Ancient relic undergoes restoration

Project includes excavation, documentation of Shah Allah Ditta caves

ISLAMABAD:

The foundation stone for the project to restore Shah Alla Ditta caves – an ancient archaeological site located in the Margalla Hills, Islamabad, adorned with murals from the Buddhist era – was laid on Monday.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) has declared the site as “Protected Antiquity” under the Antiquities Act 1975 on 13-08-2016. The National Heritage and Culture Division, has already started conservation, preservation, restoration and development of the caves, said the interim federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah, while speaking on the occasion.

The minister said that the restoration work includes archaeological excavation, complete site documentation, geotechnical study of binding materials, construction of drainage works and soft and hard landscaping.

The caves are situated on the southern side of the Margalla hills in a small picturesque valley, some 14 kilometres north-west of the federal capital. 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 and has many coatings of red colours.

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On the smooth surface of the wall, some paintings are executed in black colour but back in the day, the paintings were covered with a layer of whitewash. The paintings are of Hindu origin, probably of god Vishnu (the saviour). Interior of the cave is divided into upper and lower halves. Walls are treated with mud plaster having many coatings of white wash 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.

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

In order to preserve our heritage, Jamal Shah recently inaugurated the preservation and development of Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb located at a small village ‘Bagh Jogian’ in the vicinity of Islamabad. The minister has ordered the officials of the department to expedite the pace of work to restore the Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb in its original form besides enhancing its outlook.

Federal Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Humaira Ahmed, DOAM Director General Dr Abdul Azeem and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2024.