Article

Peshawar Museum: Being largest one across globe to home Gandhara Art, all set to attract huge number of tourists on co

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2021

Editor

PESHAWAR, (APP):Established in the heart of Peshawar some 150 years back on Sher Shah Suri Road, Peshawar Museum having a unique treasure of 30,000 antiquities of Gandhara civilization is all set to attract international tourists and followers of Buddhism in droves following completion of ongoing renovation work to enhance its architectural outlook.

Being a lone museum of Gandhara Art in the world having around 30,000 antiquities and a complete life story of Founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha, Peshawar Museum is going to become an international center for Gandhara Art lovers after completion of expansion, renovation and preservation work currently in progress under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Project (KITE).

Lateefur Rehman, Spokesperson Archeology and Museums Department told APP that conservation work on Peshawar Museum was initiated under the umbrella project of KITE worth Rs 17billion with assistance of World Bank to bring it at par with international standards and enhance its architectural value.

“We have engaged skilled laborers and hired consultants for conservation works that will be completed soon,” he said. Being the world’s largest Museum of Gandhara Art, Peshawar Museum had a unique distinction of housing more than 30,000 antiquities out of which 14,000 were put on display for tourists, archeologists, and followers of Buddhism and the rest were kept preserved,” said Noor Khan, Incharge Peshawar Museum while talking to APP.

Following completion of the work, he said, remaining artifacts would also be put on display for general public and international tourists.

“It is the only museum in the world where a complete life story of the Founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha was available and kept preserved in the forms of statues and panels, attracting followers of Buddhism and international tourists throughout the year,” he said. Besides ancient dresses of Waziristan tribes, primitive cooking utensils and jewelry, he said adding, it was the only museum of South Asia where muzzleloader guns mostly used by British Army and Swords of freedom fighters, kings, warriors and punch marked coins were displayed.

“Most of these antiquities were adorned with museums in colonial period attracting foreign tourists from Europe, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Turkey, Malaysia, SAARC and South East countries.”

He said about 6,000 archeological sites were so far discovered in KP and important antiques collected from these sites were also preserved at Peshawar Museum. Recalling its past history, Spokesperson of Archeology said the Museum was started as Victoria Hall in 1896 initially used as Dancing Club and was later converted into Peshawar Museum in 1906.

The present main hall of the museum was built in 1906 in the memory of Queen Victoria at the cost of Rs.60,000, out of which Rs.45,000 were donated by the public of then NWFP (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Rs15,000 by Director General of the Archaeology of that time. Following completion of building, the museum was set up in November 1907 to house Gandhara sculptures excavated from major Gandhara sites of Shah-Ji-Ki-Dheri Peshawar, Sahri Bahlol, Takht-i-Bahi in Mardan district and later from Jamal Garhi and other Gandharan sites excavated by British archeologists.

The two-storey building, an amalgamation of the British and Mughal architectures, originally consisted of a main hall and two side aisles on ground and first floor, surmounted by four elegant cupolas and small pinnacles on all corners.

On the eastern and western side of the building, two halls were added in similar fashion in 1969-70. After its inception in 1907, Peshawar Museum was run by the Peshawar Municipality and Superintendent of Archaeological Survey of that time, Frontier Circle was Curator of the Museum.

When the Frontier Circle Office was shifted to Lahore in 1927, a full time Curator was appointed under the Provincial Government. Following independence of Pakistan, the Museum came under direct control of Director of Public Instructions (DPI), Government of NWFP (KP) Peshawar In 1971 and an autonomous body, Board of Governors, was constituted to run affairs of the Museum, headed first by Governor and later by the Chief Secretary, Government of NWFP (KP). In 1992, Government of NWFP (KP) established its own Directorate of Archaeology and Museums to ensure better protection and preservation of archaeological heritage of the province and today Peshawar Museum was working under the Sports and Tourism Department KP.

Manzoorul Haq, former ambassador of Pakistan while talking to APP said, “Pakistan is blessed with a number of heritage sites whether it is of Buddhism, Sikhism and Sufisim besides ancient civilizations situated in Mohenjo Daro, Mehrgarh, Taxila Harappa and Takht Bhai need proper projection on digital, electronic and social media to attract foreign tourists.”

He said KP being a home of Gandhara Civilization can earn substantial revenue by constructing new museums to promote heritage and archeology tourism in the province. Noor Khan, In charge Peshawar Museum said construction work on two new museums were completed in DI Khan and Abbottabad where ancients antiquities, artifacts, coins and statues would soon be put on display for the general public, adding two more museums were being constructed in Kohat and Haripur.

Following inauguration of these four new museums, he said the number of Museums would reach to 16 in KP where three Museums were already established in Peshawar, one each at Charsadda, Mardan, Lower Dir, Swat, Bannu and two in Chitral.

