Archaeologists discover ancient structure at Jandial in KP near Sirkap

A previously unexamined ancient structure, spanning approximately 100 meters in length and 50 meters in width, has been unearthed at Jandial in the Khanpur-Taxila region of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This finding has generated "new insights into the history and urban layout of Gandhara," according to a press release issued on Friday.

The monument, labeled Jandial D, is located directly opposite the renowned Ionic temple of Jandial, situated outside the ancient walled city of Sirkap. Although first identified by Alexander Cunningham in 1864, the structure remained largely undisturbed for over a century.

Excavations initiated in mid-August 2026 unearthed robust walls, but the monument's exact purpose—whether public or religious—still requires further inquiry. The discovery was made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department in conjunction with the Khyber PATH Project, led by Italian archaeologist Dr. Luca M. Olivieri and supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The project, executed by the Italian Archaeological Mission of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums, is overseen by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Director General Dr. Abdul Samad. The Italian NGO ISCOS contributed logistical and financial assistance.

Dr. Abdul Samad emphasized the discovery's significance, noting that it underscores the archaeological potential of the Khanpur–Taxila region and the necessity of ongoing scientific investigation and international collaboration. He stressed the urgency of safeguarding archaeological sites threatened by encroaching urbanization, stating, "The discovery at Jandial illustrates that the archaeological landscape of KP continues to harbor significant historical enigmas.

Our primary objective is to promote scientific research, fortify international partnerships, and safeguard these invaluable heritage assets."

Dr. Luca M. Olivieri, the Khyber PATH project director, highlighted the monument's monumental scale and strategic position, raising compelling questions about the ancient landscape of Sirkap and the broader Gandharan region. The Khyber PATH project has been active for a year across eight archaeological sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, encompassing the excavation and preservation of fortifications at Sirsukh and scholarly research at Bazira/Barikot, which is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative List.