Introduction
As a discipline of social sciences, Archaeology has been developed as a scientific subject during last two centuries which deals with the human past. Fundamentally it deals with field work which involves explorations, surveys and excavations. More precisely Archaeology reconstructs the human past by studying, analysing and examining material culture. The aim of Archaeology is the understanding of humankind as it is a humanistic discipline, a humane study. Archaeological history of Pakistan fundamentally focuses on the beginning of archaeological activities since the establishment of Archaeological Survey of India (1861) up to 2015. During last one hundred and fifty years Archaeology has yielded wealth of knowledge regarding the history and culture of ancient Pakistan. On the basis of this data archaeologists have arranged the chronological sequence from pre historic times to Muslim occupation of Indian sub-continent.
The teaching of Archaeology at University of the Punjab was originally introduced as an auxiliary subject to M.A. History programme in the late 1950’s. But unfortunately, it did not survive for long. In academic session 1987-88, the subject of Archaeology as an optional group, consisting of five papers was offered in final year of M.A. History, regular Programme in the Department of History, University of the Punjab. In November 2001, a full fledge (two year M.A. Regular Programme) was introduced in History Department entitled "Department of History and Archaeology". Archaeology was separated from Department of History in October 2004 and it is now entitled as Department of Archaeology, University of the Punjab.
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Vision:
Our vision is to reconstruct the ancient human societies by discovering, studying, analysing and examining their material culture. We aim at rebuild a strong understanding of history of mankind by Archaeological activities, as by nature archaeology deals with human past. Fundamentally, it involves a very laborious field work while conducting explorations, surveys and excavations. We address historical as well as cultural problems of remote people who did not particularly leave any written record of their activities. Thus, we reconstruct the hidden chapters of human past by reconstructing the social, cultural, political and economic growth of ancient settlements.
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Mission:
Keeping in view the vision of Department of Archaeology our aspiration is to produce quality education and research. In order to achieve our vision we have following missions: |
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To provide an exceptionally conducive learning environment that will prepare students for brilliant academics and professional achievement
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To create an arena of knowledge, skills, resources and learning opportunities for the faculty and students that will equip them to polish their potential and abilities.
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To enhance and cultivate scholarly research related to the Archaeology of the Punjab.
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To document the monumental archaeology of Punjab by engaging the faculty members and students in different projects.
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To generate different sources to enhance the scope and significance of Archaeology and to promote the importance of our cultural heritage.
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To collaborate with many national and international archaeological organizations. So that we may build excellent working relationship and systematic way of multidisciplinary research.
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Goals:
We have set several goals regarding the development of our department. These goal clearly reflect our vision and mission. We aim to publish HEC recognized research journal entitled as “Punjab Archaeology” to promote quality research. Moreover, we are strongly determined to organize international conferences primarily focusing on the Archaeology of Punjab. This initiative will rightly highlight the archaeological features of Punjab such as art, architecture, culture and history. We intend to take several research project as well. We will engage our faculty and students in field activities like survey, exploration and excavation. So that they may get training and play an essential role in promoting the aims and objectives of Archaeology with devotion and intellectual spirit. The details of projects are as follows:
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• Archaeological excavation of Shorkot mound |
• Tomb architecture of the Punjab evolved under the great Mughals |
• History of Colonial architecture of Lahore |
Achievements
Since the inception of this young department, we are making serious efforts to establish our worth at national and international level. Initially, the Department was offering only Master Degree. In 2010, M.Phil Archaeology programme was started. The department is growing by leaps and bounds and going to introduce PhD degree in Archaeology in fall session 2017. Moreover, one of the major achievements of department is the introduction of the subject of Archaeology at B.A level. It will surely enhance the scope of Archaeology and provide more career opportunities to our talented students. Moreover, we are engaged in excavation projects and got NOC from Punjab Archaeology for the period of three years
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List of Books |
