Survey and Documentation of Archaeological Sites and Monuments in Tehsil Soan Sakesar, District Khushab, Punjab

Abstract

This study aims scientific documentation of the archaeological sites and monuments of tehsil Soan Sakesar, District Khushab. During the course of archaeological survey new sites and monuments were discovered and documented. Moreover, evidences yielded at the sites include epigraphic records and mythological significance which reflects cultural and affirms chronological continuity, out of which ancient belief system could be gauged, such monumentally built historical structures in vicinity of Soan Sakesar significantly mark the glory of many religions in this locale. The study confirms the antiquity of the area and determines chronological order through archaeological discoveries, which is noted to have begun from 3rd Millennium BCE, to the 19th century. The most remarkable discoveries from the area were the archaeological sites such as Buddhist stupas, Step well (bowli), Pre- Muslim graves, Temples, Forts, Gurdawara, Brahmi script on the surface of the pottery shows the writing pattern of Gandhara region. Additionally cultural material from Hayat Museum collection is also incorporated in this study. Researcher pay a special focus to scientific, comparative and analytical analysis of ethnographic landscape with special focus on 2-Dimensional drawings and sketches of artifacts.