A modern museum has been constructed at Hund Swabi district near the historical site from where Alexander the Great had crossed Indus River in 327 BC. Hund is also famous for Mehmood Ghaznavi’s invasion in 998, marking the beginning of Islamic era in the region.

“The Directorate of Archeology and Museums has made remarkable discovery unearthing 2,000 years old Bhuddists’ fresco paintings found first century AD coins and three fresco paintings at Abba Saib Cheena Swat. These paintings are one of the earliest Buddhist frescoes so far discovered in ancient Gandhara,” Lateefur Rehman told APP.

With assistance of Italian Govt, he said Heritage Field School (HFS) project worth around rupees. 1 billion has been started besides a mega project worth rupees. 30 billion approved under Accelerated Implementation Programme for exploration, excavation and conservation of archeological sites in merged tribal districts.

Noor Khan said following the 18th constitutional amendment, Swat Museum, ancient monuments of Takht Bhai, Sehri Behlol, Jamal Garhi in Mardan and Havalian Buddhists Monastery in Haripur had been handed over to KP. “Takht Bhai and Sehri Behlol sites were declared as protected monuments under an Ancient Preservation Act (1904) and Antiquity Act (1975) of Government of Pakistan and the entire mountain area of 445 hectares near it had been declared as Archaeological Reserve by KP Government,” he said.

The Incharge Peshawar Museum said heritage and museums tourism had achieved tremendous growth during recent years in Pakistan especially in KP as evident from influx of tourists, Buddhists, Sikhs, archaeologists and historians.

Article

53 Years Since the Fall of Dhaka: A Dark Chapter in Pakistan’s History

Published

23 hours ago

December 16, 2024

EDITOR

Today marks 53 years since the tragic fall of Dhaka on December 16, 1971 — a day etched in history as a time of great sorrow when East Pakistan separated to become Bangladesh. This somber event is remembered as one of the most significant and painful moments in Pakistan’s journey, a day of reflection on the consequences of division and lost unity.

The events of December 16, 1971, were not merely the outcome of the Pakistan-India war but a culmination of years of political discontent, mismanagement, and external conspiracies. Adversaries capitalized on Pakistan’s internal challenges, driving a wedge between East and West Pakistan, ultimately resulting in the disintegration of the nation.

Underlying Causes of Division

The separation of East Pakistan was rooted in a complex web of political and social inequalities, compounded by the lack of foresight and an unwillingness to compromise among key leaders. The rigid struggle for power further deepened the cracks between the two wings of Pakistan, laying the groundwork for a tragic separation.

The 1970 general elections revealed deep political divisions when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League secured a sweeping majority. However, the transfer of power to the Awami League, which held democratic legitimacy, was stalled. This deadlock fueled resentment in East Pakistan, providing India with the perfect opportunity to exploit the political instability.

India’s Role in the Separation

India actively fanned the flames of division through “Operation Jackpot,” an orchestrated effort to support insurgents in East Pakistan. The Indian army collaborated with the Mukti Bahini, a militant group, to destabilize the region. This coordination resulted in widespread bloodshed, as streets in East Pakistan were consumed by violence and chaos.

Despite being embroiled in a domestic crisis, Pakistan looked to its allies for support. The arrival of the U.S. Sixth Fleet was anticipated as a lifeline, but help never came. The silence of friendly nations during this critical time left Pakistan isolated in its struggle to preserve its unity.

The Birth of Bangladesh

As the conflict unfolded, Pakistan’s options dwindled. On December 16, 1971, East Pakistan officially separated to become Bangladesh, marking a heartbreaking moment in Pakistan’s history. The day was a stark reminder of the cost of internal divisions and the impact of external interference.

Lessons from the Past

The Fall of Dhaka is more than just a historical event; it is a lesson for future generations about the importance of unity, inclusive governance, and addressing grievances before they escalate into crises. It also underscores the need for vigilance against external conspiracies that seek to exploit internal vulnerabilities.

Today, as the nation reflects on the events of December 16, 1971, it is a time for Pakistan to learn from its past and renew its commitment to national unity, equity, and justice. Only by addressing these core issues can Pakistan move forward as a stronger and more cohesive nation.

