeping in view of similar results from
Kot Diji, Amri, Harappa, Rehman Dheri and other small sites of the adjoining regions. An
analysis of the material culture noticed on these sites and also in the hinterland could not
push back the antiquity of the region before the beginning of the 3rd millennium B.C.
However, in the last two decades, the excavations carried out in India and also in Pakistan
provided the material elements of a Neolithic pastoral stage. How this phenomena evolved,
as revealed by the excavations of some small sites, maintaining a kind of a cultural continuity
from Neolithic to primary urbanism, still requires some stages to understand its broader
clarification. The results of the excavations at Kunal and Bhirrana, no doubt provided a stage
of further development from dwelling pits to the primary stage of a settled life. To
understand this phenomena as provided by the Carbon 14 dates which go back to the time
bracket of c. 6647-4353 B.C. could be compared in the Indo-Pak sub continent only with
similar Neolithic levels at Mehrgarh ( 6500 -4500 B.C.) or other Neolithic settlements for
which no firm Carbon 14 dates are available. This time bracket put the region of the Lost
Saraswati in a larger context of the Neolithic pastoral stage starting in the west from
Anatolia between the 9th - 4th millennium BC with the limited use of copper as noticed on the
Neolithic sites in Turkey. The stages of the later chalcolithic period between c. 4500-3500
BC are not so clear perhaps due to limited technology or climatic environment in which
people live. In this paper an attempt has been made to present the evolving stages through the
recent excavations carried out in the area of Lost Saraswati and its tributaries in India.
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Muhammad Farooq, Hazara University, Mansehra

Microbial Decay of Cultural Heritage of Pakistan
The growth of some microbial populations on the surface of archaeological monuments
and historical buildings of Pakistan has become a serious problem for the conservation
authorities. The physico-chemical changes in the structure of monuments due to the
physiological and metabolic activities of microbes are very significant. These changes appear
in different ways as cracking, blistering, fragmentation, staining, leaning, pitting and
disfigurement of cultural heritage. Some scientific investigations were carried to evaluate the
present status of biological deterioration of archaeological sites of Pakistan. The fungal
genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Helminthosporium, Mucor, Rhizopus,
Penicillium, Dematium, Fusarium and Arthobotrys were isolated with high percentage of
occurrence. The diverse effects of these fungi on the cultural heritage were also noted. The
biochemical tests of isolated fungal strains were carried out to understand the mechanism of
decay of building materials of monuments. Different chemicals (Fungicides) were evaluated
in some in vitro experiments for the conservation of cultural heritage. The detailed aerial
analysis and transportation of microbial populations were also noticed scientifically to
forecast any future deterioration of cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Abdul Wasey Feroozi, Head of Archaeology Department

Academy of Sciences, Afghanistan
An overview of the Archaeology of Afghanistan
Our country, Afghanistan in the course of history has played an as being a crossroad of
civilization. Afghanistans ancient civilization and culture are also of special importance to
the history of world Religion. Studies of pre and proto historical periods of Afghanistan
testify to the fact that all period from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, bronze and iron ages up to
the recent past Greek-Bactrian, Kushan, Sassanian, Hephtalite, as well as the Islamic period,
are all of great importance. This country is also known as a meeting place of important
civilizations from east and west. And has drawn the attention of many scholars and
researchers from around the world. Officially, archaeological activities were initiated in
1922, when first contract was signed between the Afghan State and the Delegation
Archeologique Francaise en Afghanistan (DAFA).
After the Second World War, in 1949/50, an American mission headed by Louis Dupree
started prehistoric research in the South, at sites like Deh Murasi Ghundai, Dasht-e- Nower,
Sistan (Neim Rooz ), etc. Later on Archaeological activities were carried out by missions
from Germany, Italy, Greece, Great Britain, India, Russia and Japan, which also signed
protocol and conducted excavations and surveyed different sites in Afghanistan, up to 1978.
As a result, hundreds of ancient sites were discovered and excavated, and numerous objects
were unearthed. With the establishment of the Institute of Archaeology in 1966, all
archaeological activities were promoted, and certain sites such as Hadda (Tepe Shotor, Tepe
Toop Kalan), Tepe Maranjan, Kham e- Zargar, etc. were independently excavated by
Afghan experts. Among the standing sites the names of the great temple in Shotor Hadda, the
Buddhist temple of Marangan hill should be remembered. From 1976 to 1992, due to the
destabilization of security the only excavation carried out was at tepe Maranagan in Kabul,
and the institute concentrated more on archaeological publication, dissertation and articles.
From 1992 onwards, after the government of Dr. Najibullah was toppled and the mujaheddin
government was installed, chaos and irregularity took over the system of our state. Looting
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and vandalism started, and our country lost its infrastructure and all state departments
experienced extreme problems.
More than 70% of the objects in Kabul Museum collections and 100% of the objects
deposited in the archaeological institute were plundered and exported to neighboring
countries for sale clandestine excavation started in every nook and corner of the county, and
through illicit traffic, historical objects found their way to international markets. During the
period of the Taliban, a majority of our cultural heritage, which was precious and unique,
was demolished, such remains as the colossal Buddha statues in Bamiyan and smaller images
in the Kabul Museum were destroyed. Hard conditions and uncertain security culminated
with day-by-day difficulties and budget shortages hindered archaeological activities and
caused a drain from Afghanistan. Fallowing the collapse of the Taliban regime and the
establishment of the new government we hope that with the help and cooperation of friendly
countries, we can resume archaeological activities and research, and start joint projects in
some very important sites like Bamiyan, Kabul Kharwar, Mes Ainak (in Logar province) etc.
Abdul Azeem Hafiz, Lahore Museum

Concepts of Heritage Conservation: Beyond Laboratory Science
Conservation professionals and associated experts generally focus on physical
conservation of artifacts and monuments. Everyday challenges to minimize the rapid
deterioration of cultural assets keep them busy in technical assignments. In spite of all these
efforts, in Pakistan our cultural heritage is passing through a state of entropy. The required
goal can be best achieved by the education of new generation by creating entertainment for a
common man and developing a scene of custodianship among people. Lahore Museum has
extended this concept of heritage conservation by linking up with community and kids at
various forums. Fortunately, right in the beginning of phase one, a positive public feedback
has been observed. It is largely believed that sometimes common sense about scientific
phenomena happening around us can be very beneficial in finding less expensive and
practicable solutions of the problems with near to desired results. In this report, some similar
case studies have also been enclosed.
Abdul Hameed, Hazara University, Mansehra

