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Swat is not merely a dale of snow-covered peaks, fruits, streams, waterfalls,
and picturesque lakes but it has also also a brilliant history. In the past it was the
home of some great civilizations. So we can find archeological sites everywhere in the valley.
A lot of tourists come here to visit the historical places and to study "Gandhara Art".In the
ancient times this mysterious dale was called "Uddiyana" and "Swad".Civilizations i.e. Darwar,
Chinese, Mongol, Buddhism and Greek flourished along the bank of river Swat.
In 326 B.C, Alexander the Great came here via, Afghanistan. In those days the ruler of Swat
was Raja Arson and the capital was Mangola. Later in304 B.C, the famous general of Alexander,
named Silokas, gave the valley to a Hindu ruler Chadar Gupt.
In 263 B.C, Asoka ruled the valley and he was the first ruler who adopted Buddhism. In 45 B.C,
Kanishka was the head of the valley.Kanishka was the founder of "Gandhara Art". Later the
famous ruler was Raja Hodi and the last was Raja Gira.Islam entered into this dale due to
the invasion if Mehmood of Ghazna. He defeated Raja Gira at Hodigram. The Kingdom of
Raja Gira was situated on the top of the near by hill. Pir Kushal Baba was the brave and
tactful commander of Mehmood's army. Pir Kushal Baba fought a bloody war and
succeeded.In 1517 A.D, Yousafzai tribe of Afghanistan invaded Swat and after twenty
years of warfare completely captured it.So the defeated tribes migrated. Then for a long
time the dale was lawless. Later some prominent religious leaders of Yousafzai tribe
decided to establish an Islamic government. In this connection the most prominent
leader was Abdul Ghafoor known as Saidu Baba.In 1847 A.D, Saidu Baba and other
chiefs of the tribe nominated Syed Akber Shah as their ruler.In 1856 A.D,
Syed Akber Shah died and so the Islamic government ended.In 1917 A.D, the grandson
of Saidu Baba became the ruler of Swat. His name was Abdul Wadud but the people
called him Badshah Sahib.After ascending the Thorne Badshah Sahib collected an
army of ten thousand men and maintained peace and justice.He built many schools,
hospitals, and roads but his personal residence, "White Palace" in Marghuzar is the
glorious monument of his architectural out look. During the reign of Badshah Sahib,
chief commissioner of N.W.F.P, Mr.Kene visited Swat in 1926 A.D, and he recognized
Swat as a state. In 1931 A.D, Viceroy of Sub-continent, Lord Arwin visited Swat and he
gave the title of K.B.E to Badshah Sahib.In1949 A.D, Badshah Sahib selected his son
Mr.Jehanzeb as the ruler. Jehanzeb was a man of modern concepts; therefore much
attention was given to construct colleges, schools, hospitals, roads and telephone
exchanges.In 1969 A.D, Swat state was merged in Pakistan.
Saidu Sharif(Baligram) is the capital of Swat, which is situated amidst the green fields and
is famous for it's silence and surrounding beauty.
Mingawara(Minchli) is the largest trade center. Marghuzar valley is 15 k.m away from Saidu
Sharif, which is famous for it's cool spring and various picnic spots.
Malam Jabba is 45 k.m away from the capital, where down hill skiing facilities
and chair lifts are available. Malam Jabba is known as the roof of Swat valley and
is famous for it's beauty.Miandam is situated 55 k.m away on Kalam road, which
is another charming place. Miandam is famous for it's sweet water and hotels.
On the same road the next famous and beautiful spot is Madyan(Churrai), here we can
enjoy cool beach of the river Swat, which is also dangerous and mysterious.
Madyan is also famous for it's trout fish and local handicrafts. Madyan is also
suitable for a long stay and hiking towards the most beautiful Bishigram Lake.
The lake is famous for it's romanticism and the surrounding allusive scenes of
nature. Next charming place is Behrain(Baraniyal). In Behrain we can enjoy the amazing
collision of the river Swat and River Daral. Here we can see that River Daral comes
with great noise, its head is Daral Lake, which is famous for the various local legends.
Many people remember it in their numerous fairy tales. Beside Behrain there is another
way, which leads to Daral Lake via, Lake.This way is easy approachable than that of
Behrain. At Lalko we can also see the famous rest house of Govt. Fazal Haq College
Mardan.If we are fond of hiking so we can do this at Kedam, which is 6 k.m away from
Behrain via, Kalam. From Kedam towards East, we can enjoy a beautiful hike to the
village of Gurnai, which is situated 6 k.m away from Kedam. The village is situated
on the huge plain amidst the mountains near the snow line. Here the surrounding
scenes and thick forests create unforgettable effects. Here we need to manage for
our own food because hotel facilities are not available.Another charming place is
Kalam, which is known as the tourist paradise. Infact Kalam was the first teacher of Buddha.
Further from Kalam the other famous
places are Gabral, Matiltan and Ushu etc. These places are suitable for own
camping and food facilities.From Utror, we can also approach to Kandolo
Lake, which requires jeep and then hiking. Kandolo Lake is very charming and
mysterious.Another beautiful lake is Saidgai Lake, where we can approach through
hiking from Kalam.Similarly we can also approach to Maho Dand,Saif Ullah Lake & Matiltan Glacier from Kalam through jeep. |
Butkara (Saidu Sharif)
Hodigram, Gogdara, Ghalegay, Barikot (Bazira) (G.T Road)
Jehan Abad (Manglor-The Largest rock statue of Buddha)
Talegram,Sair,Nangriyal,Badar (Malam Jabba Road)
For more archeological and historical studies, you can visit the famous museum at Saidu Sharif. |
