ISLAMABAD: The Buddhist remains at Ban Fakiraan in Islamabad are not as well known as the World Heritage Sites in Taxila even though the two locations are roughly two kilometres apart.

But this may be about to change if a few hopeful archeologists are to be believed. The archaeologists are readying their tools to excavate the site which is said to date back to the 3rd to 5th century AD. The excitement to conserve the Buddhist stupa at Ban Fakiraan seems to have created frenzy among the usually quiet experts.

In fact, Director General Department of Archaeology and Museums Dr Mohammad Arif said the excavation would begin immediately after the Eid holidays.

“Rarely do archaeological digs attract attentions but this is the first time the Federal Archaeology Department has identified the ancient site in Islamabad for excavation and conservation. This is likely to make the city historically richer,” said Ghafoor Lone, who is leading the project at Ban Fakiraan.

Perched on a hill about a two-hour hike from the famous Buddhist caves at Shah Allah Ditta is a Stupa (a mound said to contain relics, usually Buddhist monks’ remains) that has long been buried under the earth.

All the three sites appear to be connected - a long track from the Buddhist caves in Shah Allah Ditta snakes up the Margalla Hills to these remains before descending into the Taxila valley.

Spread over two to three kanals and hidden by tall grass, the ancient site could offer newer discoveries.

Archaeologists have identified one of the structures at this site which was much later than the Buddhists, as possibly the first mosque of the Ghaznavi period built in the area.

However, it is the proximity to the famous Giri Stupa in Taxila which is listed with Unesco as a world heritage site that raises the importance of the remains at Ban Fakiraan.

AN archaeologist identifi es a Buddhist stupa at Ban Fakiraan, 2km above Buddhist caves at Shah Allah Ditta.

“The remains of Ban Fakiraan are roughly three kilometres from the Giri Stupa, which also possibly means that this too might be a significant Buddhist site,” said Ghafoor Lone, who has taken part in important excavations at Jinnan Wali Dheri and Badalpur in Taxila and in Balochistan.

However, till the excavation begins the archaeologists can only make educated guesses.

The late Dr Ahmad Hassan Dani, the foremost authority on the Central Asian and South Asian archaeology, had reason to believe that this track was possibly used by Alexander the Great; Ghafoor Lone recalled Dr Dani explaining to archaeologists during a lecture at the Quaid-i-Azam University.

But after repeated visits, archaeologists are of the opinion that the winding track is too narrow for horses. They argue that it was more likely used by worshipers and travellers on foot.

“We cannot find any references in available literature but are excited about the anticipated thrill of discovery once we start digging and gather more evidence,” said Ghafoor Lone.

Besides the ruins of the mosque-like structure, archaeologists have also identified a walled enclosure as a large pool which was probably used to collect clean water.

However, not all the news about this site is good. Like most neglected ancient remains, this one too has been the victim of illegal diggers.

Signs of illegal digging are obvious but the experts claim that no major damage was caused. However, once the excavation begins, there may be more concrete information.

It may be noted that the excavation at the Ban Fakiraan has been delayed since 2011 primarily due to the shortage of funds. In April 2015, the government released Rs2 million for the project.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2015

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