Some Endangered Heritage Sites and Monuments in Hazara Division
Hazara (or the ancient Uraga) is the northern most division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
province of Pakistan and the only territory to the east of Indus. Being located on the
Karakuram Highway, this region has remained the cradle of ancient cultures and
civilizations. Recent archaeological field investigations conducted by the Department of
Archaeology, Hazara University (Mansehra) have unfolded more than eight hundred
archaeological sites ranging from the prehistoric to the colonial period. Of these, the Islamic
monuments, the most neglected and exposed to the manifold threats, are disappearing
without even being properly documented and published. These Islamic monuments comprise
the Mughal period buildings mostly tombs/mausoleums of the Muslim saints and rulers.
During the recent archaeological explorations in districts Abbottabad, Haripur and Mansehra,
we noticed that most of the Islamic monuments have been vanished completely, while the
remaining ones are in a very bad state of preservation. Since it is difficult to include all of
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them, therefore we have confined the scope of this work to the two: The tomb of Shah
Hamadan and the Tomb of Zinda Pir Karnol. Both of these monuments are located in
Mansehra, the second largest district of Hazara Division and are dated to the early and late
Mughal period. The aims and objectives of the present paper are four fold: firstly to properly
document the recently explored endangered heritage sites of Hazara Division; secondly, to
analyze the architectural features of said buildings by comparing them with the already
known Mughal monuments in the surrounding areas; thirdly, to assign proper dates to these
structure remains; and lastly, to plan mechanism for the conservation and preservation of
these historical and archaeological assets.
Brent Huffman, Northwestern University

The Buddhas of Aynak (Documentary Film Preview)
This is the story of a race against time to preserve the worlds most precious Buddhist
relics at an archaeological site in Afghanistan threatened by Taliban attacks and the
encroachment of a massive Chinese copper mine that will destroy forever these ancient and
sacred artifacts. Aynak, a desert region 20 minutes southwest of Kabul, is an archaeological
treasure trove of ancient Buddhist artifacts dated at over 2,500 years old. An ancient
Buddhist monastery complex, extensive wall frescos, devotional temples known as stupas,
and more than 150 Buddha statues comprise a discovery of immense global importance and
one of the country's richest historical sites. But it is also a site with a violent and troubled
history. At the same time, Aynak is home to the largest undeveloped copper reserve in the
world. Directly beneath the Buddhist site lie mineral deposits worth an estimated $100
billion. Following two years of aggressive bidding, China Metallurgical Group Corporation,
a Chinese government-backed mining company, beat out all international competitors and
was awarded an exclusive contract in 2008 by the cash-strapped Afghanistan government to
exploit the site. The fate of the ancient Buddhist artifacts hangs in the balance as the Chinese
begin planning their destructive open-pit style copper mine.
Under immense international pressure, the Chinese company gave Afghan and French
archaeologists three years to excavate and move the artifacts before the copper mine gets
underway. But with extremely limited resources, the dedicated archaeologists have made
little progress. Efforts to save and preserve the site have been drastically scaled back to a
project whose best hope is now merely to document what is known to exist at the site before
the Chinese begin construction, which they are planning to do in 2012. The remaining
cultural relics, which are both too large and fragile to be moved or are still underground and
thus, undiscovered, will all be destroyed.
The Buddhas of Aynak documentary film will follow several main characters to tell this
dramatic and multi-layered story: Philippe Marquis, a French archaeologist leading the effort
to save the Buddhist statues; Abdul Qadeer Temore, a leading Afghan archeologist at the
Afghan National Institute of Archeology working to protect his cultural heritage in Aynak;
Liu Wenming, a Chinese manager working for China Metallurgical Group Corporation in the
compound at Aynak; and Laura Tedesco, an American archaeologist working for the Kabulbased U.S. Embassy, who is using a million dollars of U.S. military funding to attempt to
save the Buddhist ruins.
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Asma Ibrahim, State Bank Museum, Karachi

Thematic Museums: Case Study for Establishing Oxford University Press (OUP)
Museum in Karachi
The museums are there to convey information and impart education in an informal but
interesting manner. Establishing a museum is an all-encompassing activity, but the basic
requirement is its theme. The writer of this paper is presently responsible for establishing a
museum for Oxford University Press (OUP). It is understood to portray the commendable
role played by OUP in dissemination of information and furtherance of printed texts. But this
objective has to be fully related to the context, for instance the art of book is a major aspect
that has to be addressed. How book making evolved, through the ages is a curious happening.
Another is the development of printing technology. But can it be discussed without focusing
on the material used for writing and circulation? From the stone to clay tablets, and going
further from metal tablets to the papyrus, leather, parchment and paper is an interesting
march forward. Once the theme is developed the selection of material for museum begins.
Searching the archives and identifying the material for displays; creating displays and
exhibits, building suitable mounts and showcases, dedicated to the type and kind of material
is another aspect that is being considered and extensively worked to finalize designs.
Likewise the requirements of lights, and combination of least affecting system is being
designed. Environment control is another major concern. The emergency and backup plan is
one thing the modern museums consider most important now a days, and that has to be in
accordance to the material on displays and the museum collections. The paper will discuss
the experiences in this regard and the way many obstacles have been tackled, and the
resolutions of problems arising due to varied physical difficulties as well as material
limitations.
Sayed Gul Kalash, Bumburate Museum Kalash Valley Bumburate
Tangible and Intangible Activities in Kalash Valley
Chitral valley of Pakistan is famous for its unique cultures. The most exquisite example
among all is the Kalasha community. Kalasha community has added a huge and rich variety
of tangible and intangible heritage based on rich cultural events. The annually held four
major festivals along with casual events like death funerals, child birth, winter sports (which
are very important but unfortunately never be documented) etc. Kalash culture and heritage
are facing new challenges day by day as they are a living museum (kalash culture) that is
gradually declining. The Kalasha Durr museum is the main source to provide information
about their culture to the younger generation, and its goal is to help them to learn how to
preserve Kalasha culture and heritage. The required goal can be best achieved by the
education of new generation by creating different types of activities, entertainment for the
common man and developing a scene of custodianship among the local people. Kalasha Durr
Museum has extended this concept of heritage preservation by linking up with community
and kids at various forums. Fortunately, right in the beginning of phase one, a positive public
feedback has been observed.
Page 13
Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad

