From the "News" of Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Zafar Hilaly
The army is fast acquiring a credibility problem with its claims of dead, injured and captured Taliban. At first there were mere mutterings, sotto voce suspicions, that not all is as claimed. These doubts are increasing; the chorus of suspicion is more voluble and before they acquire the dimensions of a scream the Army had better attend to it.
The pleasant and able and composed DG, ISPR in fact alluded to these suspicions on June 22 when he said that the army had not wanted to show pictures of the dead lest the public become upset but, presumably, in response to public demand, he showed 54 pictures of dead Taliban. All of whom appeared very much as one would expect those killed in battle. I doubt if anyone was upset by those images. Actually, for Pakistanis fed on a rich diet of Taliban videos showing gory executions of soldiers, with the sound on, they were rather tame. In fact most watching probably relished seeing their tormentors dead.
Noticeably, there were no photos of injured Taliban and only a desultory few of those claimed to have been captured have ever been shown on TV. In contrast the Taliban paraded their victims, allowed interviews and generally made a great show about their capture and their own prowess. Of course, it was done with the aim of terrorising the populace just as for the army to show their captives in all poses would hopefully also terrorise the enemy.
Some Taliban practices may be worth adopting because photos of a mere 54 dead while claiming that the actual number is 2000 do not wash. Especially as not a single one of the first tier leaders has been killed, wounded or captured and rumours are circulating that the Taliban leadership have been evacuated away from the danger zone, along with Al Qaeda leaders to Yemen, Somalia and Afghanistan and would return in due course.
Pakistanis are a suspicious lot when it comes to evaluating official claims, perhaps because they tend to deceive even when it is easier to tell the truth; or because they have learnt from experience that "official speak" is invariably wrong or comes with a spin; or because the claims are so fatuous as to defy credulity. For example, after every air strike the number of dead militants ranges from six to 14 militants, seldom more.
All of them are supposed to be insurgents, rarely civilians, presumably because, unlike the Americans, we have very discriminating "Taliban seeking" missiles. Considering the difficult terrain and the risk to be incurred by the usually "reliable" sources reaching the site of the bombing it is remarkable how quickly the numbers of dead and injured are counted, processed and reported in the press the next day. Whoever does such an efficient job should be asked to lead our flaying attempts to cope with the IDPs problem.
It was also revealing that the BBC correspondent who was taken on a tour of the battle zone, he termed it "bandit country," said that while he was shown a half dozen or so of "captured Taliban" he saw none of the 2000 dead nor any graves or other signs of death. Instead BBC viewers last night got to see what the Taliban had allowed him to film which was the hanging corpse of a beheaded soldier and another who had been killed, with boastful Taliban standing nearby. Clearly there is something wrong with the optics of this war as far as Pakistan is concerned.
Of much greater concern was a news report carried in Dawn of 23 June entitled "Efforts on for patch- up between Darra Taliban, Adezai lashkar," which states that "Some "invisible" forces( normally a euphemism for we know who) are out to narrow the differences and broker an understanding between the Darra Adam Khel-based Taliban and leaders of the Qaumi Lashkar of Adezai on the outskirts of the provincial capital – the Taliban conditions included that their men would freely move in parts of Peshawar and would take action against those found involved in 'un-Islamic' activities and the Lashkar would not object to their actions. Secondly, the Taliban want the lashkar not to create hurdles while they recruit new members. Another condition of the Taliban is that the lashkar will not support security forces in case of any clash between the Taliban and law enforcing agencies."
Apparently two rounds of negotiations have already been held and members of the "Tableeghii Jamaat were active to broker an understanding between the two sides". When the local police chief was asked about these negotiations he denied all knowledge of them. Both are probably telling the truth. The left hand in Pakistan often does not know what the right hand is doing. Or the left side of the mouth, in the case of the Interior Minister, who claimed that Fazlullah had been "trapped," does not have a clue what the right side, which denied he had made any such statement, is saying.
Such reports, if true, damage the sincerity of the army's efforts and rob its actions and claims of credibility. It is difficult to believe that even while the army is engaged in fighting and dying in Swat another arm of government is negotiating deals with the same blood thirsty foe of murderers, kidnappers and drug peddlars. The report further negates the claim of the Tableeghi Jamaat that it is a purely religious organisation rather than one with a political agenda, as many have long suspected. (I recall being summoned to the Yemeni Foreign Office in 1988 and being asked why the Tableeqi Jamaat chose Yemen to spread the word of Islam. In the words of the Yemeni official: "Excellency, this is our religion, we gave it to you, please don't try and teach us the proper Islam. Ask them to go somewhere else. Or do they have some other agenda.")
Mr Zardari has written a column in the Washington Post emphasising that democracy and democracy alone is the panacea for Pakistan's problems. Unfortunately many of his countrymen are not so certain. Pakistanis are as sceptical about democracy as they are about dictatorship. Both have failed to deliver. Both speak with forked tongues. Similarly, Mr Zardari has claimed that he will fight terrorism to the bitter end. "Fight" should be the operative word and not "negotiate" deals of the sort being hustled in Peshawar.
