ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION AT OLD FORT MANSEHRA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT 2023

Abstract

The archaeological exploration conducted by the Department of Archaeology, Hazara University, Mansehra, in collaboration with the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the University of Leicester, UK, under the Pak-UK Education Gateway program, aimed to document the British period Archaeology and Heritage of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The focus was on the Old Fort Mansehra, a significant site constructed during the Sikh era and later occupied by British colonial forces. The excavation utilized modern techniques such as topographic mapping using Total Station and employed the Wheeler Technique for grid layout and trenching.Pre-excavation activities involved meticulous surveying and topographic mapping to ensure accuracy in documenting the archaeological features. The excavation revealed significant findings, including coins dating back to the Indo-Parthian and Early Kushan periods, indicating occupation as early as the 1st century CE. Iron objects, pottery sherds, and other artifacts were also unearthed, shedding light on the daily lives and cultural influences within the fort. Stratigraphic analysis helped establish the sequence of occupation periods, indicating continuous habitation from ancient times to the present. The fort exhibited a blend of architectural styles reflective of Sikh and British periods, serving as a military, administrative, and cultural center.The excavation enriched our understanding of the historical dynamics of the region and its transition from Sikh to British control. The findings contribute to the broader historical narrative of South Asia, emphasizing the complex interactions between different cultures and political powers over time. Further research, conservation efforts, and public engagement initiatives are recommended to preserve and showcase the excavated remains and artifacts, ensuring the site's historical significance is properly understood and appreciated.