SRINAGAR: The second season of archaeological excavation at the Zehanpora site in Baramulla was inaugurated on Saturday by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, with the government assuring continued support for the protection and preservation of the site.
Dulloo formally launched the excavation by conducting the first dig of the new season and later inspected the excavation trenches and archaeological remains and antiquities recovered during the previous phase.
The excavation is being undertaken by the Centre for Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir, under the leadership of Dr Mohammad Ajmal Shah, Director of Excavations. Dr Mumtaz Ahmad Yatoo, Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Asif Mohiuddin and postgraduate archaeology students are also participating in the project.
During the inaugural programme, Dr Shah presented findings from the first season and outlined the objectives, methodology and proposed research strategy for the second phase. The presentation highlighted the archaeological significance of Zehanpora and its potential to shed light on the region’s cultural and historical development.
Dulloo said the archaeological richness of Zehanpora warranted sustained efforts for its scientific investigation and preservation. He congratulated the University of Kashmir’s faculty, scholars and students involved in the project and expressed confidence that further excavation would lead to significant discoveries.
The Chief Secretary also assured the excavation team of government support for safeguarding the site, including efforts towards its appropriate notification and recognition as a site of national importance.
University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan reiterated the institution’s commitment to the project and congratulated the excavation team on completing the first phase. She expressed hope that the second season would produce further findings and improve understanding of Kashmir’s archaeological heritage.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Fakhruddin assured the excavation team of the district administration’s cooperation in facilitating the continuation and completion of the project.
The excavation also involves postgraduate archaeology students, providing them practical training in field excavation, documentation and interpretation.
Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma; Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums K.K. Sidha; Director, Centre for Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir, Prof Wahid Nasaru; SSP Baramulla and other senior officials and dignitaries attended the inaugural programme.
The project is expected to generate further archaeological evidence on the antiquity, cultural sequence and historical connections of the region while contributing to the scientific documentation and preservation of Kashmir’s archaeological heritage.
