The Sharda Temple: An Ancient Archaeological Site in Neelum (Kishenganga) Valley

Abstract

This paper focuses the documentation of an ancient archaeological site: the Sharda Temple in Neelum (Kishenganga) Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The study is based on field survey, exploration and salvage excavation carried out by this author during 2013-15 under the umbrella of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad. This research is based on field notes, findings, temple plans and original drawings by the author. Temple is located in a conflict zone, making it inaccessible to researchers and archaeologists since 1948. Prior to political division of State of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sharda temple had remained a significant icon of the Neelum (Kishenganga Valley). The comparative study of the Sharda temple architectural style with other edifices of the region is part of this research. By thorough examination of its construction elements the paper intends to prove that this site was renovated or reconstructed during different phases of history. The findings during field survey, and cultural material unearthed through salvage excavation provide a firm base for further investigations on the subject.