Malakand.com

In Malakand a large number of archaeological remains of Buddhist and Hindu Shahi periods clearly indicate that this area remained the centre of great activities in the past. It was a part and parcel of the ancient Ghandhara region and perhaps belonged to the ancient Uddhyanna and was predominantly a Buddhist land during 2nd century BC to 7th century AD. Buddhism gradually lost its control, but it was ruled by Buddhist ruler Raja Gira when Sultan Mahmood of Ghazna invaded Malakand and defeated Raja Gira.
The area was once invaded by another Muslim ruler from Afghanistan, Mohammad Ghauri and occupied it. It was after the invasion of Mohammad Ghauri that Islam rapidly spread in the region. The region was subsequently occupied by Swati Pathans who were displaced by Yousafzai who are still occupying it.
The following areas in Malakand have many archaeological sites and monuments but due to lack of preservation and lust of the locals to excavate antique for business and get land for cultivation, most of these monuments have been turned into barren fields and the debris removed. Some of these sites still have signs of the past glory like:

1. Umar Dher site: This site is situated some two kilometres east of village Dheri Alladand on the main Alladand-Thana road. Here the remains of Buddhist and Hindu Shahi periods are scattered.

2. Ghari Site: This site is also situated on the main Alladand-Thana road near the shrine of Yousafzai leader Malik Ahmad Khan. Close examination reveals that the field of Ghari contains huge quantity of ruins of the Hindu Shahi period and some showing close affinity with the Buddhist time.


3. Nwar Tangi Site: This site is also situated near the village Dheri Alladand and is replete with ruins of Buddhist period. There existed a large number of old buildings of the Buddhist era but the people of the area have removed the debris for using the stones etc in the construction of their houses and to get land for cultivation.
4. Mago Shah Site: This site is on a kilometre distance from the village Dheri Alladand to the south-east. This site was once replete with remains of the Buddhist period but the people of the surrounding area when learnt that statues of the Buddha are scattered in the remains they started plundering them. The site was excavated lavishly and even the stones were also taken away. Illegal diggers have removed bulk of sculptures from the site.

5. Zarkandi Tangi Site: In this site there is an inscription on a rock showing resemblance with Nagri or Hindi. Here also located Buddhist mounds but the lusty people had dug away and plundered all the things of the past. There also were erected stupas but only the debris are visible. A water well dating back to the Buddhist period clearly shows Gandhara masonry. Some debris also shows ruins of Buddhist monastery.


6. Haibatgram Stupa: There is a stupa few kilometres away from the main road near Haibatgram village. This stupa has also been criminally robbed of the relics and greatly damaged by the lusty people. It is stated that all the precious relics have been excavated and plundered by the diggers. This stupa is worth preserving and if efforts were made to preserve the site it can be converted into a beautiful historical resort as well.

7. Landakay Site: This site is situated near the present Landakay village. It has remains of Hindu Shahi period. The villagers have also badly damaged these structures and the stones used in construction of their houses.

Other sites, which have vast remains of the Hindu Shahi and Buddhist periods, are scattered here and there and are vivid proof of both these dynasties. Names of the villages are mentioned here only to identify the sites.
1. Kandari Site
2. Mulano Tangi Site
3. Pinjon Banda Site
4. Wara Banda Site
5. Umar Tangi Site
6. Girro Tangi Site
7. Loi Tangi Site
8. Shah Kot Site Palai
9. Khogdaro Site Palai
10.Bachagan Site
11.Palai Shahkot Site
12. Kuza Nawagai Site
13. Koto Manzaray Site
14. Shahdand Bara Bazdara Site
15. Karkanray Gumbat Site
16. Keeray Baba Jalalpur Site
17. Dargai Banda-Dargai Dab
18. Luya Junai Site
19. Damazai Dheri Site
20. Sarki Saley Site
21. Nalo Dheri Site
22. Bargir Banda Site
23. Kafir Kot Site
24. Jalala Site etc.

Shams ur Rehman