Chance discoveries often turn out to be very important, or at least very interesting. The most famous example, of course, is the discovery of America. Anyway, on 19th December 2021, while passing through Kallar Kahar, I made a small detour to check something about the Kallar Kahar resort. As soon as I turned off the main road, my eyes caught sight of a small building on the right. To my surprise, it turned out to be a museum, something I had no idea existed in Kallar Kahar. Curious, I went closer, and a pleasant surprise awaited me. The staff informed me that the museum had been opened just a few months earlier, in March 2021.
Kallar Kahar, in the district of Chakwal, is already a popular tourist destination in the Salt Range, famous for its scenic lake, lush green hills, and peacocks. Now, with the addition of this museum, it offers yet another attraction. But before taking you on a tour of the museum, it is worth briefly recalling the history of this region. The Potohar plateau has been home to some of the earliest civilizations in human history. Archaeological finds, especially from the Soan Valley, include artifacts belonging to its ancient inhabitants. In prehistoric times, the region was also home to dinosaurs—their fossils are still discovered in the hills and deep valleys of the Salt Range. Moreover, being on the main highway between India and Central Asia, this region has always played a key role in the history of South Asia.
Now, back to the Kallar Kahar Museum. Although modest in size, it has a wide-ranging collection that sheds light on the history and culture of this region. It is located near the resort at 32°46'14.0"N, 72°41'59.0"E, about 125 km from Islamabad.
The museum consists of three galleries. The first is dedicated to the Indus Valley and Gandhara Civilizations. As you step inside, the first object that captures attention is a beautifully crafted stupa displayed at the center. In the shelves around it, earthen pots from Mehrgarh and the Indus Valley are exhibited. Among the most fascinating pieces are small terracotta animal toys, which are sure to delight children. The gallery also houses exquisitely carved Buddhist statues—the highlights of the collection. An equally impressive feature is the museum’s coin collection, ranging from the Ghaznavid period to the Mughal era. This gallery also contains finely carved wooden doors, representing an old architectural tradition of Punjab.
A Buddhist Stupa. (19.12.2021.)
A view of the main gallery. (19.12.2021.)
The pictures given below depict the image of Buddha and aspects of Buddhist culture.
The museum has four beautifully carved wooden doors on display. These doors show the traditional woodwork of the region.
Coins from the Ghaznavid and the Mughal eras. (19.12.2021.)
The fossils gallery, as the name suggests, displays a large number of
fossils of prehistoric animals that roamed about millions of years ago. Their
teeth and fragments of bones can be seen here. A huge fossil of an elephant
especially attracts the attention of visitors. Some parts of fossilized plants
are also part of this interesting collection.
Fossil of an ancient elephant. (19.12.2021.)
The third gallery has been described as miscellaneous. Here you can see weapons of the Mughal and Sikh era, like swords. Metal pots of daily use are also part of this gallery. Items of daily use and some musical instruments are also on display. Small, beautifully made stone statuettes of Hindu deities, Hanuman and Ganesha also draw your attention.
A spinning wheel.
Statues of the Hindu deities Ganesha and Hanuman.
The Mughal and the Sikh era swords.
The collection of metal utensils is also quite large, showing the local handicrafts. The beautifully engraved artistic designs are a testament to the expertise of the local artisans.
Jewellery.
Shoes and waterpipes (Huqqa).
An introduction to the Kallar Kahar Museum. (19.12.2021.)
A view of the building. (19.12.2021.)
It was difficult for me to imagine that a small town in Pakistan could have a museum with such a wonderful collection of precious items, both historically and artistically. So I strongly suggest not to miss a visit to this museum, if you are visiting the Kallar Kahar resort or even just passing by.
Tariq Amir
January 1, 2022.
Islamabad
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