ISLAMABAD: Jamal Shah, Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, laid the foundation stone of Shah Alla Ditta Caves development, conservation, preservation, and restoration on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Jamal Shah said that the Department of Archaeology & Museums (DOAM) Islamabad has declared the site a “Protected Antiquity” under the Antiquities Act 1975 on 13-08-2016, adding that the project included archaeological excavation, complete documentation of the site, geotechnical study of binding materials, construction of drainage works as well as Soft and Hard landscaping.
The minister has ordered the Department of Archaeology and Museum to expedite the pace of work to restore the Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb in its original form, as well as enhance its outlook.
Federal Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division Humaira Ahmed, Director General Department of Archaeology & Museums (DOAM) Dr Abdul Azeem, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Shah Alla Ditta Caves in Islamabad
Shah Allah Ditta caves are located on the southern side of the Margalla hills in a small picturesque valley, 14 kilometers northwest of the capital city of Islamabad. These caves consist of two natural rock shelters of Kanjur stone situated on either side of a natural spring of hot water.
The front side of the eastern cave is covered with a wall of undressed kanjur stone laid in mud mortar, whereas its facade is covered with mud plaster with many coatings of red color.
On the smooth surface of the wall, there were some paintings in black color; however, later, these paintings were overlapped with a layer of whitewash. The paintings are of Hindu origin, most probably of god Vishnu (the savior).
In addition, the interior of the cave is bifurcated in upper and lower halves. Again, the inside walls are treated with mud plaster, having many coatings of whitewash, but later, their color becomes blackish due to the smoke of the fire used by the dwellers.
There were many Hindu families living in Shah Allah Ditta village before partition, and the caves were used by them for their daily worship and remained in occupation till 1947.
It is worth noting here that the Interim Federal Minister Jamal Shah recently inaugurated the preservation and development of the Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb, situated at a small village, ‘Bagh Jogian’, in the suburbs of Islamabad.
