Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 2: A large-scale archaeological excavation underway at Zehanpora in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has revealed extensive remains believed to date back to the Kushan period, marking what officials describe as one of the most significant heritage findings in recent years.
The excavation is being jointly carried out by the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir and the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums. The dig has revealed the remnants of a large stupa, structural walls, and a vast collection of pottery along with copper artifacts believed to date back to the Kushan period, significantly enhancing the understanding of ancient Kashmir’s cultural and religious landscape. Click here to watch video
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, who inspected the site, said the excavation has been progressing in a scientific manner for the last two to three months under the supervision of archaeologist Dr. Ajmal and his team. He said many discoveries have already been made, including insights into the construction material and building patterns used at the settlement.
Sherpa added that the work is expected to continue for the next two to three years and may even take more years to fully determine the nature and layout of the ancient settlement.
Sherpa said the findings could open “a new chapter in the history of Baramulla and Kashmir,” noting that the ancient town has historically served as a major trade corridor. He added that researchers expect a clearer picture of the site’s cultural and economic profile within three to four years of continued excavation.
Archaeologists at the site confirmed the discovery of multiple artifacts linked to the Kushan period, including pottery fragments and copper objects. They said that the first phase of the excavation will be closed in the coming five to six days because of harsh weather conditions, declining temperatures, and the elevation of the location near the river. “We have so far identified several features of the Kushan period, including table walls and pottery, and on Monday copper material was also recovered,” he said. He added that the second phase of the excavation will be crucial in revealing the scale of the settlement and the direction in which the history of Kashmir will unfold.
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