Archaeology of Hinduism

This paper investigates the historic kingdom of Hindu Shahi dynasty (circa 822 to 1026 CE) and discusses the results of systematic landscape survey in districts Lower Dir, Swat, Buner and Malakand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. During the survey, a total of 2542 square kilometres area was surveyed and a total of 225 archaeological Hindu Shahi sites were recorded. These sites were strategically positioned in difficult terrains, occupying hilltops and slopes, overlooking the surrounding landscapes. The Hindu Shahi sites are located in close proximity to access routes and passes that link the study area with the neighbouring regions. Among the Hindu Shahi structures, a total of 217 watchtowers at 140 sites, are the most frequent and dominant in their respective landscapes. The geographical distribution, physical locations and the nature of structures are indicative of a highly defensive architecture and purpose. The results of the survey demonstrate that the study area is the most densely occupied known region of the Hindu Shahi period. Within the study area, the relatively small Mayar valley in Lower Dir holds a naturally secured location and include a high number of sites and watchtowers. The distinctive nature of the Mayar valley suggests that it might remain the locus of socio-political activities during the Hindu Shahi period.

This paper explores the pottery assemblage from Hindu Shahi sites in the northwestern Pakistan, collected during the landscape survey in the districts of Swat, Lower Dir, Malakand Agency and Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. During the survey, an area of nearly 2500 square kilometres was investigated using systematic techniques, resulting in the documentation of 225 Hindu Shahi sites. Preliminary analyses of the pottery assemblage revealed vessels with nine types of rims and ten types of decorations. Some rim types and decorations are widespread, showing broad regional similarities and design choices across the study area. In contrast, others are relatively rare and limited to particular localities, reflecting possible socio-political and economic considerations. The similarities within pottery forms and their distribution patterns suggest an integrated socio-political system, wherein production and usage of pottery was systematized within a short period of time. The Mayar valley in particular, and its nearby localities of Tauda Cheena and Qulangai along the Swat River, in general, exhibit greater variety in pottery and decoration. Other localities, particularly those in close proximity to the Vale of Peshawar, have only the simplest and most widespread forms of vessels and decorations. The distinctive pottery assemblage from Mayar valley appears indicative of its high socio-political stature within the study area during the Hindu Shahi period.

The paper is on the plurality of narratives of Rama and Ram Janmabhoomi issues. In this paper, the authors depict, in six sections, the following points:
1. RĀMA AND NARRATIVE COMMUNITIES
2.POLYSEMOUS PROPER NAMES: RĀMA AND HIS RĀJYA
3. A LITTLE BIT OF SEMIOTICS ON THE RĀMA IMAGES
4. IDOL AS A MINOR JURISTIC PERSON?
5. SOME ETHICO-LEGAL QUESTIONS ON THE LORD RĀMA
6. RAM JANMABHOOMI: DISTRACTING US FROM THE REAL MISERIES?