Memorial Stones in Nagarparkar, Sindh: Meanings, symbols and motifs
The landscapes of Tharparkar in general and Nagarparkar in particular are dotted with
memorial stones of Sati (Widow-burning) and Jhujhars (headless Heroes). The sati and
Jhujhar cults are common and widespread among the Hindus of Tharparkar. There are a
number of villages in Nagarparkar that boast the shrines and temples of Kuldevis (tutelary or
family goddesses), Kul satis (Family or lineage Satis) Sati matas (Sati Mother) and Maha sati
(Great Sati). However, memorial stones are more prominent and discernible in Nagarparkar.
These memorials are objects of veneration and worship for the local Hindu population who
visit the stones frequently. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the meaning, symbols and
motifs associated with these memorials. So far as the meaning is concerned, the paper will
discuss the various terms and words locally used for these memorials. Symbols found on the
memorial stones will also be described. Finally, different motifs or designs carved on the
memorials will also be discussed in detail.
J. Mark Kenoyer, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Trade and Technology of the Indus Tradition: Internal and External Contacts
The Indus Tradition refers to the long term cultural processes that led to the emergence of
the first cities of the greater Indus region. The core regions lie in the vast plains of the Indus
and Ghaggar-Hakra River Valleys. These alluvial plains are rich in agro-pastoral and riverine
resources, but the only major mineral resources are found in the Rohri Hills, Sindh. Internal
and external trade contacts were necessary to link the Indus settlements to distant resource
areas and also to major markets and consumers. This paper will explore the important
technologies that used exotic raw materials, such as stone, shell and metal that were
necessary for the emergence of Indus urban centers. It will also examine changing resource
networks that were developed and changed during the emergence of Indus cities during the
Harappa Phase, circa 2600-1900 BCE. This time period is commonly referred to as the Indus
Civilization and it was during the height of this urban phase, between 2200-1900 BCE that
we see the greatest extent of trade connections linking the vast regions of the Indus with
adjacent regions in Afghanistan, India, Central Asia, the Gulf and even to Mesopotamia and
Anatolia.
Gul Rahim Khan, University of Peshawar
Recent Developments in the SSAQ Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology,
University of Peshawar (August-December 2011)
The Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Museum, part of the Department of Archaeology, is
open to public, scholars and visitors since 1998. Presently it accommodates archaeological
material which includes the stuff of prehistoric, proto-historic, Indus Civilizations, Gandhara
Grave Culture, Gandhara art, Hindu period, Islamic period and coins of different periods. In
the last six years research and developmental works of the Museum like display, recording
and documentation of antiquities and other activities have been very limited due to the
shortage of curatorial staff. Documentation: We have completed documentation of the
Gandhara pieces and are now focusing on the full documentation of the coin collections.
Display: Upgrading of labels/ captions and displays of the Gandhara gallery. Reserve
Collection (Storage): Arranged all coins of the Museum in available storage cabinet.
Learning/ Education: With the help of students (M.Phil) I have started childrens education
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and guidance through (drawing and painting) activities. I have also involved the M.A.
students in museum studies.
Muhammad Afzal Khan, Saleemul Haq and Malik Maqsood,

Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab
Recent Development for management and conservation of Archaeological Heritage in
Punjab

The Province of Punjab is exceptionally rich in archaeology. Punjab is the only
region in Pakistan where a complete cultural profile from the Early Stone Age to the
Islamic period has been established which is high-lighted by archaeological sites,
historical monuments, ethnic traditions and folklore. Punjab Govt. established its
own Directorate of Archaeology on December 1, 1987 under the Information
Culture and Youth Affairs Department. It has been keenly pursuing and contributing
in the maintenance and restoration work of historical monuments for quite a long
time. To share the responsibility for the preservation of heritage, the Govt. of the
Punjab also promulgated an ordinance, the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation)
Ordinance, 1985 so that it could also declared such monuments protected which are
important from archaeological and historical point of view. After the promulgation
of ordinance, it was considered that rather than conservation cell in Auqaf
Department there should be a full-fledge Directorate General of Archaeology that
could carry out the conservation and preservation work of monuments and other
related activities. The process of devolution of Archaeological sites and monuments
was completed in April 2010 and all Archaeological sites and Monuments declared
protected under the Antiquity Act, 1975 have been transferred to Govt. of the
Punjab. This is not only just transfer the monuments but all relevant staff that was
associated with the Conservation and Preservation of these monuments in the
Federal Department of Archaeology has also been transferred to the respective
provinces and now they are working as a team along with already existing staff of
Directorate General of Archaeology, Govt. of the Punjab. This better management
will now increase the awareness and understanding amongst institutions and locals,
which will lead to the improvement of the coordination between managing bodies
and better involvement of the local communities in the management, presentations,
and interpretations of the cultural properties.

Muhammad Ashraf Khan, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
Recent Explorations of Archaeological Sites and Monuments in
District Rawalpindi and Islamabad
The area under present study (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) is rich in archaeological
wealth, a transitional region between the high lands of Swat, Kashmir and the alluvial
plains of the Punjab played a very active role in the human history since the remote
antiquity. The earliest stone tools used by the man of this region, some two millions ago
have been recovered along the course of river Soan near Riwat. Then we come across
the Bronze Age sites of Jhang Bahtar and Serai Khola, the Gandhara Grave period
settlement of Hathial and the great center of the Buddhist art of Gandhara in Taxila
Page 15
Valley. This paper is based on the recent archaeological survey conducted in the region
of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and as a result of this extensive survey 82 archaeological
sites and monuments were recorded during 2009 which include rock shelters, historic
mounds, historical period monuments are known from caravan serais, baolies along the
ancient routes, religious and secular buildings of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh periods. Many
newly discovered sits and monuments were placed on the archaeological map of
Pakistan for the first time, ranging from prehistoric to the British period. Large
numbers of pottery, and other antiquities such as grinding stones, terracotta figurines
and shell bangles were collected from the sites.
Muhammad Safdar Khan, Hazara University, Mansehra
Termites: A threat to Cultural Heritage
Termites are social insects because millions of individuals live in a systematic, highly
organized colony with hygienic environment, maintaining constant temperature and
humidity. The colony members are divided into a number of groups, each group
performing its own duty. Due to this organized living mechanism, termite colonies
flourish and remain established for centuries and it has made termites one of the most
successful groups of animals in the world today. Usually there are five basic classes
within a termite colony including reproductive; winged-elates, workers, soldiers, and
nymphs. Most of our cultural heritage is presently under attack of termites that are going
to disintegrate the perishable material and cause the downfall of our cultural assets.
Sarfaraz Khan, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
Persistence of Pre-Islamic Traditions in the Pakhtoon Society:
A Study of Some Selected Shrines
The historic land of Gandhara has been the scene of contacts among different peoples
whether they were invaders like the Achaemenians, the Greeks, the Parthians, the Kushanas,
the Scythians, the Huns, traders or the holy Chinese pilgrims. This historic interaction
contributed much to the evolution of culture and civilization in Gandhara. The foreigners
who ranged from Achaemenians to the Greeks, the Mauryans, the Parthians, the Kushanas,
the Scythians, and the Huns brought in the Gandhara country different world views, beliefs
and philosophies of life. The gradual merger of the outsiders into the local environs left many
specific marks on the ever-evolved culture and civilization of the region. All these
developments led to a civilization known to the world as Gandhara civilization where
cultural, religious, and social syncretism was at peak. Scholars from all over the world
including historians and archaeologists paid attention to Gandhara and its history. Some of
them tested their pen while other tested both their pen and spade during the last three
centuries. They discussed in detail various influences on Gandhara, especially, Peshawar
valley in terms of its interaction with different cultures and civilizations. But they left
untouched the roots of some pre- Islamic traditions prevailing in the present day Pakhtoon
society, which has its roots in the belief system persisting before the advent of Islam. An
attempt will be made in this paper to trace the Pre-Islamic roots of some of the shrines in the
present day Gandhara region, especially, in the valley of Peshawar. As per requirement of
this paper a brief history of Gandhara and some sites of Peshawar valley such as Shahbaz
Garhi, and Charsadda will be discussed because the shrines in focus are situated in these
ancient cities and have been mentioned by Chinese Buddhist pilgrims
Page 16
Shahbaz Khan (Retired), Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab

Sardhi, A newly discovered archaeological site in the Salt Range Area
Sardhi is a small village some 13 Km south of Kallar Kahar. To the south-east of the
village, at a distance of about 1 Km as the crow flies, are the ruins of a Buddhist monastery.
For reaching the site one has to travel on the matalled road leading to nearby village of Moar
Jhang for about kms and then take kacha path to the left. This kacha path leads one to the
salt mines of Pir Khara. The archaeological site of Sardhi is 2 kms away on a winding route
and one has to walk steep slopes till reaching the site. The site was discovered as a result of
illegal diggings in June 2005 and there is no record of this site on the archaeological map of
District Chakwal. The site was even overlooked during a survey conducted by Punjab
Directorate General of Archaeology in 1994 when the overall Salt Range area was partially
explored. As a result of this survey restricted to District Chakwal only, 65 important
archaeological sites were located and the known history of the area pushed back from 2nd
cent. BC to 7,000 BC. Archaeological remains of the site are found scattered on a relatively
small area measuring approximately 400 x 400 of a wide flat platform. A small kas of water
emerging from the nearby spring runs from west to east and divides the flat platform into
two. The kas finally falls into Sohal River flowing further east of the site. The site is a landed
property owned by Mr. Tassadaq Hussain and his brother both local residents. When the site
was first visited by a team of Punjab Archaeology on 24th January, 2006, the signs of fresh
excavations by the illegal diggers were very clear. Diggings had been carried out sporadically
at various points and a few walls were exposed. Heaps of dressed kanjur stone blocks, once
used for the construction, were lying scattered here and there which showed how ruthlessly
the site was plundered in the hunt for treasures/antiquities. To the south of the site is a
Muslim grave on a high square base built by reusing the kanjur Stone blocks of the site. This
grave has also been dug from the west side. According to local people while constructing a
road such an isolated grave was damaged accidently and instead of a skeleton a huge treasury
was found. This was because the Hindus of the area before escaping to further south buried
the statues of god and goddesses and other treasures, which hey could not carry with them,
and constructed a grave on that. This was because they believed that the Muslims will never
dig and disturb a grave and therefore whatever has been buried will remain safe till times to
come. This is how such graves in the area still are mostly intact except those which are being
excavated by the antiquity hunters now. As a result of small scale excavations here the
remains of a Buddhist monastery have been discovered. Certainly there was a stupa court
attached to it but no such remains have been found. The site seems to had been plundered
many years before present illegal diggings of 2005. Most probably site was abandoned
centuries back because of shifting of the inhabitants to some other place for one reason or the
other. If so then it is one of the sites about which famous Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang, who
visited this area in the beginning of 7th century A.D., had left a reference by mentioning that
he saw hundreds of new Hindu structures coming up and many deserted Buddhist ruins in
this area .
Habibullah Khan Khattak, National Institute of Management, Peshawar
The Fate of Archaeology after the 18th Constitutional Amendment
TBA
Page 17
Ravi Korisettar, Karnatak University, Karnataka, India

Palaeolithic Research in South Asia: Potential Research Areas in Sindh and Balochistan
The last three decades of Palaeolithic research in southern India has contributed
significantly to our understanding of the cultural and environmental processes governing the
patters of dispersal of hominins from out of Africa, both by Homo erectus and anatomically
modern humans, into South Asia. Aided by new dating methods the earliest colonization of
the South Asia can be securely placed in the Lower Pleistocene (> 1.5 Ma) and the
emergence of AMH at around 100 Ka. Systematic evidence for behavioural similarities has
been documented and the dates from different regions of South Asia are clearly suggesting
the continental route of dispersal, as opposed to the southern route, into this region,
indicating the need to intensify Palaeolithic research in Sindh and Baluchistan. The suggested
Basin Model (Korisettar 2007) recognizes Pakistan as a critical area for future research. The
presentation emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between prehistorians of
India and Pakistan.
K. Krishnan, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda
Scientific Analysis of Harappan Ceramics from India
Scientific analyses of ceramics, although rare in the Indian sub-continent, are an essential
component of ceramic studies. This is done based on the composition of elements or minerals
present within the ceramic body by chemical or petrographic methods or a combination of
both, with an objective to put forth, support or verify archaeological propositions. This paper
focuses on the analyses of ceramics from the Harappan sites in India using thin section
methods, x-ray diffraction methods, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray
analysis, differential thermal analyses and thermo gravimetric analyses. The paper will
discuss the advantages and limitations of these methods and demonstrate how these methods
have been employed in the study of ceramics from Nageswar, Vagad, Ratanpura, Bagasara,
Padri (Gujarat) and Bhirrana (Haryana). The variations within the microstructure of various
Harappan ceramics within a site, between sites, within a region and between different regions
will be demonstrated. The variations in different clay pastes, its preparation techniques,
composition of different decorative pigments, surface micro-morphology of different
ceramics and the probable manufacturing methods of ceramics will be discussed.
James Lankton, Research Scholar/Harvard University/University College London
Glass Beads of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India: New Insights on technology
and trade in the protohistoric and early historic periods
Glass beads and vessels formed an important component in trans-cultural exchange in the
ancient world. The varied typologies and technologies of ancient glass, when combined with
scientific analysis including the determination of chemical composition, make glass an ideal
medium for the study of production and exchange pathways. This presentation will review
our current approach to glass study, with an emphasis on the evidence from ancient Pakistan
and Peninsular India. While the scientific study of early glass in Pakistan is just beginning,
the data already available suggest significant glass production as early as the Kushan period,
with exchange of this glass through trade networks extending north into the Silk Route sites
of Central Asia, Mongolia and eventually Korea.
Page 18
Kaleemullah Lashari, Secretary to the Government of Sindh