The writer is a former ambassador. Email: charles123it@hotmail.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
STATE OF SWAT VALLEY: FAR FROM NORMAL
June 07, 2009
ISPR says Army to stay in troubled areas for indefinite period
Fazlullah targeted thrice
Success incomplete without elimination of top leadership
By Muhammad Anis
ISLAMABAD: Two close aides of Tehrik Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad were killed in Sakhakot on Saturday when they were travelling in the custody of security forces.“A prisoners’ van was carrying Naib Amir of the TNSM Maulana Muhammad Alam and spokesman Amir Izzat from Malakand to Peshawar when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded,” military spokesman and DG ISPR Major General Athar Abbas told newsmen at a media briefing here on Saturday.
He said the van was attacked at 5.10am with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sakhakot followed by intense firing by the terrorists, killing the TNSM leaders and a junior commissioned officer while leaving five security personnel injured.
It may be mentioned that the TNSM leaders had been arrested during a raid in Amandara, Malakand, on Thursday.To a question about appropriate security arrangements for the convoy, he said security forces were operating in a battle zone where such attacks were an everyday happening. “I cannot say if the TNSM leaders were targeted,” he said.
To another question about the possibility of a military or judicial inquiry into the incident to clear any doubt, he said a decision to this effect could be taken by the competent authority.He said the third leader of the TNSM, Maulana Wahab, was still in the custody of security forces.
He said TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad had neither been arrested nor was under the custody of security forces.
The Army, he said, would stay in Swat and adjoining areas for an indefinite period. “The Army would stay in the area till a sense of security among the people is revived, a credible defence system by the law enforcement agencies, including police, is put in place and the possibility of the terrorists hiding in mountains coming back to launch a second phase of insurgency is obviated,” General Athar Abbas said, adding: “This would not take less than a year.”
He said the proposal to establish a cantonment in the area was also on the table, but a final decision was to be taken by the government.About the settlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) being discussed by the civil and military leadership, he said the military operation only brings temporary stability and arrangements were necessary for permanent stability, including revival of the civic amenities before the return of the IDPs.
He said the resettlement plan was being worked out, envisaging enhancement of capacity of the law-enforcement agencies and increasing the strength of the police. “On the heels of the military operation, we would like an administrative follow-up. It would need work on a war-footing,” he remarked.
General Athar Abbas said 100 per cent success in unconventional wars could not be achieved in a short spell of time. He pointed out that the valley could not be completely sealed and the miscreants currently hiding may regroup and resume terrorist activities.
Answering a question, he said so far no decision had been taken to launch an operation in South Waziristan. He, however, said the Army would go there if the government so decided.He said the success would be incomplete without eliminating the top leadership of the militants. He said Swat Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah had been targeted thrice by security forces. He, however, said no authentic information on his condition was available.
Replying to a question, he said he had not seen the press conference addressed by Baitullah Mehsud’s spokesman, threatening terrorist attacks on small towns across the country. He, however, said he would call it an intelligence failure if he spoke at a press conference with a lot of mikes around him.
He said around 40 would-be suicide bombers had so far been killed and apprehended in and outside the operation area. Around 1,305 terrorists had been killed since the launch of the operation Rah-e-Rast while 120, including foreign nationals, had been apprehended, he added. Some 105 security personnel had so far laid down their lives while 306 were injured, many of them seriously, he added.
Giving an update on the operation, he said 17 terrorists had been killed during the last 24 hours while four soldiers laid down their lives. He said security forces successfully cleared Kuza Bandai, Bara Bandai and Gora Ghat, establishing two check-posts in Kuza Bandai and one in Gora Ghat. Security forces killed 17 terrorists and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search and destroy operation in Sarsenai area. One soldier was also killed.
Asked if the recent terrorist attack in Lahore had a link to the ongoing operation and whether or not any foreign hand was involved, he said an inquiry into the incident was under way and it would be inappropriate to offer any comment at this stage.In Puran-Chakesar valley, security forces have established a link up to Tawa and the area around Aloch. Besides, terrorists fired rockets and mortars at the security forces’ check-post in Khwazakhela from Baidara, killing two soldiers and injuring one.
APP adds: General Athar Abbas said according to estimates, 3-4 per cent of the terrorists, who were either killed or apprehended, were foreign nationals like Arabs, Central Asians or Afghans.
He told a questioner that the top leadership of terrorists had been targeted time and again and unconfirmed reports of killing of two high-value targets were also received. “We cannot confirm the reports of killing of top leaders till the time we get material information.”He said a top terrorist leader was targeted thrice but he might have fled after sustaining injuries. However, he added that the technology constraint was the major reason for his escape. “We don’t have drone technology which keeps chasing the target — we do lack that technology,” he said.“We are carrying out this operation with indigenous resources and no foreign power had been assisting us in this unconventional type of battle,” he said.
Answering a question, he said that the PAF fighters were only used on as and when required basis to soften the targets by engaging ammunition dumps and logistic camps of the terrorists through laser guided technology.
As far as relief and support programme for the IDPs is concerned, he said, ration of four truckloads was distributed among persons of newly established camp at the Charsadda Sugar Mills. Around 600 families were provided food items in Bara Banda, Azakhel, Manki Sharif and Peshawar. Army troops also distributed seven truckloads ration in union councils Katlang, Roria Sare Balol, Tora, Patbaba and Achakzai.
Principal Information Officer Shabbir Anwar and a representative of the Special Support Group, Lt Col Wasim, were also present at the briefing.
