PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF DISTRICT MALAKAND, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN (2016-17)

Abstract

The present paper deals with the results of fresh archaeological exploration carried out in the Malakand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, with the objectives to document the cultural heritage sites and monuments of archaeological and historical importance. Behind the objective, the core question needs to be addressed, what is the archaeological importance of present-day district Malakand? During the survey, some new archaeological sites dated from pre- Buddhist to the Buddhist, Hindu Shahi and Islamic periods were brought to light. An attempt is therefore made here to highlight the endangered archaeological assets of Malakand district to draw the attention of the concerned authorities for their proper acquisition, maintenance and conservation.