Figurines discovered in Punjab

SAHIWAL: Archaeologists have discovered a number of animal and human figurines of historic period during excavation at Tibba Sungarwala, Kamalia and Toba Tek Singh.

They believe these figurines having historical value can be traced back to 7 to 16 century AD. It is claimed to be the first excavation for historic period treasures in the central Punjab.

The Federal Archeology Department had started excavation in March 2010. Tibba Sungarwala is located 12 kilometres south of Kamalia at the Ravi bank.

The excavation was meant to trace historic-period antiquities and archeological remains and Rs4 million were earmarked for the two-month venture.

Archaeological Museum Harrapa curator Muhammad Hasan was given the task of leading the team. He, along with six technicians and 20 labourers, completed the assignment by mid-May. Mr Hasan told Dawn it was a difficult task as Tibba Sungarwala was found 13-metre high from the ground level and the technicians had to dig three metre down to find antiquities.

“As many as 125 archaeological antiquities/artifacts along with mud-bricks and structures have been found. They have been documented and preserved,” he said while showing this correspondent computerised pictures of figurines.

“We have found mud pottery, ornaments, bangles, terracotta, stone objects, stone ornaments and many decorated bricks,” he said and informed Dawn that a report would soon be presented to the archeology department director general.

He revealed that around 100 encroachers had crept into the (Tibba Sungarwala) site. “They are making private residences on the historical site which is being protected under the Antiquity Law of 1975.”

He demanded that the federal government as well as the DCO protect the historical site from land grabbers by taking timely action.