A joint team of archaeologists from Pakistan and South Korea has embarked on an ambitious three-month excavation of the Mankiala Stupa believed to be one of the largest and most historically significant in the Potohar region, potentially rivaling the renowned Buddhist remains of Taxila.

“We suspect that the Mankiala Stupa, dating from the 2nd to 5th century AD, could be surrounded by an ancient city much like Taxila. Previous efforts to excavate the site were left incomplete. We are aiming to change that in the coming months,” said Dr Abdul Ghafoor Lone, Incharge of Museums at the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM).

This collaborative initiative, “Tracing the link between Korea and Pakistan through Gandhara Cultural Heritage” brings together the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency in partnership with DOAM.

The joint project which began on October 7 and runs through December 6 seeks to explore the Stupa’s lower structure and surrounding areas. In the first phase, archaeologists are focusing on revealing meditative cells around the main Stupa with steps already discovered leading down into one such chamber.

The second phase will target areas such as fields that have been encroached upon over time. Located 36 km southeast of Islamabad, the Mankiala Stupa is historically significant, visible from the nearby Rawat Fort, roughly three km away. It is traditionally recognised as the site associated with Prince Sattva or Salta, who, according to legend, sacrificed himself to feed a starving tigress and her cubs.

This grand Stupa stands as one of the four major structures that thrived during the Gandhara period.

Dr Abdul Azeem, Director General DOAM, lauded the collaboration. “The Korean government’s support in preserving our cultural heritage is commendable. This project will not only build our capacity for preservation but also train a new generation of archaeologists,” he said.

In addition to the excavation, seven students from Pakistan are participating in the project, receiving hands-on training in using cutting-edge archaeological tools such as drones and total stations. This initiative marks the most significant archaeological undertaking since 2016, according to Professor Ghaniur Rahman from Quaid-i-Azam University, who described the opportunity as “an excellent step forward for students and researchers alike.”

The Mankiala excavation is part of a broader Korean Official Development Assistance (ODA) project with a total budget of $4 million aimed at conserving and promoting cultural heritage in several countries, including Pakistan.

Bumhwan Jeon, senior researcher with the Korea Heritage Agency, expressed the hope that the project will inspire young Pakistanis to develop a passion for archaeology and the preservation of cultural relics.

“Mankiala Stupa was first brought to the world’s attention by British emissary Mountstuart Elphinstone in 1809. Subsequent excavations in 1830 led to the discovery of relics now housed in the British Museum,” explained Dr Park, director at the Korea Heritage Agency. He said South Korea had been actively supporting archaeological preservation and tourism initiatives in various countries through ODA projects since 2021.

As the joint team continues its meticulous work, there is growing anticipation that the ancient site will yield invaluable insights into the region’s Buddhist history and further strengthen cultural ties between Korea and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2024