By Prof Farzand Durrani
Within the wall city of Peshawar there are two highest spots:
A) Dhaki Nal Bandi
B) Gor Kuttree
The former (DN) is all built up and excavation will not be possible or permitted. The latter, because of police presence and plenty of open space in the middle, excavation can be carried out to establish a comprehensive cultural profile of Peshawar city.
Here at the site of Gor-Gutheree there had been an ancient Hindu temple of Gorath Nathi movement, where the faithful would come to perform various Sardha ceremonies, which included offering of hair.
In 1640 AD, Princess Jehan Ara, the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jehan, who built Taj Mahal, built a magnificent Caravan Serai on a square plan. It is fortified with tower bastions and two monumental gateways opposite to each other (typical Mughal Style). The middle courtyard measures 700x700 ft.
The Caravan Serai is so impressive and it attracts all visitors to Peshawar. During the Sikh period, since their first governor (Hari Singh Nalva) had completely destroyed the Bala Hisar (the main fort) the Sikh governor (Italian general Avi Tavali) turned Gor-Gutheree into his administrative HQ, which remained to be the case during Sikh period. During the British period, Gor Gutheree remained as the police and Fire Brigade HQ, which was the case until a couple of weeks ago.
Action Proposed:
Actually there are two versions. One is rather heavy and costs about Rs. 70 million ($ 70 x 60) has four components:
a) To carry out excavations and establish a comprehensive cultural profile of Peshawar city.
b) Conservation of all architectural resource of this Mughal period Serai.
c) Establish a state-of-the-art museum, where artifacts from the excavations could be displayed for the visitors/tourists.
d) Develop Mughal style gardens, a gift shop and cafeteria in the compound, so that the visitors after seeing the excavations, the structure resource of the Mughal and Hindu periods, could relax over a cup of coffee, to promote cultural tourism.
Another version, which is smaller than the above, and only involves archaeological research and the conversation of one of the gateways and would cost around little below eight million rupees.
Those belonging to Peshawar would appreciate that completion of this project will enhance the international image of this historic city.
I wanted to urge your interest in this, as city “developers” and planners are trying to convert a large part of this ancient heritage into a theme park, which will certainly damage its glory and it will be irreversible. Already so many important parts have been demolished. It is indeed a painful reality.
PROF FARZAND DURRANI
Former Head: Department of Archaeology, and VC University of Peshawar
The Archeological Research & Conservation of Gor-Khuttree By Prof Farzand Durrani (Mar2002)
Historical Swat Stupa By Mazhar Alam