Square and Rectangular Shaped Water Wells Reported from District Buner, Pakistan

Abstract

An archaeological survey was conducted by the first two authors in District Buner, during which they documented numerous sites spanning from the Pre-Buddhist era to the Islamic period. Notably, square and rectangular-shaped water wells were discovered at Lanḍisar (Gāṛ), Kachkol Paṭai, Sorai, and Kuhidara. Circular wells have been a common feature throughout human history due to their ease of excavation, cost-effectiveness, and the circular shape creates even pressure on its inner walls to maintain maximum structural strength. In contrast, the construction of square and rectangular wells is relatively less common. Non-circular wells require more labour, precise construction techniques, and they are more expensive to manufacture. It is likely that these square and rectangular-shaped water wells were commissioned under the patronage of the royal authorities of that era, showcasing the economic and technological power of the ancient society that once inhabited modern-day Buner.