Our Peshawar Bureau adds: Namaz-e-Janaza of the two leaders was offered at Amandara in Batkhela in which a large number of people participated. Tight security was put in place during the Namaz-e-Janaza to stave off any untoward incident.“About 60 Army soldiers besides Levies personnel had taken over the area,” a local told The News. The coffins of Alam and Izzat were not allowed to be taken to their homes.
An activist claimed the coffins were empty and insisted to open them to see the bodies. The coffin of Alam was opened, but the body was badly mutilated and he immediately closed it.
The activists of the TNSM were angry over the killing of the two senior leaders.After the killing of Kifayatullah, the eldest son of Sufi Muhammad, Maulana Alam and Izzat, two close aides, Sufi Muhammad has gone underground.
Amir Izzat Khan, the TNSM spokesman, had reportedly given up his job as a teacher in the Government Middle School in Swat’s Sherpalam village last year to work full time for his organisation.Though he had formally joined Maulana Sufi Mohammad’s TNSM in 1993, he was made its spokesman last year when the organisation set up a peace camp in Timergara, headquarters of Lower Dir, to press the acceptance of its demand of enforcement of Shariah in the Malakand Division.
Maulana Muhammad Alam, the 46-year-old deputy leader of TNSM, belonged to Shangla district. He was born in Shahpur village and had received his early education in a local Madrassa.A long-time associate of Maulana Sufi Mohammad, he joined the TNSM in 1993. He was first made head of TNSM in the Malakand Division, then the divisional chief and finally the central deputy leader.NEWS 7-6-09
ISPR says Army to stay in troubled areas for indefinite period
Fazlullah targeted thrice
Success incomplete without elimination of top leadership
By Muhammad Anis
ISLAMABAD: Two close aides of Tehrik Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad were killed in Sakhakot on Saturday when they were travelling in the custody of security forces.“A prisoners’ van was carrying Naib Amir of the TNSM Maulana Muhammad Alam and spokesman Amir Izzat from Malakand to Peshawar when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded,” military spokesman and DG ISPR Major General Athar Abbas told newsmen at a media briefing here on Saturday.
He said the van was attacked at 5.10am with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sakhakot followed by intense firing by the terrorists, killing the TNSM leaders and a junior commissioned officer while leaving five security personnel injured.
It may be mentioned that the TNSM leaders had been arrested during a raid in Amandara, Malakand, on Thursday.To a question about appropriate security arrangements for the convoy, he said security forces were operating in a battle zone where such attacks were an everyday happening. “I cannot say if the TNSM leaders were targeted,” he said.
To another question about the possibility of a military or judicial inquiry into the incident to clear any doubt, he said a decision to this effect could be taken by the competent authority.He said the third leader of the TNSM, Maulana Wahab, was still in the custody of security forces.
He said TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad had neither been arrested nor was under the custody of security forces.
The Army, he said, would stay in Swat and adjoining areas for an indefinite period. “The Army would stay in the area till a sense of security among the people is revived, a credible defence system by the law enforcement agencies, including police, is put in place and the possibility of the terrorists hiding in mountains coming back to launch a second phase of insurgency is obviated,” General Athar Abbas said, adding: “This would not take less than a year.”
He said the proposal to establish a cantonment in the area was also on the table, but a final decision was to be taken by the government.About the settlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) being discussed by the civil and military leadership, he said the military operation only brings temporary stability and arrangements were necessary for permanent stability, including revival of the civic amenities before the return of the IDPs.
He said the resettlement plan was being worked out, envisaging enhancement of capacity of the law-enforcement agencies and increasing the strength of the police. “On the heels of the military operation, we would like an administrative follow-up. It would need work on a war-footing,” he remarked.
General Athar Abbas said 100 per cent success in unconventional wars could not be achieved in a short spell of time. He pointed out that the valley could not be completely sealed and the miscreants currently hiding may regroup and resume terrorist activities.
Answering a question, he said so far no decision had been taken to launch an operation in South Waziristan. He, however, said the Army would go there if the government so decided.He said the success would be incomplete without eliminating the top leadership of the militants. He said Swat Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah had been targeted thrice by security forces. He, however, said no authentic information on his condition was available.
Replying to a question, he said he had not seen the press conference addressed by Baitullah Mehsud’s spokesman, threatening terrorist attacks on small towns across the country. He, however, said he would call it an intelligence failure if he spoke at a press conference with a lot of mikes around him.
He said around 40 would-be suicide bombers had so far been killed and apprehended in and outside the operation area. Around 1,305 terrorists had been killed since the launch of the operation Rah-e-Rast while 120, including foreign nationals, had been apprehended, he added. Some 105 security personnel had so far laid down their lives while 306 were injured, many of them seriously, he added.
Giving an update on the operation, he said 17 terrorists had been killed during the last 24 hours while four soldiers laid down their lives. He said security forces successfully cleared Kuza Bandai, Bara Bandai and Gora Ghat, establishing two check-posts in Kuza Bandai and one in Gora Ghat. Security forces killed 17 terrorists and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search and destroy operation in Sarsenai area. One soldier was also killed.