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Title: ANCIENT PUNJAB Research Journal Publisher: Department of Archaeology, PU, Lahore, Year: 2016 |
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Title: ANCIENT PUNJAB Research Journal Publisher: Department of Archaeology, PU, Lahore, Year: 2017 |
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Title: ANCIENT PUNJAB Research Journal Publisher: Department of Archaeology, PU, Lahore, Year: 2018 |
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Title: ANCIENT PUNJAB Research Journal Publisher: Department of Archaeology, PU, Lahore, Year: 2019 |
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Title: ANCIENT PUNJAB Research Journal Publisher: Department of Archaeology, PU, Lahore, Year: 2020 |
List of Articles |
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“Miniature Relief from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: A Comparative Study of its Iconography and Some New Thoughts about its Identification.” In: Journal of the Punjab University Historical Society. Vol. 29 No. 2, 2016. pp. 123-138 |
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“Cruciform Relic Casket from ShaikhanDheri Reliquary: An Appraisal with Special Reference to its Iconographical Treatment” In: Frontier Archaeology. Vol. 8. 2016. pp. 115-130. |
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A Brief Discussion on Cultural Heritage of the Harappan Civilization and its Evaluation through Anthropological and Ethnographical Methods Published in “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume, 4. 2016. pp. 25-38. |
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“The Buddha Contemplating the Bodhi Tree: A Case Study of Buddhist Diptych Type Portable Shrines from Gandhara” In: Frontier Archaeology, Vol. 10-14. 2017. pp. 296-307. |
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“A Little Known Miniature Relief from Peshawar Museum: Study of its Iconography” In: Frontier Archaeology. Vol. 10-14. 2017. pp. 249-269. |
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“Elephant and Rider Type Buddhist Diptych Type Portable Shrines from Gandhara”South Asian Studies. Vo. 32. No. 2. July- December 2017. pp.297-323 |
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Buddhist Ivory Diptych from Kashmir: Re-Interpretations of a Few Scenes and Some New Thoughts about its Iconography, Function and Date. In: Pakistan Heritage.Vol. 09. 2017. pp. 43-52 |
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Consular Diptychs and Buddhist Diptychs: Another Way of Exploring Western Elements in Gandhara Art.Ancient Pakistan Vol. XXVIII –2017. pp. 68-84. |
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Regionalism---Facts And Fears- National Perspective Published in “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume, 5. 2017. pp. 46-55 |
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British Architecture of Lahore: An Introductory Note of their Religious and Educational Buildings. Journal of the Punjab University Historical Society. Vol. No. 31, No. 1, 2018. pp.271-283. |
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Shalamar Garden: Reappraisal of Taken Measures in the Wake of Orange Line Train and Socio-Economic Implications Published in “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume, 6. 2018. pp. 27-44. |
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In Search of the Buddhist City of Singhapura the Capital of the Salt Range in the 7th Century: An Old Problem Reinvestigated Published in “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume, 6. 2018. pp. 45-75 |
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The Jain History, Art and Architecture in Pakistan: A Fresh Light. Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan. Volume No. 56, Issue No. 1 (January - June, 2019). pp. 217-226. |
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Sikh-Muslim Relations in the Post-Ranjit Singh Period, 1839-1849: A Reappraisal. Journal of Pakistan Vision. Vol 20. Issue 1. |
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The Retrospective and Prospective Psychiatry of the Extent of Archaeology in Cholistan Desert, Bahawalpur, Pakistan Published in “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume, 7. 2019. pp. 91-105 |
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Origin and Development of Buddha Stupa: An Overview of Textual Narratives, “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume 7, 2019. pp. 121-143 |
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To Whom Belong the Pre-Muslim Jaina Heritage of Pakistan and the Question of Taking Its Ownership? “Ancient Punjab”, Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume, 8, 2020. pp. 37-47 |
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Archaeobotanical Insights of the Pre-Historic Agriculture in Pakistan: Archaeological Acumens Department of Archaeology. University of the Punjab, Lahore. Volume 8, 2020. pp. 86-102 |
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Iconography of Pensive Bodhisattva and Great Renunciation: examples from Miniature Portable Shrines from Gandhara. Published in Bodhisattva. JA-HS, Vol. 1, No. 1, (2020). pp. 55-72 |
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Fruits of Research on Jainism in Pakistan: An Overview of History and Iconography of Parsvanatha (Pārśvanātha),published inJA-HS, Vol. 2, No. 1, (2021). |
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Remembering Zubair Shafi Ghauri (late), published inJA-HS, Vol. 2, No. 1, (2021). |
• Three days Conference from 10th to 12th of April, 2007.
• Three days Workshop from 14th to 16th June, 2006.
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