Conservation of Mukhi House Museum, Establishment of a Museum of the Recent Past
An abandoned house in the city of Hyderabad was brought to various usages, not
compatible with its character. It caused great wear and tear to an Italian\new classical house,
that was built with personal affection and maintained with great care by a wonderful family.
The civil disturbance and political agitation caused great structural damage, as same was
subjected to arson attack twice. The government agreed to a proposal of its conservation, but
to get the physical possession of the house was an issue, that involved many questions of
civil, legal and moral nature. Its resolution was necessary before proceeding with the works
on physical rehabilitation. Thus the steps were taken to come to terms with various stake
holders. The property continued to remain in the name of the Mukhi family, a full list of the
legal owners was prepared and their consent was obtained. The District Government was
brought in the process of negotiations for obtaining an understanding for the need to
conserve the house, and preserve same for creating a Museum, retaining the same Name, and
arranging an alternate premises for the Girls school that was running in the building. The
conservation work started after extensive documentation so that the any element must not be
lost to the rehabilitation works. The selection of theme was another matter that required
consideration. The restoration of lost elements was done through research and extensive
inter-action with the Mukhi family. The Museum will be a show window of the recent past of
the city, that began its modern existence in 18th century. The exhibits will be selected
accordingly.
Qasid Mallah, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
Kot Dijian sites in the Thar Desert and Indus Plains of Upper Sindh, Pakistan
At this stage of research, at least 157 Kot Dijian sites are reported throughout Indus
valley; among which, 122 are previously reported (Possehl 2002:44, Mallah 2000, Shaikh et
al 2001, 2002, Biagi and Vessar 1998/99) and 35 sites are added through present research.
Archaeologically this is very important period of cultural achievements which eventually
resulted the Urbanism. There are only few sites excavated but when the documented sites
through regional surveys are added to the information; various key cultural features become
clearer. Some of those essential features has been considered Preconditions for the
urbanism in Indus valley; are now becoming an authentic model for understanding the
phenomenon of culture change and development (Kenoyer 1995, 1997, 2000, 2003). The
nature of preconditions like surplus, interaction, technological capability, social status has
been considered to discuss in this presentation. The type site Kot Diji and other settlements
in the Thar Desert and Indus plain are re-examined through inter-site and intra-site context.
The data from 35 sites would suffice to comprehend the viability of Preconditions model.
The questions like the nature of settlements; the variability and intensity of material is on the
surface of sites; and location pattern are the main issues addressed in this presentation.
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Farzand Masih, Department of Archaeology, University of the Punjab

Explorations in Cholistan 2011
Cholistan desert is replete with the settlements of the Indus valley civilization. Prior to
Dr. M. R. Mughal expedition in Cholistan, Sir Aurel Stein and Henry Field conducted small
scale explorations in 1941 and 1955 respectively in Cholistan. But their write ups remained
hidden and their final works were practically lost. Dr. Mughal mapped over 400 sites of
early, mature and late Harappan sites in Cholistan and completed the project in 1977. The
team lead by the author resumed the investigations in Cholistan after four decade and
surveyed number of sites along the dry bed of the lost river. The present paper is based on the
explorations carried out in 2011 by the Department of Archaeology, University of the
Punjab, Lahore. The exploratory team carried out documentation at Damana Vihar (Buddhist
establishment), Siddhu Wali ( late Harappan site), Watto Wala (mature Harappan mound),
and Derawer Ther ( mature Harappan site). The team discovered a rare Indus valley seal with
variation in executing the pictograph and the perforated boss. The seal is comparatively
thinner as compared to the seals found from other Harappan sites. Damana Vihar seems to
be erected to impart teaching of Sankhya cult, which is one of the six schools of Hindu
philosophical Astika founded by sageKkapila. This Vihar is located about 12 km in the south
of River Satluj and bears sufficient witness to the involvement of human and natural factors
responsible for its depredation for the lost over two thousand years but the tragic plundering
and eradication of historic record after august 1947 is exceedingly distinct on the trail of the
destruction.
Heidi Miller, Harvard University
The Legacy of Chanhu-Daro; Ongoing Research and Lasting Significance
Excavated in 1935-36 by E.J. H Mackay, the site of Chanhu-daro has a unique place in
the archaeology of the Indus Valley. This site was much smaller than its better known
neighbor, Mohenjo-daro, and during the urban phase (c. 2600-1900 BC) Chanhu-daro was a
craft production center creating the highly specialized and widely traded long-barrel
carnelian beads, in addition to other items made from a variety of materials. During the
post-urban period (following 1900 BC), the site bears witness to a change in culture, but not
necessarily population, as recent research suggests. The materials collected by Mackay have
been re-analyzed and have yielded new interpretations and expanded our understanding of
the Harappan culture and the post-urban phase, the Jhukar. This paper will review the
curation of the Chanhu-daro Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and how this
collection along with Mackays archival records have enabled new research.
John Mock, University of California - Santa Cruz
New Materials on the History and Culture of Afghanistans Wakhan Corridor:
Rock Art, Monuments and Inscriptions on the Silk Road, 7th-9th c. CE
Wakhan, the remote north-eastern district of Afghanistans Badakhshan Province, is
intimately connected with the Silk Road. Wakhans archeology is known largely from Aurel
Steins travels in 1906 and less so from the work of Austrian, German and American teams
in the early 1970s. On five trips to Wakhan in 2004-2007, Dr. John Mock re-visited all sites
described by Stein. In this paper, Dr. Mock expands upon Steins descriptions and presents
an initial analysis of several new finds. These include the site Lien Yuen, which Stein
Page 20
discussed but was unable to locate, Tibetan-style fort complexes and watch towers, Tibetan
inscriptions, and numerous rock carvings that appear to represent Silk Route caravan trade.
These materials offer new information on the history and culture of Central Asia and the Silk
Road, and underline an urgent need for thorough documentation and preservation of this
globally significant heritage.
Abdul Nasir, Taxila Museum, Directorate General Archaeology, Punjab
World Heritage sites of Taxila valley and the conservation and
preservation problems of these sites
Taxila valley is the location of numerous sites that include world heritage sites and
unexcavated mounds. These sites are an important heritage of Pakistan as well as the
entire world. This paper will discuss some of the major features of these sites and also the
issues of conservation and preservation that are faced in maintain them. The remains lie
under tropical climatic conditions. As such due to their constant exposure to weather
hazards viz. sun, rain, storms, earthquakes and thunders, etc. the remains developed
cracks, leaned, bulged out, collapsed or decayed considerably and surviving in a
precarious condition. The conservation of ancient monuments is however, an intricate
process completely different in from and spirit from the repair of new buildings. The
primary objective of the conservation is to preserve the original components of a
monument as long as possible so that the authenticity of the monument is not impaired.
The restoration where necessary, is to be carried out in the technique and material used
by the original builders. To preserve the scale and setting of the monument it is also
essential to preserve its environment and surroundings as far as possible. Well-preserved
and developed monuments pave the path for tourism and provide a primary source of
education in various fields to the students, researchers and scholars.
Ghani ur Rahman, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
Decorative Patterns in the Islamic architecture of Swat: Study of some selected Mosques
Wooden Architecture, an important marker of Swat in the 19th-20th century, is almost
extinct now. Unfortunately very few examples of wooden architecture are still standing. This
wooden architecture had clear pre-Islamic signs and symbols. The author has already
reported a wooden mosque from Shangla District (Rahman, G., 2011: 277-302). The author
took ahead the research and when visited some modern cemented mosques he came to know
that although many mosques have been reconstructed but these still have the same preIslamic signs and symbols which once decorated the wooden mosques. This paper will thus
discuss the Pre-Islamic decorative patterns in a few selected mosques from Swat, including
wooden and cemented modern mosques, see why and how the continuity persists in this
region, how fast is the tradition vanishing and how these could be preserved.
Page 21
Shahid Ahmad Rajput, International Islamic University, Islamabad

