Transitions: Veteran archaeologist Fidaullah Sehrai passes away

88-year-old was considered an authority on Gandhara art

PESHAWAR: Veteran archaeologist and academic Professor Fidaullah Sehrai passed away on Sunday morning in Peshawar after a prolonged illness. He was 88.

Sehrai was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Baghicha Dheri, Mardan. A large number of people, including journalists and intellectuals, attended his funeral prayers.

Making of an expert

An expert of the Buddhist civilisation of Gandhara, Sehrai’s life began in Baghicha Dheri – which was then a part of Swabi – in 1928.  After he completed his secondary schooling, he was admitted to Islamia College Peshawar, now Islamia College University.

He studied museum studies in University of Leicester.

Over time, he became one of the leading archaeologists in the province. Sehrai’s accomplishments in his chosen field only paled in comparison with the work of Dr Ahmad Hassan Dani.

His erudite observations and scholarly appeal were widely appreciated and earned him numerous opportunities to excel. Sehrai served in University of Peshawar’s archaeology department as an academic and, subsequently, its chairperson. He was appointed director of Peshawar Museum in 1972 and served in that position till 1988.

The late archaeologist was considered an authority of Gandhara art. Throughout his life, he attended a string of seminar and conferences across the world to speak about his research and share his insights. Sehrai’s work was particularly popular in Japan and Korea.

He wrote a large number of articles and books. Sehrai’s work continues to live on and serves as an ever-present testimony of his competence.

Some of his books include The Buddha Story in Peshawar Museum, The forgotten city of Gandhara, A Guide to Takht-i-Bahi and A brief guide to Peshawar Museum.

Mightier than the sword

After he retired in the 1980s, Sehrai served as a senior columnist at a local newspaper. In his new role as a social commentator, he shifted his focus to issues of good governance and militancy. His column, titled ‘Hujra’ put a spotlight on a range of issues that were of socio-political importance. Sehrai also wrote column for various national and international publications.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2016.