Conference by Abdul Hameed, professor of archaeology at Hazara University and 2024-2025 research-fellow at the Paris IAS (FIAS program), organized by the Société européenne pour l'étude des civilisations de l'Himalaya et de l'Asie centrale (SEECHAC) and the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE-PSL).

Event onsite, open to the public (free entry).
Conference in English.

Presentation

The Chitral valley, due to its mountainous terrain and isolated position in between the Hindukush and Himalayas, still preserves many native cultures and traditions including the Kho and Kalasha. Most of the sub-valleys in the Upper and Lower districts of Chitral consist of complex topographical features limiting archaeological research in the region despite of substantial potential. However, recent archaeological investigations by Hazara University (Mansehra) have brought to light ample material evidence of the past. The present lecture focuses on new discoveries from Gankorinio-tek in Singoor (Lower Chitral). Systematic excavations at this cemetery site in 2021 unearthed important biological and archaeological remains. Based on radiocarbon dating, the earliest burials have been placed to 910-817 BCE. Analysis of the newly discovered remains helps us understand various aspects of the Iron age population including their funerary rituals, social stratification and dietary pattern. Apart from the cemeteries, the Iron age in Chitral valley is also confirmed by newly explored rock carvings from Upper Chitral.

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