|
ARCHAEOLOGY IN MALAKAND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS IN MALAKAND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS
IN MALAKAND
In Malakand a large number of archaeological remains of Buddhist and Hindu Shahi periods clearly indicate that this area remained the centre of great activities in the past. It was a part and parcel of the ancient Ghandhara region and perhaps belonged to the ancient Uddhyanna and was predominantly a Buddhist land during 2nd century BC to 7th century AD. Buddhism gradually lost its control, but it was ruled by Buddhist ruler Raja Gira when Sultan Mahmood of Ghazna invaded Malakand and defeated Raja Gira.
The area was once invaded by another Muslim ruler from Afghanistan, Mohammad Ghauri and occupied it. It was after the invasion of Mohammad Ghauri that Islam rapidly spread in the region. The region was subsequently occupied by Swati Pathans who were displaced by Yousafzai who are still occupying it.
The following areas in Malakand have many archaeological sites and monuments but due to lack of preservation and lust of the locals to excavate antique for business and get land for cultivation, most of these monuments have been turned into barren fields and the debris removed. Some of these sites still have signs of the past glory like:
1. Umar Dher site: This site is situated some two kilometres east of village Dheri Alladand on the main Alladand-Thana road. Here the remains of Buddhist and Hindu Shahi periods are scattered.
2. Ghari Site: This site is also situated on the main Alladand-Thana road near the shrine of Yousafzai leader Malik Ahmad Khan. Close examination reveals that the field of Ghari contains huge quantity of ruins of the Hindu Shahi period and some showing close affinity with the Buddhist time.
3. Nwar Tangi Site: This site is also situated near the village Dheri Alladand and is replete with ruins of Buddhist period. There existed a large number of old buildings of the Buddhist era but the people of the area have removed the debris for using the stones etc in the construction of their houses and to get land for cultivation.
4. Mago Shah Site: This site is on a kilometre distance from the village Dheri Alladand to the south-east. This site was once replete with remains of the Buddhist period but the people of the surrounding area when learnt that statues of the Buddha are scattered in the remains they started plundering them. The site was excavated lavishly and even the stones were also taken away. Illegal diggers have removed bulk of sculptures from the site.
5. Zarkandi Tangi Site: In this site there is an inscription on a rock showing resemblance with Nagri or Hindi. Here also located Buddhist mounds but the lusty people had dug away and plundered all the things of the past. There also were erected stupas but only the debris are visible. A water well dating back to the Buddhist period clearly shows Gandhara masonry. Some debris also shows ruins of Buddhist monastery.
6. Haibatgram Stupa: There is a stupa few kilometres away from the main road near Haibatgram village. This stupa has also been criminally robbed of the relics and greatly damaged by the lusty people. It is stated that all the precious relics have been excavated and plundered by the diggers. This stupa is worth preserving and if efforts were made to preserve the site it can be converted into a beautiful historical resort as well.
7. Landakay Site: This site is situated near the present Landakay village. It has remains of Hindu Shahi period. The villagers have also badly damaged these structures and the stones used in construction of their houses.
Other sites, which have vast remains of the Hindu Shahi and Buddhist periods, are scattered here and there and are vivid proof of both these dynasties. Names of the villages are mentioned here only to identify the sites.
1. Kandari Site
2. Mulano Tangi Site
3. Pinjon Banda Site
4. Wara Banda Site
5. Umar Tangi Site
6. Girro Tangi Site
7. Loi Tangi Site
8. Shah Kot Site Palai
9. Khogdaro Site Palai
10.Bachagan Site
11.Palai Shahkot Site
12. Kuza Nawagai Site
13. Koto Manzaray Site
14. Shahdand Bara Bazdara Site
15. Karkanray Gumbat Site
16. Keeray Baba Jalalpur Site
17. Dargai Banda-Dargai Dab
18. Luya Junai Site
19. Damazai Dheri Site
20. Sarki Saley Site
21. Nalo Dheri Site
22. Bargir Banda Site
23. Kafir Kot Site
24. Jalala Site etc.
|
|
JIBRALTAR HILL IN MALAKAND
On this hill two picquets were constrcted by the British to watch the hydro electric projecs namly Jabban and Dargai Hydro Power projects. These were later occupied by the Malakand Levies but now these are in dilapidated condition. Some unit badges are alsr inscribed on rocks of the hill.
|
AMANDARA HEAD WORKS
This photo has been taken from the Amandara Rest House. This headworks distributes water of the canal taken out from the Swat river into two small canals for the purpose to provide enough water for the Malakand Hydro Power projects. |
|
|
|
OLD CHAKDARA BRIDGE
The old Chakdara Bridge which was made deserted after a new cement bridge was constructed. This bridge was constructed by the British to get way to reach Dir area. |
THE FAMOUS CHURCHILL PICQUET
Built in 1897 in recognition of the services of Winsten Churchill had rendered during critical times in Malakand. |
|
|
|
MALAKAND FORT
This Fort has now been deserted due to damages to the building. It is situated on the hill top to the east of Malakand Khas village. |
MALAKAND PASS
The point from where the famous Malakand pass or darrah Malakand commences as one travels from Dargai to Batkhela. |
|
|
|
PIRAN KALAY IN MALAKAND
A penoramic view of Piran kalay in Malakand. The photo has been taken from the veranda of Tor Mor Rest house. |
ON ROAD TO MALAKAND
The shrine of Hazrat Sikandar Shah Baba known as Speen Shaheed on the main Malakand Pass road speaks of the valour of the people of Malakand during the battles on the soil. |
|
|
|
TOR MOR REST HOUSE
The Rest House is situated at the Tor Mor Poin. It is used for staying of guests to Malakand. |
MALAKAND TUNNEL
This 100 feet tunnel has been constructed in the middle of the Malakand Pass to make the passage of traffic smooth. |
|
|
|
THE FAMOUS CHURCHILL PICQUET 2
Another view of Churchill Picquet. |
HEADQUARTERS MALAKAND LEVIES
In this headquarters the Commandant Malakand Levies and other staff are stationed. It is situated on the left side of the road at Malakand Khas village in Malakand. |
|
|
|
GREEN FIELDS OF KOT
Green fields in Kot village of Malakand speaks of the beauty and greenary of Malakand. |
UNIT BADGES
These and other types of army units badges are displayed on the Gibraltar Hill. |
|
