ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah on Monday laid the foundation stone of Shah Allah Ditta caves’ development, conservation, preservation and restoration.

Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Humaira Ahmed, Director General Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) Dr Abdul Azeem and other senior officials were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said DOAM had declared the site a protected antiquity under the Antiquities Act 1975 in August 2016.

He said DOAM, National Heritage and Culture Division, had started conservation, preservation, restoration and development of the caves during the current financial year.

He said the work included archaeological excavation, complete documentation of the site, geotechnical study of binding materials and construction of drainage as well as soft and hard landscaping.

Shah Allah Ditta caves are situated on the southern side of the Margalla Hills in a small picturesque valley, 14 kilometres northwest of Islamabad. The caves consist of two natural rock shelters of Kanjur stone situated on either side of a natural spring of hot water.

The front side of the eastern cave is covered with a wall of undressed kanjur stone laid in mud mortar. The facade of the cave is covered with mud plaster having many coatings of red colour.

On the smooth surface of the wall, some paintings are executed in black colour but in the later period, the paintings are covered with a layer of whitewash.

The paintings are of Hindu origin, probably of god Vishnu (the savior). Interior of the cave is divided into upper and lower halves. Walls are treated with mud plaster having many coatings of whitewash but now the colour of the walls become blackish due to the smoke of the fire used by the dwellers.

In front of the cave are the remains of a paved channel and a square water tank constructed in limestone blocks laid in lime mortar.

Many Hindu families were living in Shah Allah Ditta village before partition and the caves were used by them for their daily worship and remained in occupation till 1947.

The caretaker minister recently inaugurated the preservation and development of Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan tomb located in a small village, Bagh Jogian, in the vicinity of Islamabad. The minister has ordered DOAM to expedite the pace of work to restore the mosque and Muqarab Khan tomb in its original form besides enhancing its outlook.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2024