Asked if the recent terrorist attack in Lahore had a link to the ongoing operation and whether or not any foreign hand was involved, he said an inquiry into the incident was under way and it would be inappropriate to offer any comment at this stage.In Puran-Chakesar valley, security forces have established a link up to Tawa and the area around Aloch. Besides, terrorists fired rockets and mortars at the security forces’ check-post in Khwazakhela from Baidara, killing two soldiers and injuring one.
APP adds: General Athar Abbas said according to estimates, 3-4 per cent of the terrorists, who were either killed or apprehended, were foreign nationals like Arabs, Central Asians or Afghans.
He told a questioner that the top leadership of terrorists had been targeted time and again and unconfirmed reports of killing of two high-value targets were also received. “We cannot confirm the reports of killing of top leaders till the time we get material information.”He said a top terrorist leader was targeted thrice but he might have fled after sustaining injuries. However, he added that the technology constraint was the major reason for his escape. “We don’t have drone technology which keeps chasing the target — we do lack that technology,” he said.“We are carrying out this operation with indigenous resources and no foreign power had been assisting us in this unconventional type of battle,” he said.
Answering a question, he said that the PAF fighters were only used on as and when required basis to soften the targets by engaging ammunition dumps and logistic camps of the terrorists through laser guided technology.
As far as relief and support programme for the IDPs is concerned, he said, ration of four truckloads was distributed among persons of newly established camp at the Charsadda Sugar Mills. Around 600 families were provided food items in Bara Banda, Azakhel, Manki Sharif and Peshawar. Army troops also distributed seven truckloads ration in union councils Katlang, Roria Sare Balol, Tora, Patbaba and Achakzai.
Principal Information Officer Shabbir Anwar and a representative of the Special Support Group, Lt Col Wasim, were also present at the briefing.
Our Peshawar Bureau adds: Namaz-e-Janaza of the two leaders was offered at Amandara in Batkhela in which a large number of people participated. Tight security was put in place during the Namaz-e-Janaza to stave off any untoward incident.“About 60 Army soldiers besides Levies personnel had taken over the area,” a local told The News. The coffins of Alam and Izzat were not allowed to be taken to their homes.
An activist claimed the coffins were empty and insisted to open them to see the bodies. The coffin of Alam was opened, but the body was badly mutilated and he immediately closed it.
The activists of the TNSM were angry over the killing of the two senior leaders.After the killing of Kifayatullah, the eldest son of Sufi Muhammad, Maulana Alam and Izzat, two close aides, Sufi Muhammad has gone underground.
Amir Izzat Khan, the TNSM spokesman, had reportedly given up his job as a teacher in the Government Middle School in Swat’s Sherpalam village last year to work full time for his organisation.Though he had formally joined Maulana Sufi Mohammad’s TNSM in 1993, he was made its spokesman last year when the organisation set up a peace camp in Timergara, headquarters of Lower Dir, to press the acceptance of its demand of enforcement of Shariah in the Malakand Division.
Maulana Muhammad Alam, the 46-year-old deputy leader of TNSM, belonged to Shangla district. He was born in Shahpur village and had received his early education in a local Madrassa.A long-time associate of Maulana Sufi Mohammad, he joined the TNSM in 1993. He was first made head of TNSM in the Malakand Division, then the divisional chief and finally the central deputy leader.NEWS 7-6-09
Monday, June 1, 2009
THE MONUMENTS OF SWAT: 10. RAM TAKHT (RAM'S THRONE)
Ram Takht (Ram’s throne):
Ram Takht is one of the sacred places in Hinduism. It is only second to Amarnath Cave regarding its sacredness and sanctity. Ram Takht is situated on the top of Mount Elum at an altitude of 9200 feet above sea level. This point is called Jogyano Sar(yogi peak).The dune of Barikot which is also famous for its sacred ruins is visible from here towards the North-West.
The Hindus believe that Ram Chandra Jee Maharajah spent three years of his Banr Bass (jungle life) here. The Hindu pilgrims visit this place once a year in first day of Sawan, to pray, worship and seek unity with Almighty. A holy spring flows near Ram Takht where most of the yogis came to seek union with the divine entity.
The ruins at Jogyano Sar clearly manifest that it was a hub of religious activities in the past where yogis resided in monasteries with austerity to meditate and contemplate on nature and its Creator. The vagaries of time have taken its toll and destroyed the places of worship today but some people say that all the monasteries were razed to the ground by the first ruler of Swat.
Ram Takht has also been demolished by treasure hunters in the hope of acquiring ancient treasures. Toorda Pacha whose family has resided here since time immemorial says that one of the yogis was killed by a nomad in the hope acquiring wealth. Later the nomad lost his sanity and his whole family disappeared mysteriously from the place.
Ram Takht can be accessed through different routes of Karakar, Char, Dokada, Bezo Sar, Amlokdara and Murghazar. One can reach the place in five hours from Murghazar easily. Several cool streams adore the way while most of the dense forest has been chopped down by timber mafia. The way is well treaded and there is no fear of straying away. The exotic valley of Swat and the holy district of Buner are the spectacular panoramas visible from Ram Takht.
Mount Elum has a profound spiritual and holy past. The famous saints Peer Baba and Durrani Baba had visited this place, worshipped and meditated here. Today they are in their eternal slumber in the lap of Mount Elum.
