Archaeological Importance of Swabi as Integral part of the Gandhara Civilization

Dr. Noor Hamid Khan Mahsud; Kashef Khan; Dr. Husnul Amin

Dr. Noor Hamid Khan Mahsud Department of Pakistan Studies, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Kashef Khan PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Arts a nd Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Australia
Dr. Husnul Amin Professor Peace & Conflict Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad

Abstract

The aim of this paper is twofold: first, we will briefly discuss the ancient history of Swabi, which is currently an important district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. District Swabi is inhabited by ethnically Pashtun population mostly belonging to lower middle and middle classes. The region has been important for its socio-political, cultural, and religious history. It was an integral and important part of Gandhara Civilization. We trace its history from 500 BC to the mid-19^th century. For this purpose, we have provided an overview of the major dynasties that ruled over this area for many centuries. The second aim of the paper is to highlight the major archaeological sites located in district Swabi and we will also mention the important archaeological excavations and discoveries in the district.

Keywords: Gandhara Civilization, Swabi, Hund, Buddhism, archaeological sites