Common Features of the Regional Islamic Archaeology and its Significance
The paper will discuss the common features of Islamic archaeology in the countries of the
region such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and India together with the Central Asian and Iran and
an attempt shall be made to highlight their significance. Islamic Archaeology in the region is
found in abundance, what state it is in and what attempts are being made for its upkeep in
various countries of the region at present shall also be the part of this paper. A critical
analysis shall be brought forward on the attempts made in the recent days for the
conservation and preservation of the Islamic archaeological sites in the regional countries and
an attempt shall be made to find the possible future projects for the conservation and
preservation of the Islamic archaeology of the regional countries. Evidence has it that these
countries were linked together through trade by land and sea routes. Important
archaeological sites of the region connected through the trade routes shall be highlighted and
the finds from these sites shall be brought into discussion of this paper.
Muhammad Nadir Rasooli, Director of Archeology Institute, Kabul
Tapa Naranj (Orange Hill) and Khawaja Safa: Historical Sites of Kabul, description and
analysis
The city of Kabul has been enjoying a significant position through the history of our
country alongside the history of all Asian countries. The excavations of historical sites of
Kabul indicate that the city was an important commercial center for centuries and that it has
been impacted by numerous different communities. This paper will present an overview of
the archaeological studies undertaken to reveal the history of this important city. Two major
monuments will be discussed in more detail, the tomb of Khawaja Safa, and archaeological
site of Tapa Naranj (Orange Hill). The upper part of the tomb of Khawaja Safa has two parts.
In the upper part there is a stupa, while in the lower part there is a temple. Excavations of the
site of Tapa Naranj have revealed a big temple that includes numerous smaller individual
stupas and one large standing sculpture five meters high. The site has been conserved and is
now a protected monument.
Uzma Rizvi, Pratt Institute, New York
The Ganeshwar Jodhpura Cultural Complex Archaeological Survey:
Community Participation, Heritage and Constructing Pre-history in Rajasthan
In this presentation, I will outline the archaeological survey results of the GaneshwarJodhpura Cultural Complex (GJCC), Rajasthan, India. Located in Northeastern Rajasthan,
the GJCC is a collection of 3rd millennium BC settlements bound together by shared cultural
traits that are articulated as stylistic similarities in material culture, production of copper
tools, and geographic proximity to copper mines. Based on survey data, the indigenous
development of the GJCC was in response to a regional economic niche that continued to
increase in demand throughout the 3rd millennium BC allowing for economic autonomy
(Rizvi 2007). In addition to the archaeological results, I will also articulate key shifts in
archaeological methodology that allowed for community based participation, and how those
changes in method provided for expanded notions of heritage practice on a local level.
Page 22
Tahir Saeed, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Govt. of Pakistan