By Naveed Hussain, Lecturer in English
( www.valleyswat.net)
Ram Takht is one of the sacred places in Hinduism. It is only second to Amarnath Cave regarding its sacredness and sanctity. Ram Takht is situated on the top of Mount Elum at an altitude of 9200 feet above sea level. This point is called Jogyano Sar(yogi peak).The dune of Barikot which is also famous for its sacred ruins is visible from here towards the North-West.
The Hindus believe that Ram Chandra Jee Maharajah spent three years of his Banr Bass (jungle life) here. The Hindu pilgrims visit this place once a year in first day of Sawan, to pray, worship and seek unity with Almighty. A holy spring flows near Ram Takht where most of the yogis came to seek union with the divine entity.
The ruins at Jogyano Sar clearly manifest that it was a hub of religious activities in the past where yogis resided in monasteries with austerity to meditate and contemplate on nature and its Creator. The vagaries of time have taken its toll and destroyed the places of worship today but some people say that all the monasteries were razed to the ground by the first ruler of Swat.
Ram Takht has also been demolished by treasure hunters in the hope of acquiring ancient treasures. Toorda Pacha whose family has resided here since time immemorial says that one of the yogis was killed by a nomad in the hope acquiring wealth. Later the nomad lost his sanity and his whole family disappeared mysteriously from the place.
Ram Takht can be accessed through different routes of Karakar, Char, Dokada, Bezo Sar, Amlokdara and Murghazar. One can reach the place in five hours from Murghazar easily. Several cool streams adore the way while most of the dense forest has been chopped down by timber mafia. The way is well treaded and there is no fear of straying away. The exotic valley of Swat and the holy district of Buner are the spectacular panoramas visible from Ram Takht.
Mount Elum has a profound spiritual and holy past. The famous saints Peer Baba and Durrani Baba had visited this place, worshipped and meditated here. Today they are in their eternal slumber in the lap of Mount Elum.
By Naveed Hussain, Lecturer in English
( www.valleyswat.net)
THE MONUMENTS OF SWAT: 9.GUMBATUNA
A.Stein in the Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India first mentioned the site of Gumbatuna in 1930. Berger and Wright who carried out some small-scale excavation (Berger et al. 1941). Professor G. Tucci followed it in 1955-56.
Location:
The site of Gumbatuna (Gumbatuna is the plural form of “Gumbat”, the Pashto word for “dome”) is a Buddhist establishment situated on the right bank of the river Swat, 6km west of Barikot village along the metalled road leading towards Nimogram in a wide valley. The valley is broadly drained by the Swat river which flows in several braided channels through the area. The archaeological remains are scattered over a range of 1500 meters north to south and 1000 meters east to west in wides terraced fields sloping unto the hills behind, known as Shamozai range. A spring is located in the picturesque gully, north of the sacred area.
Excavation:
The excavation of the first season was limited only to the terraces, which comprise the huge main stupa, and the votive stupas partially uncovered by the treasure hunters. The middle terrace is composed of circular monastery now occupied by the modern village of Gmbatuna. The upper terrace is composed of different group of monastic settlements, caves, viharas and stupas.
Main Stupa:
The lower zone comprises the main stupa encompassed by the votive stupa and columns bounded by the enclosure wall.
The main stupa stands on a square plinth measuring 17m each side with an offset projection 3.71m long by 3.82m wide for step on the east. The huge stupa is probably the best preserved in ancient Udyana consisting of a dome, upper and three lower drums, resting on a square podium and scole. The structure above the dome comprises harmika and umbrellas, which are now missing.
The stupa is square in plan and consists of base bounding in straight Scotia pattern (H.O 50cm). The podium or the square plinth stands to a height of 3.90m from the top of the base moulding. The top of the plinth is paved with slabs of schist from which project a corine (H. 0.35cm) built in corbelling fashion.
The pradakshina patha around the drum is paved with large stone slabs of schist of various size, from 0.20cm to 0.60cm (in width).
Around the base of the first drum at the four corners the square bases of columns are still preserved indicating that once the stupa was decorated with four columns. Such decorative elements were also noticed at the stupas of Saidu, Najigram and Amlukdara in Swat valley.
The drums of the stupa is cylindrical in shape measuring 04.70m in height. The drum is surmounted by a hemispherical shaped dome (height 04.80m) and 10m in diameter. It is cut all through from the east and a shaft 2m wide sunk down the centre from the top by relic hunters. The stupa is ascended by a flight of twelve steps on the east side leading to the top of the podium. A circumambulation path of schist stone was provided around the base moulding of the stupa plinth. The masonry of the main stupas is executed in diaper.
Architectural remains of votive Stupas
The main stupa was surrounded by 27 votive stupas of different sizes, square in plan, all composed in the styles of diaper masonry. The floor around these stupas was paved with slabs of schist stone. The upper parts of the votive stupa are missing except votive stupa No.16 and 27 which exist up to the drum. The facing of the plinth built in diaper style in plain in case of some stupas, while stupa numbers 14, 15 and decorated with Corinthian pilasters.