Article

“AIK QAUM” DECLARATION OF CONCEPTION

Published

2 weeks ago

December 5, 2024

EDITOR

Our Initiative

The fabric of the Pakistani nation has something unique in its knit, something signature and so sanguine that could keep on energizing its very fibers irrespective of the floods of considerably tough challenges posed against it since its inception. There is also a belief that Pakistan has been blessed with such a golden glitter that couldn’t be ignored by any sensible system of reason and knowledge among the league of free, upright and kind nations. The credit goes to the amazing people of Pakistan. It is more exciting to find that the people of Pakistan, be it the businessmen, doctors, parents, soldiers, students, teachers, judges, labourers or lawyers etc, have assumed the duty bestowed upon them by the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah decades ago. Quaid once said “If you will work in cooperation, forgetting the past, burying the hatchet, you are bound to succeed.” At another occasion, Quaid summed this message up in just three words: Unity, Faith and Discipline. AIKQAUM.COM is an initiative built upon the idea of translating this vision of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah into a fruitful action.
There is no power on earth that could restrict us from finding those beautiful commonalities among the people of this beautiful nation. It contends to promote the psyche morale of the Pakistani nation by addressing the issues instead of dodging them. We have a team of thorough professionals fully equipped to create unique platforms, forums and projects which will bring people closer on all sensitive issues related to our national identity and progress. We also have a strong support network for successful execution of all our campaigns in order to induce greater cohesion and the spirit of coexistence across the length and breadth of Pakistan. Coincidentally, we are living through an age of increased morphing of warfare in a world that’s once again moving from unipolar to a multipolar turf. The social, political, economic and technological factors shaping the evolution of warfare are being constantly experimented and employed in our own region. In a time of increased friction between regional powers and a heightened threat on the eastern border, Pakistan faces multiple challenges posed at its internal, external and economic security.
All these factors, blended with our archrival’s constant image building campaigns, a heavily funded lobbying in the West, the new Indo-US strategic alliance, as well as India’s ambition to start a space race, puts our nation on caution and throws immense burden of responsibility on our shoulders. We are witnessing a rise of sub conventional warfare fought with guns and bombs, but won on keyboards and drawing boards. AIKQAUM.COM aspires to be a strong force of defense against the subversive forces that are trying to malign Pakistan and hurt our interests in the region. We are fully trained and equipped to meet the challenges on the social and digital front.
www.aikqaum.com, info@aikqaum.com

Our Philosophy

VISION:

To create a social awareness about the values which join our nation together while countering anti-Pakistan narratives with logical and practical rationale.

MISSION:

To infuse a sense urgency for cohesion among all ethnic, political and religious schools of thought.

VALUES:

We keep integrity closest to our heart and patriotism on top of our mind. Our work ethics and commitment to our people shall empower us to achieve success in all our pursuits.

Article

Hiran Minar: A Timeless Mughal Architectural Marvel

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

EDITOR

symbol of Mughal architecture and artistic legacy. This historical structure, built in the early 17th century, is not only a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire but also a unique expression of their love for animals, nature, and sophisticated design.

Historical Significance

Hiran Minar was constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605–1627) to honor his beloved antelope named Mansraj, a rare gesture of devotion. The minar, or tower, is believed to have been erected at the site where Mansraj once roamed, reflecting the emperor’s compassion and affection for animals. This architectural masterpiece served as a hunting retreat and leisure spot for the royal family.

Architectural Features

Hiran Minar is an exemplary blend of function and aesthetics. It comprises the following key features:

The Tower: The centerpiece of the site, the tower stands 100 feet tall, decorated with intricate stone carvings. Circular in shape, it symbolizes the emperor’s tribute to his cherished pet.
The Water Tank: Surrounding the tower is a large rectangular water tank, approximately 750 feet long and 890 feet wide. This massive reservoir not only added to the scenic beauty of the site but also served as a water source for animals and birds in the area.
The Causeway and Pavilion: A stone causeway connects the tower to a beautifully designed baradari (pavilion) in the middle of the water tank. This pavilion, supported by pillars, served as a royal resting area and added an ethereal charm to the site.
Hunting Grounds: The area around Hiran Minar was developed as a royal hunting park or game reserve, known as Shikargah, highlighting the Mughals’ love for nature and wildlife.

Cultural and Tourist Importance

Today, Hiran Minar attracts history enthusiasts, architects, and tourists from across the world. It is recognized as one of the finest examples of Mughal engineering, blending utility with artistic grandeur. Visitors are drawn to its serene ambiance, the reflection of the tower in the water, and the lush green surroundings that offer a glimpse into the past.

UNESCO World Heritage Potential

Hiran Minar is on Pakistan’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its unique historical narrative, architectural design, and ecological significance make it a strong contender for international recognition. Preservation efforts are ongoing to maintain its structural integrity and historical charm.

A Legacy of Compassion and Grandeur

Hiran Minar is more than a historical structure; it is a symbol of the Mughal emperor’s love for nature and animals, combined with their architectural ingenuity. For Pakistan, it remains a priceless cultural treasure, linking the present with its rich past.

Whether you’re a history lover or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Hiran Minar offers a journey back in time, reminding us of an era when nature, art, and humanity thrived in harmony.