Lost Artifacts Resurface After 2,000 Years

Adnan Bacha

Swat: Two-thousand-year-old artifacts have been discovered in Swat, dating back to the first century BC and believed to be from the Saka-Parthian period. The artifacts, which include coins, pottery, and inscriptions in the Kharosthi script, were found in the Buddhist ruins of Mingora, the main city of Swat.

Since 1956, the Italian Archaeological Mission has been working on excavations in Swat. According to Alisa Lori, the Deputy Director of the mission based in Swat, this is their third season at the Butkara site. Excavations are being conducted here and at other locations with support from the mission and the KP government.

“These findings are especially exciting because we have successfully reached the early stages of this site. Butkara holds great significance in Buddhist heritage as it is a sacred site for Buddhist followers,” said Alisa Lori.Alisa Lori further explained that during the new excavations, they have discovered a residential unit, as well as a workshop or production area, along with a major road that once connected the ancient capital of Swat, Massagana (Mingora), to this site.

“We have uncovered a significant amount of material from the rooms, including coins linked to the first century BC. Additionally, an amulet was discovered with inscriptions in the Kharosthi script,” said Alisa Lori.

Butkara, located near Mingora, the main city of Swat, is a significant historical site containing Buddhist relics.

This site holds great religious and cultural importance for Buddhist followers. The ruins of Butkara include various religious artifacts, statues, and remnants of a temple, indicating that it was once a major Buddhist place of worship in ancient times.

Nasir Khattak, Assistant Curator at the Swat Museum, mentioned that, in addition to the Butkara site, they have 23 preserved sites from which numerous ancient artifacts from different eras have been discovered.“The recently discovered artifacts are extremely rare, including coins and pottery from that time. This site is not only important for tourists but also for archaeology students,” said Nasir Khattak.

Swat is home to numerous relics, ruins, and stupas from the Gandhara, Buddhist, Kushan, Ashoka, Hindu Shahi, and Alexander the Great periods, reflecting its historical significance.

Experts believe that if the Department of Archaeology and the provincial government take further steps in this regard and promote religious tourism, it could play a vital role in the region’s development.