Finds and chronology
The excavations at Gumbatuna were limited to the northern, southern and western sides. The area in front of the main stupa has yet to be excavated in order to complete the salvage operation at the site. The excavations were limited, as also the sculpture robbers had disturbed the site and removed the antiquities, although a good number of sculptures and an impressive stupa complex were uncovered. These sculptures include Buddda, Bodhisattvas, architectural elements in stone and stucco. The site has yielded no coins which could have helped in providing clue to absolute dating. Nonetheless, the sculptures in stone, stucco and the diaper masonry seem to belong to the early Kushana era. Therefore, it seems probable that the Gumbatuna site flourished during the 2nd century A.D. and lasted until the 7th-8th century A.D. ( www.valleyswat.net)
Location:
The site of Gumbatuna (Gumbatuna is the plural form of “Gumbat”, the Pashto word for “dome”) is a Buddhist establishment situated on the right bank of the river Swat, 6km west of Barikot village along the metalled road leading towards Nimogram in a wide valley. The valley is broadly drained by the Swat river which flows in several braided channels through the area. The archaeological remains are scattered over a range of 1500 meters north to south and 1000 meters east to west in wides terraced fields sloping unto the hills behind, known as Shamozai range. A spring is located in the picturesque gully, north of the sacred area.
Excavation:
The excavation of the first season was limited only to the terraces, which comprise the huge main stupa, and the votive stupas partially uncovered by the treasure hunters. The middle terrace is composed of circular monastery now occupied by the modern village of Gmbatuna. The upper terrace is composed of different group of monastic settlements, caves, viharas and stupas.
Main Stupa:
The lower zone comprises the main stupa encompassed by the votive stupa and columns bounded by the enclosure wall.
The main stupa stands on a square plinth measuring 17m each side with an offset projection 3.71m long by 3.82m wide for step on the east. The huge stupa is probably the best preserved in ancient Udyana consisting of a dome, upper and three lower drums, resting on a square podium and scole. The structure above the dome comprises harmika and umbrellas, which are now missing.
The stupa is square in plan and consists of base bounding in straight Scotia pattern (H.O 50cm). The podium or the square plinth stands to a height of 3.90m from the top of the base moulding. The top of the plinth is paved with slabs of schist from which project a corine (H. 0.35cm) built in corbelling fashion.
The pradakshina patha around the drum is paved with large stone slabs of schist of various size, from 0.20cm to 0.60cm (in width).
Around the base of the first drum at the four corners the square bases of columns are still preserved indicating that once the stupa was decorated with four columns. Such decorative elements were also noticed at the stupas of Saidu, Najigram and Amlukdara in Swat valley.
The drums of the stupa is cylindrical in shape measuring 04.70m in height. The drum is surmounted by a hemispherical shaped dome (height 04.80m) and 10m in diameter. It is cut all through from the east and a shaft 2m wide sunk down the centre from the top by relic hunters. The stupa is ascended by a flight of twelve steps on the east side leading to the top of the podium. A circumambulation path of schist stone was provided around the base moulding of the stupa plinth. The masonry of the main stupas is executed in diaper.
Architectural remains of votive Stupas
The main stupa was surrounded by 27 votive stupas of different sizes, square in plan, all composed in the styles of diaper masonry. The floor around these stupas was paved with slabs of schist stone. The upper parts of the votive stupa are missing except votive stupa No.16 and 27 which exist up to the drum. The facing of the plinth built in diaper style in plain in case of some stupas, while stupa numbers 14, 15 and decorated with Corinthian pilasters.
Finds and chronology
The excavations at Gumbatuna were limited to the northern, southern and western sides. The area in front of the main stupa has yet to be excavated in order to complete the salvage operation at the site. The excavations were limited, as also the sculpture robbers had disturbed the site and removed the antiquities, although a good number of sculptures and an impressive stupa complex were uncovered. These sculptures include Buddda, Bodhisattvas, architectural elements in stone and stucco. The site has yielded no coins which could have helped in providing clue to absolute dating. Nonetheless, the sculptures in stone, stucco and the diaper masonry seem to belong to the early Kushana era. Therefore, it seems probable that the Gumbatuna site flourished during the 2nd century A.D. and lasted until the 7th-8th century A.D. ( www.valleyswat.net)
THE MONUMENTS OF SWAT: 8.THE SEATED BUDDHA
The huge image of a seated Buddha carved into a high rock face of reddish colour that rises on the hillside to the southwest of Janabad (Shakhorai) village. It is situated at a distance of 5km to the N-E of Manglawar. This huge image of the Buddha can also be visible from the road, on the right side when one is on the way to Malamjaba.
Description:
Due to its high position above the narrow terrace, it is well preserved except the nose seems to have been damaged by the vandals. The Buddha figure is about 7 meters in height and is certainly the most impressive piece of sculpture to be seen in Gandahara region.
This excellent figure of the Buddha is seated on a high throne in the attitude of mediation. The snail shell curls of this Buddha are very carefully rendered. His eyes are more than half closed, there is a prominent Ushnisha and long ear lobes. The folds of the robe are stringy, with a planned alteration of high and low ridges. Though the figure exhibits the Gandahara style in the drapery with pleats and the hair, the rather solemn, powerful form of the torso and representation of the folds of the robe are in agreement with the usual form adopted in the area for the other figures of the Buddha.
Some scholars point to the strong influence of the western style but such similarities are not so close. Hence the image of the Buddha carved on the rock at Jehanabad may probably be dated to the 7-8th century A.D, when a large number of other rock-carvings of similar workmanship in Swat are dated to the later centuries of the 1st millennium A.D.
