Why Kashmir’s Archaeological Sites Are Disappearing

Archaeological Sites – For more than a decade, archaeologist and historian Dr. Rukhsana Said Khan has been documenting the rich archaeological heritage of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Yet alongside discoveries of ancient sites, inscriptions, temples and artifacts, she has witnessed another troubling reality: the gradual destruction, theft and misrepresentation of historical heritage.

In the second part of our exclusive interview, Dr. Khan discusses the threats facing archaeological sites across AJK, the challenges of heritage conservation, and the responsibilities of government institutions, media organizations and local communities.

Archaeological Sites – Illegal Digging Is Not Archaeology

One of the key distinctions Dr. Khan emphasized was the difference between scientific excavation and illegal digging.

“Excavation is a planned process where we work and do not let anything get damaged.”

According to her, archaeological excavation follows strict scientific and ethical procedures. Every object is documented, every layer is recorded, and permissions are required before any work can begin.

However, she noted that after the discovery and promotion of more than one hundred archaeological sites in AJK in 2011, illegal digging increased significantly.

“I realized that people started illegally excavating these places on a wider scale.”

Many individuals believed that ancient temples or archaeological sites might contain coins, sculptures or other valuable objects. As a result, unauthorized digging damaged several locations and removed important historical evidence.

Heritage Used for Political Narratives

Dr. Khan also highlighted how archaeological materials have sometimes been used to support political narratives.

Referring to a widely discussed incident involving Sharda Temple, she stated:

“The soil of Sharda Mandir was used in India at the base of a Ram Mandir in a proper ceremony.”

She stressed that artifacts and materials removed without authorization should not be taken from heritage sites, regardless of the purpose.

According to her, the protection of archaeological heritage must remain above political interests.

Laws Exist, But Implementation Remains Weak

AJK has adopted the Antiquities Act of 1985, which provides legal protection to historical sites and monuments.

Dr. Khan explained that the law clearly restricts construction activities around protected heritage locations.

“It is clearly mentioned that you cannot do any construction within 200 feet of that premises.”

Despite these legal provisions, she believes enforcement remains inadequate.

Many archaeological sites, temples, forts and Buddhist remains have experienced encroachment, with modern structures often built directly alongside historic walls and boundaries.

Although courts have occasionally intervened and sought expert opinions, Dr. Khan questioned whether implementation has consistently followed.

Archaeological Sites – The Disappearance of Historical Evidence

One particularly concerning example involved a historical inscription in Baradari, Muzaffarabad.

The inscription contained historical information related to routes, dates and regional connections. During one of her visits, Dr. Khan discovered that the original inscribed slab had been removed and replaced with another stone.

“The written evidence about our history was not there.”

For researchers, such losses are significant because inscriptions often provide direct historical evidence that cannot easily be replaced.

Archaeological Sites – The Media’s Responsibility

Dr. Khan devoted considerable attention to the role of media and social media in shaping public understanding of history.

She expressed concern about the growing number of documentaries, tourism pages and online videos that present inaccurate historical information.

“Many such documentaries that I have seen quote history incorrectly.”

According to her, historical sites are frequently misidentified, locations are incorrectly attributed, and narratives are sometimes constructed without reference to authentic sources.

She emphasized that historical reporting should be based on documentation, evidence and expert consultation.

At the same time, she acknowledged the positive contribution of responsible journalists who verify information before publication.

“Some of our older journalists understand these things.”

She recalled how experienced reporters would regularly ask for references, citations and supporting evidence before publishing archaeological findings.

Archaeological Sites – The Rise of Historical Misinformation Online

The growth of social media has made historical misinformation more widespread.

Dr. Khan specifically pointed to tourism promotion pages that often present incorrect information about archaeological sites.

“I never see history being correct.”

She urged content creators and tourism stakeholders to consult experts before publishing historical claims.

In her view, tourism departments should take the lead by publishing verified historical information on official websites, information panels and digital platforms.

Why Museums Matter

Another major theme of the discussion was the importance of museums in preserving cultural heritage.

Dr. Khan explained that museums are not merely buildings that display objects. They serve as repositories of collective memory and cultural identity.

She described different types of museums, including:

• Archaeological museums
• Historical museums
• Site museums
• Ethno-archaeological museums

These institutions help preserve artifacts, architecture, traditions and stories for future generations.

The Museum Lost After the 2005 Earthquake

Before the devastating 2005 earthquake, Muzaffarabad housed a museum containing archaeological artifacts, coins and historical objects related to Kashmir’s past.

However, after the earthquake destroyed the facility, it was never fully restored.

“When this museum was destroyed during the 2005 earthquake, it was never renovated again.”

Dr. Khan believes that post-disaster reconstruction efforts should include the preservation of cultural heritage alongside physical infrastructure.

The Need for a True Archaeological Museum

While a new museum is being developed in Mirpur, Dr. Khan argues that a comprehensive archaeological museum is still needed.

Such a museum could preserve artifacts discovered across AJK and provide a proper platform for research, education and public awareness.

She suggested that communities should be encouraged to voluntarily contribute historical objects, documents and artifacts so they can be preserved professionally.

Illegal Artifact Trade

One of the most striking revelations from the interview concerned the informal networks involved in illegal artifact trading.

Dr. Khan explained that illegal diggers frequently approached her seeking authentication of objects they had discovered.

“Illegal diggers knew me more than people in intellectual circles.”

Although she never participated in the trade itself, she often documented artifacts through photographs and gathered information about their origins for research purposes.

Many valuable objects, she noted, are sold for very small amounts to middlemen who recognize their commercial value.

“People do not know the potential of an artifact.”

As a result, communities sometimes lose priceless historical evidence without realizing its significance.

Awareness Is the First Line of Defense

According to Dr. Khan, public awareness remains one of the most effective tools for protecting heritage.

She advocated for informational boards at archaeological sites explaining the importance of monuments and outlining legal restrictions regarding excavation and artifact removal.

In many countries, heritage sites clearly inform visitors that artifacts belong to the state and should be reported to authorities if discovered.

She believes similar measures are urgently needed across AJK.

Preserving History for Future Generations

The interview concluded with a powerful reminder that heritage preservation is not solely the responsibility of archaeologists.

Governments, media organizations, educational institutions, local communities and tourists all have a role to play.

The archaeological heritage of Kashmir represents thousands of years of human history. Once destroyed, removed or altered, that evidence can never truly be replaced.

As Dr. Rukhsana Said Khan’s work demonstrates, preserving the past is not merely about protecting monuments—it is about safeguarding the historical identity of future generations.