PESHAWAR (Khyber Mail): The University of Cambridge, UK, has partnered with the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, on a significant initiative to preserve and document South Asia’s rich cultural heritage. The project, known as the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA), operates under the Macdonald Institute for Archaeological Research at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Rebecca Roberts, Project Coordinator, and Ms. Afifa Khan, Research Assistant and Fieldwork Coordinator for Pakistan, recently introduced the project at the SSAQ Museum of Archaeology. Their presentation, “Introducing the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia Project,” marked a key milestone in the collaboration between the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar and the University of Cambridge.
An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, committing both institutions to a joint effort to preserve the region’s historical and cultural landscapes. Prof. Dr. Zakirullah Jan, a renowned authority in the field, has been appointed as the focal person for this collaborative project.
The event was attended by faculty members and students from the Archaeology and Tourism departments, including Dr. Muhammad Naeem Qazi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities (FA&H), Dr. Ibrahim Shah, Dr. Zubaida Yousaf, Dr. Shakeel Khan, Dr. Asfandyar, Mr. Muhammad Waqar, and Mr. Asim Amin. The discussions highlighted the importance of modern technologies and methodologies in archaeology, showcasing the latest tools and equipment for documenting heritage sites.
This partnership aims to enhance academic research and fieldwork methodologies, fostering a deeper understanding of South Asia’s archaeological landscape. By pooling resources and expertise, both institutions aim to highlight and preserve the cultural narratives inherent within the region’s archaeological sites.