It may be stated that a vast number of Buddhist images in ancient Udyana were destroyed by the people in ignorance and there remains a small number of such rock carvings to be now seen. The few figures that have survived in the valley over the centuries should be preserved from the cruel hands of vandals and must be shifted to the museum for security and preservation. It is fear that such beautiful carved images shall perish into oblivion, and posterity will be deprived the cultural heritage of the past times.( www.valleyswat.net)
Description:
Due to its high position above the narrow terrace, it is well preserved except the nose seems to have been damaged by the vandals. The Buddha figure is about 7 meters in height and is certainly the most impressive piece of sculpture to be seen in Gandahara region.
This excellent figure of the Buddha is seated on a high throne in the attitude of mediation. The snail shell curls of this Buddha are very carefully rendered. His eyes are more than half closed, there is a prominent Ushnisha and long ear lobes. The folds of the robe are stringy, with a planned alteration of high and low ridges. Though the figure exhibits the Gandahara style in the drapery with pleats and the hair, the rather solemn, powerful form of the torso and representation of the folds of the robe are in agreement with the usual form adopted in the area for the other figures of the Buddha.
Some scholars point to the strong influence of the western style but such similarities are not so close. Hence the image of the Buddha carved on the rock at Jehanabad may probably be dated to the 7-8th century A.D, when a large number of other rock-carvings of similar workmanship in Swat are dated to the later centuries of the 1st millennium A.D.
It may be stated that a vast number of Buddhist images in ancient Udyana were destroyed by the people in ignorance and there remains a small number of such rock carvings to be now seen. The few figures that have survived in the valley over the centuries should be preserved from the cruel hands of vandals and must be shifted to the museum for security and preservation. It is fear that such beautiful carved images shall perish into oblivion, and posterity will be deprived the cultural heritage of the past times.( www.valleyswat.net)
THE MONUMENTS OF SWAT:7. THE GHALIGAY STATUE OF BUDDHA
The colossal statue of Buddha lies near the village of Ghaligay some 18km away from Mingawara at the foot of rocky slopes, on the left side of the main road leading to Mardan. The Buddha facing west is situated about 1km from the left bank of the river Swat.
Description:
This statue is carved on the live rock of the hillside in the heart of the Swat valley. It is one of the hundreds of monumental stone carving Buddhas that witnessed the glorious past of people of Swat, the ancient Udyana
Unfortunately, this statue sustained some damages caused by the ignorant human hands in the process of touching and scratching which also coupled partially with the weathering effect. However, the lower part of the body is still in good state of preservation. The upper part of the statue is much defaced, and only traces of the head and the halo behind it are visible.
The graceful statue is 04m in height and seems to be enlarged size of a typical Gandahara Buddha.
It is carved out of the marble stone cliff; and seated on a high throne in meditation pose. The carved statue with its drapy arranged in string like folds, which cover the body and throne. It corresponds to the late phases of Gandahara sculpture (7th-8th century A.D). ( www.valleyswat.net)
Description:
This statue is carved on the live rock of the hillside in the heart of the Swat valley. It is one of the hundreds of monumental stone carving Buddhas that witnessed the glorious past of people of Swat, the ancient Udyana
Unfortunately, this statue sustained some damages caused by the ignorant human hands in the process of touching and scratching which also coupled partially with the weathering effect. However, the lower part of the body is still in good state of preservation. The upper part of the statue is much defaced, and only traces of the head and the halo behind it are visible.
The graceful statue is 04m in height and seems to be enlarged size of a typical Gandahara Buddha.
It is carved out of the marble stone cliff; and seated on a high throne in meditation pose. The carved statue with its drapy arranged in string like folds, which cover the body and throne. It corresponds to the late phases of Gandahara sculpture (7th-8th century A.D). ( www.valleyswat.net)
THE MONUMENTS OF SWAT: 6.THE TOKAR-DARA
The Buddhist site of Tokar-dara is situated about 5km on the south of Barikot on the way to Karakar pass and lies about 1km from the modern village of Najigram at the mouth of a small picturesque valley.
Archaeological Remains:
E.Barger and P.Wright wrote:”An experimentally clearance of the western side of the stupa produced a few extremely battered stone carvings, and portions of the fallen umbrella of the stupa”. After small excavation on the site by Barger and Wright, the treasure hunters robbed the site. The architectural remains of the Buddhist stupa and monastery are spreading over a range of 228m north and south 206m east and west.
The site consists of a large stupa, the associated monastery, living quarters, assembly hall, and an aqueduct cave, two other stupas badly damaged and several unidentified remains.
Main Stupa:
The Large Stupa is probably the best preserved in this area.It consists of a hemispherical dome, upper and lower drums resting on a square podium and socle. The stupa court is 32m long to south-north and 72m east-west, fortified by a wall. The main stupa was surrounded by the votive stupas which have been completely destroyed by unauthorized diggers. Faint traces of the votive stupa can still be seen.
The stupa stands to a height of 15m from the ground level and the square plinth of the stupa is measuring 22x22m. Seven steps of a staircase in the middle which is 05.50m in width on the west side, lead to the top of the podium. The main stupa had originally four columns at the four corners of the berm of the square storey, which is indeed a peculiar feature; Such style of structural composition may be seen in the main stupas of Saidu and Gumbatuna. The exterior of the stupa is executed in diaper pattern originally covered by the coating of lime plaster.
