THE IMAGINATION OF GANDHARA IN THE PUNJAB A VIEW FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB, LAHORE

Abstract

Gandhara in cultural and civilizational terms is still a contested entity. Long ago, probably some Indian nationalist gurus looked down upon it. It is clear from the words used by one such person. He said that Gandhara was nothing but an episode in Indian history. This episodic representation aimed at denying any crucial place to it in the long march of the history of the region. However, such thinking can still be found here and there. In this context, this study aims to seek views from the Punjab with a focus on the archaeology students from the Punjab University, Lahore. Twenty nine students and faculty members were randomly approached and indepth discussions were held with them. Their understanding of Gandhara, interest in it and response to this largely Khyber Pakhtunkhwa archaeology make major themes in this paper. A scholarly engagement with the students also brings additional insights to the fore.