Local and Foreign influences on the Iconography of Buddhist Art of Korea
Buddhism after its adoption in Korea during the 4th Century CE of Three Kingdoms
Period was adopted as the official state religion in each of the three kingdoms namely;
Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. It remained the state religion through dynastic changes over the
next seven centuries in Unified Silla and Koryo, until the 5th Century CE. The Korean
sculptures evolved in two important areas; in the cult images of the Buddhist religion and in
the art of sculptures. However, the origin of the Korean sculptures can be traced to Chinese
culture. It soon began to go its own way and take on typically Korean characters up to about
the middle of the 7th Century CE. The Korean sculptures are however highly selective in
their interpretations of foreign models, sometimes multiple styles from different regions of
China. However, a new style of thin monastic garment worn by the left shoulder bare appears
in 8th or 9th Century Buddha images in Korea, after Korean monks began traveling to Tang
China, Central Asia and as far as India. During the Unified Silla period, the traditional
friendly human face of the Buddha was immersed with dignity. The early formative stage of
Korean Buddhist culture and art is closely followed by the earlier Chinese models which
were developed from different sources starting from Indian sub-continent. Therefore in order
to trace the origin of iconography and styles of the early Korean Buddhist images we have to
consider a variety of traits and changes from various regions and different periods. Later on
every society influenced the Buddhist art with its own cultural heritage and every society left
its footprints on the Buddhist art and evolved it. However, it is certain that the arts of China,
Korea and Japan adopted Greco-Buddhist artistic influences but tended to add many local
elements as well.
Abdul Samad, Hazara University, Mansehra
Archaeology - a tool for sustainable tourism in Pakistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received 1.21 million domestic tourists in 2010 where only 2 %
had visited museums and archaeological sites. These alarming figures forced us to devise
new strategies and master plan for the promotion of archaeological tourism in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. The Heritage awareness program (2011) in KPK, as an instrument for heritage
protection, is gaining increasing attention around KPK and has turned the conservation and
management of heritage into a high concern. In addition, the sense has been developing that
Archaeological heritage of Pakistan also has significant economic potential. Recent Cultural
Heritage Workshop 2011 in USA (organized by American Institute of Pakistan Studies and
US embassy Islamabad) happened to be a capacity building opportunity for Pakistani
professional. After this workshop we have successfully replicated several US heritage
management ideas in Gor Khatri Peshawar. Purpose of this paper will be to share these recent
developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology and Museums.
Badshah Sardar, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad
Buddhist Collections of Nimogram, Swat: Its History, Classification, Analysis and
Chronology
The research paper is going to be focused on a very rare and important collection of large
scale artifacts (467 stone sculptures, 43 stucco pieces, 05 copper coins and 02 relic caskets)
excavated from the Buddhist site of Nimogram Swat. Except few, most of these are dumped
in the reserve collection of the Swat Museum. The antiquities discovered were not studied
Page 23
scientifically nor were documented properly. After a salvage excavation conducted on the
site, only a preliminary report is published by the Department of Archaeology & Museums
Government of Pakistan in 1968, no systematic and scientific study or research has been
done. Despite the artistic beauty of these sculptures and the high reputation of the
Nigmogram Buddhist complex in the Gandhara region, with the exception of a preliminary
report no information is available to public and scholars. As such, a bulk of artefacts remains
out of the fold of academic research. To address this problem I intend to trace the history of
the collection, classify it on the basis of style, analyze it for the subject matter, kind of
material and workout its chronology by correlating it to the already established sequence of
the Swat valley sites i.e. Butkara I, Saidu Sharif Stupa, Butkara III, Shnaisha Gumbat and
Panr Stupa. To resolve this academic issue there is an urgent need that this collection should
be studied in detail, scientifically and published soon afterwards for the ready reference to
students and scholars. The main task of the paper will be to examine directly the Nimogram
collection (published & unpublished) and to evaluate its religious, cultural, historical and
iconographical/artistic importance, so far ignored. In order to know the nature and degree of
foreign influences on the collection, a comparative study of the data will be conducted. It is
for the first time that such a huge collection of sculptures and other objects have been found
from a single site, which makes Nimogram an important site. I therefore, do not hesitate and
accept this research as challenge to dig out related information through various sources. This
research paper will be the first scientific attempt at a systematic compilation of Nimogram
collection and would open new avenues for future research on the subject.
Ibrahim Shah, Hazara University, Mansehra
A Short Survey of Hindu Temples in Hazara
Recent archaeological investigations in the different districts of Hazara have brought to
light fairly a good number of Hindu temples. Obviously most of them date from the Sikh
(1834-1849) and the British (1849-1947) periods. It does not imply that Hindu temple
architecture was introduced in this part of the Indian subcontinent about the same time.
Inscriptional record shows that temple architecture here goes back to the early centuries of
the Common Era. But, unfortunately, no architectural remains of that temple have survived
down to our times or even recorded before that could give us an idea of the mode of
construction, building material, plan, sculptural decoration, type of superstructure and the
landscape, etc. We are here concerned with the few ones that have been recorded in the
course of explorations of the three districts of Hazara (i.e. Abbottabad, Haripur and
Mansehra), some of which have been published in the catalogue of sites and monuments
without being studied properly. Most of the temples of our interest in Hazara are located in
Haripur and Mansehra districts with the few ones in Abbottabad. The reason is not far to
seek. The first two districts remained active military bases of the Sikhs, while the last rose to
prominence during the middle of 19th century when the British chose this place for the
establishment of a cantonment and summer resort. Hindu temple architecture of 19th and 20th
centuries here and elsewhere in the adjoining districts recognizes its own stylistic features
that appear to be a blend of various architectural styles, i.e. the Muslim, Hindu and the Sikh.
The architectural and decorative features of these temples are very fascinating and
interesting. There is dire need to throw an intensive light on the architecture and decoration
(whatsoever) of these temples before they go into decay and disappear forever. The present
work aims to bringing together the Hindu temples in Hazara for a better understanding of
religious architecture of the Hindu communities who happened to live here during the 19th
and 20th centuries. It also throws light on the present state of preservation of these temples
and the threats that contribute to their decay and deterioration. It would also put forward
Page 24
suggestions and recommendations for preservation thereof. It would also provide a broad
base for the students and scholars in this particular field of studies related with this part of the
subcontinent.
Shakir Ali Shah, Department of Archaeology, Sindh
Archaeological Investigations along the Proposed Route for Copper Mining Project
From Chagi District to Gawadar Port
During the year 2009-10 a multinational Company was working in Balochistan
province of Pakistan on the potential development of Copper & Gold mines in the Chagi
district. The company aimed to build a road for transportation of supplies of the product
after completion of the project. Realizing the importance of the region, authorities of the
company decided to conduct an environmental impact assessment study for the proposed
route including archaeological investigation. For the purpose mentioned above the
company requested with the Department of Archaeology for assessment in the proposed
area. The survey started from Dalbadin area of Chagi district and traveled through very
difficult mountainous area Dalbadin, Kharan, Hoshab, Buleda, Paroam, Besma, Nag,
Panjgour, Turbat and finally terminated at Gwadar port. During survey the results of
archaeological assessment found very positive. On the proposed route there are 36
different kinds of sites and monuments documented which belongs to different eras of
past from 4th millennium B.C to 17th century A.D. All the sites and monument were
completely documented with description, physical condition, suggestions and complete
drawing submitted to concern authorities.
Syed Abdul Bari Shah, Quetta Museum, Balochistan
An overview of Museums, Archaeology, and Traditional Cultures of Balochistan
This presentation will provide an overview of the development of museums in
Baluchistan and a brief summary of the long history of human occupation in this region. The
first museum has been established in Baluchistan was in Quetta 1960. After serious damage
from the 1935 earthquake, it has taken some 37 years to rebuild and re-establish this
museum. The current museum has 3 galleries that focus on the Mehrgarh culture of the
region, beginning with the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and later historical periods.
Future goals for the museum are to strengthen the Archaeological and Cultural history of the
region.
Zahiruddin Shar, Department of Archaeology, Sindh
Shish Mahal, Kot Diji: Talpur Period Architecture in Sindh
The Shish Mahal is one of the beautiful, remarkable, historical and bigger Mahal at Kot
Diji town situated at Latitude 27.21 North and Longitude 69.43 East. The Shish Mahal is two
km away from Kot Diji town in the north and two Kilometer in the south of Kot bungalow
town on the Kot Diji-Kot bungalow link road. It is also two kilometer to the east of national
highway running towards Khair pur in north and in south Hyderabad. Shish Mahal building
was built by Mir Shah Nawaz Khan Talpur in the 19th century during Talpur dynasty for
residence. The Shish Mahal was constructed with burnt bricks and sundried bricks laid in
lime and mud mortar. The building was fortified with 1.8 meter thick and three meter high
Page 25
mud wall, and having three gates i.e. north, east and west, constructed with burnt bricks laid
in lime mortar as in building. The covered area of the whole complex is about 1.5 acres land.
There is one room in the south-west corner of shish Mahal having 12 doors, three from each
side. The Shish Mahal building is very beautiful, big one, contains several rooms/ chambers
and verandahs of different size and measurements and also three canopies on the different
sides. The building is constructed 1.5 meter above the ground level. The stair cases are also
present at all four sides and one flight of stair is at north-east corner for approaching the up
stair / first floor. The exterior pillars are rounded in shape and interior pillars are rectangular
with embossed rounded pillars design. The bathrooms and fire places are also present on the
corners. The main chamber and adjacent rooms are decorated in beautiful fresco paintings
and also rounded beautiful mirrors. There is also beautiful cornice having beautiful minarets.
Vasant Shinde, Deccan College, Pune
Recent Research on the Harappan Culture in the Ghaggar Basin
with Special Reference to Girawad and Farmana
The Ghaggar basin along the India-Pakistan border was an important region for the
Harappans as it was densely populated during the Early and Mature Harappan phases (40002000 BCE). Though many individuals have worked in this region, it is not subjected to
systematic survey as it should have been. The author in collaboration with the Research
Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, Japan initiated a fresh research in this region from
2006. After fresh documentation of some of the known sites and discovery of new sites, the
most noteworthy feature noticed was that many of the sites fall in the course of the Ghaggar
river bed. This suggests that either the river dried down sometime before 4000 BCE or the
river course was considerably narrow before the flourishment of the Harappan culture in this
region. As a part of the Indo-Japanese collaboration, the sites of Girawad and Farmana were
selected for excavation. The team was interested in understanding the regional variation of
the Harappan culture and the cultural process from Early to Mature Harappan phase.
Considerable success was achieved in this regards during the course of research. Girawad is a
single culture Early Harappan site, the beginning of which is going back to the beginning of
4th millennium BCE. The site has a regional Hakra material and pit-dwelling complexes
along with a few rectangular mud-brick structures. Pit-dwelling complex is a characteristic
feature of the Early Harappan culture in the Ghaggar basin as is clear from the evidence at
even other sites as Bhirrana, Farmana and Kunal. Farman has Early as well as Mature
Harappan phase and there is a clear evidence of architectural development from pit-dwellings
to a well-planned settlement. The town-planning presents a regional variation. Farmana also
has the largest burial complex spread over an area of 3 ha, 70 of which were excavated.
There is a considerable variation in positions, burials goods, customs, etc. Efforts are being
made to understand composition of population, their diet and health. The present paper deals
with the regional variation of the Harappan culture in the Ghaggar basin and the results of the
excavations carried out at Girawad and Farmana.
Zain Ul Wahab, Hazara University, Mansehra
Dir Museum: Issues of Preservation and Reconstruction
Dir museum was founded on 20th September, 1970 and was inaugurated and opened to
the public on 30 May, 1979. Dir Museum was a great effort of Mr. Aurangzeb khan, the then
Director Dir museum Chakdara and tremendous co-operation of the Department of
Archaeology, the university of Peshawar. The ancient history of Dir reveals the interplay of
Page 26
the Aryan Tribes who have been recognized in numerous graves found in Timergara and
other places. Later on, the Achaemenian and Greek rulers extended their authority to this part
of the land. It is through this territory that Alexander the Great passed through with great
difficulty. The remains of battle of Massaga are generally identified with the famous ruins
near Ziarat, in between Chakdara and Timargara. Here Alexander faced the greatest heroic
Queen of that time who gave him the thoughts for fight. Subsequently, the entire area was
won over by Buddhism. The Monumental remains of these people are spread over this land
and can be seen in the surviving Stupas and monasteries. A lot of valuable material has been
excavated in various places which has thrown abundant light on the ancient history and
culture of this land. Towards the 5th century A.D. the Yousafzai established themselves in
this region and developed tribal system of socio-political life.
In 2007, Taliban captured Tehsil Adinzai and took over F.C. and Levies. They had full
control of Levies Fort and the artillery. Further, Taliban took control of Habib Bank and the
local police station. Their next target was Dir Museum. It was the brave effort of Curator of
the museum, that Dir museum is still in place and safe. Dr. Zain-ul-Wahab negotiated with
the Taliban and managed to convince them not to damage the museum and the valuable
cultural heritage. Though the immediate threat to the museum was over but the threat from
certain aggressive and conservative groups of Taliban still remained. However, Dr. Zain
stuck to his policy of negotiation and conviction to assure the safety of the museum. This
went on for some time until Pakistan Army took over the entire area and Taliban fled to the
mountains. Later Dr. Zain-ul-Wahab proposed and established a Muslim Gallery in the Dir
Museum.

