Key Takeaways
- Archaeologists have uncovered a 100-metre-long and 50-metre-wide structure at Jandial in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- The discovery provides new insights into the history and urban landscape of Gandhara.
- The project is part of the Khyber PATH initiative, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
Archaeologists have discovered a previously unstudied ancient structure at Jandial in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khanpur-Taxila region, which measures nearly 100 metres in length and 50 metres in width. The monument, identified as Jandial D, lies opposite the famous Ionic temple of Jandial, outside the ancient fortified city of Sirkap.
First noted by Alexander Cunningham in 1864, the structure remained largely unexplored for over a century. Excavations that began in mid-August 2026 have revealed substantial walls, with the monument’s precise function—whether public or religious—still under investigation.
The discovery was made by the KP Archaeology Department under the Khyber PATH Project, directed by Italian archaeologist Dr Luca M. Olivieri and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The project is being implemented by the Italian Archaeological Mission of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in collaboration with the KP Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums.
Dr Abdul Samad, KP Director General of Archaeology and Museums, highlighted the archaeological potential of the Khanpur–Taxila region and the importance of continued scientific research and international collaboration. He stated, 'The discovery at Jandial demonstrates that the archaeological landscape of KP continues to hold important historical secrets.'
Dr Olivieri, Khyber PATH Director, said the discovery demonstrated the 'richness and unpredictability of the region’s archaeological landscape.' He added, 'Its monumental scale and strategic location raise important new questions about the ancient landscape of Sirkap and the wider Gandharan region.'
The Khyber PATH project has been ongoing for a year at eight archaeological sites across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from Swat to the Khanpur–Taxila region. Its work includes the excavation and conservation of ancient fortifications at Sirsukh and research at Bazira/Barikot, which is on UNESCO’s Tentative List.
The project is supervised by Dr Abdul Samad, who emphasized the need to protect archaeological remains threatened by expanding urbanisation. He said, 'Our priority is to support scientific research, strengthen international partnerships and protect these irreplaceable heritage assets.'
The discovery at Jandial demonstrates that the archaeological landscape of KP continues to hold important historical secrets.
Dr Abdul Samad, KP Director General of Archaeology and Museums
Its monumental scale and strategic location raise important new questions about the ancient landscape of Sirkap and the wider Gandharan region.
Dr Luca M. Olivieri, Khyber PATH Director
