Exploring the sub valley of Vail Nagbal
A centuries-old treasure trove comprising stone sculptures of various shapes and sizes was very earlier unearthed at the historic Karkut Nag in the Vail Nagbal area of Anantnag District. In fact it was not any systematic excavation undertaken at the site. It was just a chance find when the labourers engaged by Public Works Department for the restoration of this spring, encountered these finds.
In fact this treasure trove has not only added another chapter to our glorious sculpture art heritage but has also revealed the archaeological significance of this unexplored sub valley of Vail Nagbal.
Indeed the site not only falls in the vicinity of the Karkota period archaeological site of Martand but the name of this spring looks a bit corrupt form of the term Karkota, which served as the dynastic identity of early Hindu rulers of Kashmir.
The sub valley of Vail Nagbal is basically the extension of the major Lidder valley of Pahalgam. It is picturesquely situated on the left bank of Nallah Lidder under feet of glorious forest range of Manigam, Hapatnar. Although this glorious sub valley is still to undergo any systematic archaeological excavation but there has been reports of earlier stray archaeological finds. Prof S.L. Shal in his monumental book on archaeology has mentioned few evidences of megalithic ages which he has encountered from this valley. Another researcher Abdul Adil Parray in one of his recent research papers titled, The Neolithic and Megalithic Sites of South Kashmir has recorded one such megalithic site from this valley which he encountered at Wazthal near village Halwani. In this research paper he writes, there are about 20 megaliths lying scattered in the fields. He further writes that “during my field survey of the site, I was able to record only 12 megaliths because the rest were covered by the paddy crop.”
It means that like Lidder valley this sub valley of Vail Nagbal also carries the evidences of megalithic ages. In fact the discovery of the treasure trove from this valley has not connected it with stone ages but with civilised period of medieval age of Karkota era. Besides, it has once again highlighted the archaeological significance of this sub valley. Let us first have a word about the medieval age Karkota period.
The Karkota dynasty, which ruled Kashmir for more than two centuries, is known for its architectural and spiritual achievements, including the Martand Sun Temple in Mattan, built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida.
Unfortunately most of the earliest periods of Kashmir history have been almost forgotten by modern historians. Apart from their political history, the cultural history has also remain more or less unexplored.
One such forgotten empire is of Karkotas. The first people with local origin, who ascended the throne of the land, were Karkotas. The dynasty ruled Kashmir for more than two centuries during which seventeen Rajas ascended the throne one after the other. When the dynasty was founded, is not exactly known. However, scholars have agreed 600 AD as the date of accession of its founder Durlabavardha. The chronology since accession of the Karkota no doubt assumes an authentic sequence but as for the dates of the accession of its various rajas to throne is concerned it has been subject to controversy.
History records that the Karkota Empire was a Kashmiri dynasty that was a major power in the Indian subcontinent. It was founded by Durlabhvardhana in about early 7th century AD.
The coins of few of Karkota rulers are also known; archaeologists have found coins of Durlaba and Pratapa , which are identified as the coins of Sri Durlabhadeva and Laitaditya Mukhtapida.
The coins carried legend in Gupta Brahmi as Sri Durlaba and Sri Pratapa, with crude figures of Standing King and seated Godess. Their coins have been found in hoards at Bhtawara (Fiazabad) Manu Banda Sarnath and Rajghat (Varanasi) and at the ancient site of Nalanda which may speak of Karkota’s expeditions’ of these distant Indian lands.
In fact, Kalhana has given an elaborate description of Lalitaditya’s expeditions, besides Karkota period numismatic evidences have also come from very distant lands. But still this empire has remained almost unexplored. There are still several quires which require further deliberation. Wherefrom the Karkotas basically emerged? To which race they belonged? How their coins have been found from so distant lands? Are these coins genuine or these are forgeries. What were their relations with ancient China? Did really Huen Tsang, the Chinese Ambassador arrive Kashmir during their times?
This treasure recovered from such distant site of Karkut Nag is expected to throw further light on the architectural, spiritual and art history of Karkota period.
The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums shall explore the sub valley of Vail Nagbal, and also hold a special workshop cum exhibition on these finds so that the new generation is attracted towards this heritage.
Iqbal Ahmad, senior Archaeologist and author.
