006. An Ancient Settlement At Tulaja

ver heard of Tulaja? Most probably not. Yet it could be one of the largest ancient settlements and archaeological sites in Pakistan. It’s located at 32° 29' 18" N, 72° 15' 50" E, in Khushab District. So what is it? Tulaja is a hill with steep vertical cliffs on all sides—essentially a natural fortress. It's accessible at only one point, and even that path was carved into solid rock by human hands. What makes this site remarkable is the presence of ruins from a very old settlement, spread over an area of nearly 13 acres, with a length of about 500 meters and a maximum width of 190 meters. Clearly, it was once a large and significant community.

The hilltop is flat and scattered with hundreds of ruins, remains of old houses built entirely from well-carved stones. Many walls, some up to 10 feet high, are still standing, although none of the roofs have survived.

Locals call the site Tulaja and associate it with the Hindus. The name itself likely refers to a Hindu deity. But who lived here, and when was the settlement abandoned? Nobody really knows. Still, the ruins suggest it was once a thriving town, probably home to thousands. Beyond that, little else is known. And as for the archaeology department or other relevant authorities, they've shown no interest in the site, assuming they even know it exists.

 Northern face of the hill. (08.03.2009.)

 A passage was carved out of the solid rock to reach the top. It is at the northeastern corner of this hill. (08.03.2009.)

 A lane in the city. (08.03.2009.)

Ruins of a house. (08.03.2009.)

The houses were built of well-hewn stones. (08.03.2009.)

A vast amount of debris shows the extensive construction in Tulaja. (08.03.2009.)

Phulahi is a common tree in these hills. (08.03.2009.)

Looking southeast towards the plains almost, 600 meters below. (08.03.2009.)

Skillfully made walls of a building. (0803.2009.)

A general view of this vast settlement. (08.03.2009.)

Precipice at the southwestern corner. (08.03.2009.) 

It seems to be a street. (08.03.2009.)

I believe that if proper research and excavation were carried out by archaeologists, invaluable information about this ancient civilization could be uncovered. The site has the potential to become a major national and international tourist attraction. The surrounding area is also ideal for picnics, hiking, trekking, and similar outdoor activities.

So, how can you get there? Start from Khushab city and head toward Khaliqabad. From Khaliqabad, continue driving into the mountains. On the way, you’ll pass Narwari Bagh. About 4.5 kilometers beyond the garden, leave the main road and turn right onto an unpaved track. Drive for about four kilometers, then park your vehicle and walk approximately two kilometers to reach the top of the hill. I highly recommend hiring a local guide who is familiar with the area.

Tariq Amir

May 13, 2014.

Doha - Qatar.

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