Ancient Pakistan

Author(s):Gul Rahim Khan and Muhammad Naeem Qazi

Abstract :

Copper hoards with small quantity of coins particularly of the Kushan period are not often appreciated for publication. But when such a parcel of coins is known from proper context then it is well praised by the scholars. Moreover, when such a collection containing coins of some interest then it is a noteworthy piece of evidence and always contributes something new to the site and history of that period. The present lot which is small but yields many things of interest like its provenance, the Buddhist site near Peshawar, and bearing two coins of the Buddha image.

Author(s):Alia Jawad and Nidaullah Sehrai

Abstract :

The paper details the archaeological, palaeographic, and literary evidence for origin and evolution of Jataka in the Greater Gandhāra region. It argues that Gandhāra Jataka have been discussed and analysed by a number of scholars in past; nonetheless the scholarly literature attending to the moral significance of Gandhāra Jataka is not fulfilling. The present paper attempts to critically analyse the moral messages of love and kindness towards parents, sacrifice for others and generosity, and compares them among Buddhist, Chinese, Greek ethical philosophies and modern psycho-social theories. It details the Śyama Jataka for love and adoration of parents and weighs it against the similar virtues in Confucius, Plutarch and Aristotle doctrines. It further elaborates the case of Mahasattva and Viśvantara Jatakas for their moral messages of generosity, charity and gift giving, and compares them with Aristotle’s virtue ethics and modern psycho-social theories. The paper concludes that moral education reduces violence and promotes peace and harmony in the society. Love and respect to parents and other elders of the family; sacrifice, generosity and charity result in cooperation, contentment and peaceful environment in the society. The major recommendations of the paper include an urgent acknowledgement of Gandhāra Jataka as a National cultural heritage and to translate them in National and regional languages.

Author(s):Muhammad Sher Ali Khan

Abstract :

“A picture is worth than thousand words” and “action speaks louder than speech”, but how much the Buddhist artist was successful in depicting the social setup of their time and traits – characteristic qualities, of the people. This study analyses selected scenes to discern artistic agility in revealing personalities.

Author(s):Javed Iqbal

Abstract :

History and Archaeology are inseparable twins. Archaeological data needs to be explained with the help of historical facts and figures while historical narrations always need to be strengthened with tangible evidence in the shape of solid archaeological proofs excavated by archaeologists and described in their style and structure. The historical and archaeological monuments in different parts of Pakistan are a national heritage and potentially a source of earning if foreign tourism is revived and promoted in this country that so badly need a soft image to regain its place among the civilized nations of the world. Some of these treasures are situated in Khyber Pass and with a little effort and projection these can help convert the tourism department into tourism industry in Pakistan, bringing in foreign tourists and economic opportunities for the people. These monuments are our national heritage and it is our duty as historians and archaeologists to save them from further destruction at the hands of both men and nature and to give them the projection and appreciation that they so rightly deserve. Most of these monuments are a perfect example of a closer link and bond between the discipline of History and Archaeology, historians doing their part of research and archaeologists supplementing their work with technical aspects of their style and structure. This is where History meets Archaeology. The paper is an effort to bring to light the important but neglected historical site

Author(s):Mamoona Khan

Abstract :

Society and culture are interlinked that define ways of life of a community, including its rituals and art works. The current study concentrates on undercurrents of the Muslim culture, unique in the sense that it was garnered by the quest for knowledge. The desire was so potent that it originated a path to reconcile certain prohibitions or limitations, imposed by religious authorities on the making of images, but led to evolve a style of art that could not come at clash with the interdictions. It emerged so strong rooted that could withstand vicissitudes of many different influences, so, lasted for a century. Its parameters were clear even at its initiation. Though, a bit deviation from religious boundaries occurred in its earliest stages due to the variety of influences it encountered. But quickly shaped its dimensions and evolved independent aesthetics of its own along with autonomous style of image making, not based just on corporeal vision but on intellectual cerebration. In this context substrate of Muslim culture will be sorted out in this paper, along with concentration upon the early wall paintings of Umayyad period and a few miniatures of Abbasid era, linked with knowledge and learning.

Author(s):Zil-e-Huma Mujeeb and Zakirullah Jan

Abstract :

This paper is focused only on highlighting and categorization of the decorative designs on the pottery of the Bronze Age site of Gandi Umar Khan on the Gomal Plain, excavated in 2003 and 2004 by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology, University of Peshawar. The study of ceramics especially of the proto-historic phase is very significant that unfolds many hidden aspects of a primitive society such as socio-cultural and socio-economic.

Author(s):Sarah Umer

Abstract :

The documented religious history of the sub-continent begins with the Vedas scriptures of the Hindus written in approximately 1500 BCE, but the question that arises is who were the Hindus? When and where did they live? In order to answer questions about the origin of the Hindus, Jim Wills (2007: 268-9) gives us two theories based on recent archaeological discoveries. According to one theory the Indo-European Aryans either invaded or migrated to India through the Khyber Pass (into present-day northern Pakistan), where they found a stone-age people whose agricultural way of life was already ancient. Archaeologists have discovered many goddess figurines associated with these people, indicating religious affiliations with agricultural and fertility practices. But they also found an ancient seal engraved with a figure sitting in a yoga position. According to another theory based on more recent archaeological excavations and data found in the northwest of India (present day Pakistan) Hinduism just might prove to be much older than what scholars initially thought, and might have arisen completely independent of the Aryan cultural influence. In short, Hinduism predates the Aryans by centuries and could have a historical identity with the Indus Valley civilization.

Author(s):Imrana Seemi and Zakirullah Jan

Abstract :

Islamia College Peshawar an institute with a century old glorious past was constructed by Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Khan and Sir George Roos Keppel in 1913 at the western end of the Peshawar Valley in foothills of the Khyber Hills. The building presents a classical combination of the Mughal and Curzonian architecture. The architectural plan of the Islamia College is symmetrical with front façade facing south. The building is decorated with cut and dressed brick work. Style of pointed arches, domes, copulas, columns, doors, windows, ventilators, floors and ceilings add beauty and elegance to the whole structure. The clock tower in the centre, being topped by a dome, is the supplementary refinement added to the building.