Chilas, Darel, and Tangir are considered archaeological centers in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Along the banks of the Indus River lies a priceless treasure of engravings on smooth rocks and stones, depicting various figures, images, and inscriptions. These artifacts offer insights into the civilizations and cultures that once lived here, as well as the movements of foreign invaders, traders, travelers, and religious pilgrims.
According to experts, this tradition dates back thousands of years, from the Stone Age to the 12th or 13th century AD. It seems that in those times, engraving various scenes on stones and rocks was a well-regarded art form. Even after enduring centuries of dust and disasters, thousands of these depictions still exist, bearing silent testimony to the region’s untold ancient history.
In the areas of Thalpan, Thor, Gais, and Hudur in Chilas, as well as Shatial, hundreds of inscriptions can be found engraved in Brahmi, Sogdian, ancient Persian, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan scripts. Most of the inscriptions are in the Brahmi language. Experts believe that the old settlement of Thalpan was located near these relics. Later, in the devastating flood of 1841, the settlement near the river was destroyed, and now only a sandy plain remains. It is worth noting that a new settlement has been established there in recent years. From Thalpan to Hudur, a land route existed along the right bank of the Indus River, which travelers used.
Among the oldest and earliest depictions found here are scenes showing people hunting wild animals for food — representing the Stone Age period of the region. Over centuries of evolution, agriculture, animal husbandry, and house construction began. These relics also show the influence of the Iranian Sogdian civilization. Additionally, evidence of political control by various empires is present.
Buddhism arrived here in the first century AD and reached its peak by the seventh century. It continued in some form until the arrival of Islam in the sixteenth century. During that time, images of Gautama Buddha, depictions of Buddhist worship sites, and various other religious symbols were engraved.
Rare Archaeological treasure in danger
This rare archaeological treasure is now under threat due to the Diamer Bhasha Dam project. WAPDA has indicated that solid steps will be taken to preserve these relics before the dam is built. However, no practical efforts have been seen at the official level. A video circulating on social media shows these rare, inscription-covered rocks being loaded onto trucks and transported to an unknown location.
Excerpt from Tanveer Ahmed’s article “The Talking Stones of Chilas – A Great Historical Heritage” on Mountain TV.