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CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

American Institute of Pakistan Studies

Department of Archaeology and Museums

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Abstracts Arranged Alphabetically by Author

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Marta Ameri, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York

Muhammad Arif and Ghulam Murtaza Khoso

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Anas Mahmud Arif, Hazara University, Mansehra

Jamil Hussain Baloch, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad

Rasul Bawary, Department of Archeology, Kabul University

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Kuldeep K. Bhan, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Mastoor Bukhari, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur

Muhammad Shah Bukhari, National Museum, Karachi

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Ahtesham Aziz Chaudhury, Lahore Museum

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Mary Davis, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Muhammad Farooq, Hazara University, Mansehra

Abdul Wasey Feroozi, Head of Archaeology Department

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Abdul Azeem Hafiz, Lahore Museum

Abdul Hameed, Hazara University, Mansehra

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Brent Huffman, Northwestern University

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Asma Ibrahim, State Bank Museum, Karachi

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Muhammad Afzal Khan, Saleemul Haq and Malik Maqsood,

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Shahbaz Khan (Retired), Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Ravi Korisettar, Karnatak University, Karnataka, India

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Kaleemullah Lashari, Secretary to the Government of Sindh

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Farzand Masih, Department of Archaeology, University of the Punjab

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Shahid Ahmad Rajput, International Islamic University, Islamabad

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Tahir Saeed, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Govt. of Pakistan

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conference: Abstracts

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