PESHAWAR, May 6: The archaeology and museums department has discovered 140 archaeological sites and Buddhist monuments in Swabi district, an official said.

"These historical sites and cultural wealth belonging to the third century BC to the 18th century AD were discovered during a survey conducted in the area, said Archaeology and Museums Department Deputy Director Mohammad Bahadar Khan.

"Swabi, which was an integral part of the Gandhara civilization, is rich in cultural heritage. Due to its strategic location it has remained the focus of cultural activities for a long time," he said.

During the survey in the district, a rich variety of ethnological data was recorded in the villages, he said. The ethnological material helped in reconstructing continuity in the tradition and cultural events over a long span, he said.

He said the area needed to be probed further for ethnological wealth. At the 140 sites, rock carvings and paintings depicting human and animal figurines and geometrical designs were located, which appeared to be contemporary to Gogdhara in Swat.

He said Greek historian Herodotus mentioned Caspapyros as an area of gold mining, which was later identified by Sir M.A. Stein with a desolate sandy track stretching from Salatura to Jaganat near the modern village of Yar Hussain in the vicinity of Jahangira.

It was presumed that well known Sanskrit grammarian Paninni was born in Salatur (Chota Lahore) during the rule of Darius-1, he said. -APP