The drum of dome which measures 10.67m in diameter, is decorated with two cornices framed as usual by thin vertical slabs of stone projecting at intervals between horizontal courses.
The stupa had already been dug out at the centre from the top in search of antiquities by the robbers which damaged the stupa structure and the surface finds.
Above the stupa and at a distance of 12m from the southern side of its lowest base, there rises a large walled terrace, measuring 53x53m, containing extensive remains of a monastic quadrangle.
Monastery:
This monastery is rectangular in plan, with its major axis running south-north. It has two entrances: one on the north leading to the main stupa and another on the south leading to an assembly hall. There are six domed cells, square in shape, measuring 03.35m which occupy each side of the Complex. Some of the cells still reserved the vaulted roof. There are ventilators and small niches in each cells for keeping statues or lamps.
Assembly Hall:
Near the south-western corner of the monastery court, there are the high walls of a big hall probably used as an assembly hall for the Buddhist community, measuring 16x15m and 06m height from the ground level. To the east the assembly hall, lie the remains of another ruined stupa enclosed by walls on three sides. The stupa depicts a square plinth measuring 13.71x13.71m with base moulding and stands square to a height of 04.26m. The stupa is ascended by flight of steps with 04.26m width from the north. The stupa is built in large dressed slabs of stones. The stupas were originally graced with Corinthian pilasters, traces of which can still be seen. Ruins of isolated cells lie on the slope of the valley against the rock.
Cave:
On the eastern side of the glen, about 45m above the monastic quandrangle, lies a cave with its high entrance which is blocked about half of its height by a wall. This cave was probably used by the monks for meditation.
Aqueduct:
In the area along the streamlet, are the remains of an aqueduct for the purpose of bringing water for domestic use, ablution and also for irrigation purpose.
Below the aqueduct, there are the remains of another ruined stupa about 1.82m in height.. ( www.valleyswat.net)
Archaeological Remains:
E.Barger and P.Wright wrote:”An experimentally clearance of the western side of the stupa produced a few extremely battered stone carvings, and portions of the fallen umbrella of the stupa”. After small excavation on the site by Barger and Wright, the treasure hunters robbed the site. The architectural remains of the Buddhist stupa and monastery are spreading over a range of 228m north and south 206m east and west.
The site consists of a large stupa, the associated monastery, living quarters, assembly hall, and an aqueduct cave, two other stupas badly damaged and several unidentified remains.
Main Stupa:
The Large Stupa is probably the best preserved in this area.It consists of a hemispherical dome, upper and lower drums resting on a square podium and socle. The stupa court is 32m long to south-north and 72m east-west, fortified by a wall. The main stupa was surrounded by the votive stupas which have been completely destroyed by unauthorized diggers. Faint traces of the votive stupa can still be seen.
The stupa stands to a height of 15m from the ground level and the square plinth of the stupa is measuring 22x22m. Seven steps of a staircase in the middle which is 05.50m in width on the west side, lead to the top of the podium. The main stupa had originally four columns at the four corners of the berm of the square storey, which is indeed a peculiar feature; Such style of structural composition may be seen in the main stupas of Saidu and Gumbatuna. The exterior of the stupa is executed in diaper pattern originally covered by the coating of lime plaster.
The drum of dome which measures 10.67m in diameter, is decorated with two cornices framed as usual by thin vertical slabs of stone projecting at intervals between horizontal courses.
The stupa had already been dug out at the centre from the top in search of antiquities by the robbers which damaged the stupa structure and the surface finds.
Above the stupa and at a distance of 12m from the southern side of its lowest base, there rises a large walled terrace, measuring 53x53m, containing extensive remains of a monastic quadrangle.
Monastery:
This monastery is rectangular in plan, with its major axis running south-north. It has two entrances: one on the north leading to the main stupa and another on the south leading to an assembly hall. There are six domed cells, square in shape, measuring 03.35m which occupy each side of the Complex. Some of the cells still reserved the vaulted roof. There are ventilators and small niches in each cells for keeping statues or lamps.
Assembly Hall:
Near the south-western corner of the monastery court, there are the high walls of a big hall probably used as an assembly hall for the Buddhist community, measuring 16x15m and 06m height from the ground level. To the east the assembly hall, lie the remains of another ruined stupa enclosed by walls on three sides. The stupa depicts a square plinth measuring 13.71x13.71m with base moulding and stands square to a height of 04.26m. The stupa is ascended by flight of steps with 04.26m width from the north. The stupa is built in large dressed slabs of stones. The stupas were originally graced with Corinthian pilasters, traces of which can still be seen. Ruins of isolated cells lie on the slope of the valley against the rock.
Cave:
On the eastern side of the glen, about 45m above the monastic quandrangle, lies a cave with its high entrance which is blocked about half of its height by a wall. This cave was probably used by the monks for meditation.
Aqueduct:
In the area along the streamlet, are the remains of an aqueduct for the purpose of bringing water for domestic use, ablution and also for irrigation purpose.
Below the aqueduct, there are the remains of another ruined stupa about 1.82m in height.. ( www.valleyswat.net)
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