The Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, Zahir Abbas Malik has announced the final phase of the “Digital Curation of Taxila Museum” project, conducted in collaboration with the Citizen Archive of Pakistan and Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth (CAP-PTEG) initiative.
This phase focuses on the comprehensive digital documentation of all objects on display at the Taxila Museum, with particular emphasis on gold artifacts and Buddha sculptures.
Zaheer Abbas Malik, Director General of Archaeology Punjab, described the initiative as a key component of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Digital Punjab Program.The digital photography and inventory work are being meticulously carried out by the Citizen Archives of Pakistan (CAP).
This collection includes precious gold jewelry from the Gandhara civilization, which was originally cataloged by Sir John Marshall, the then Director General of Archaeology for British India, during the 1920s. The documentation process aims to ensure high-resolution, detailed digital records of these historically significant items. The exquisite antique gold jewelry includes a variety of artifacts such as intricately designed bangles, delicate bracelets, ornate rings, elaborate necklaces, and finely crafted earrings. Additionally, the project encompasses the digital recording of Buddha sculptures, capturing their artistic and historical essence. This digital curation process is being conducted under the expert supervision of Anjum Dara, Deputy Director of Archaeology SRO Taxila and Ms. Hummara Naz, Curator of the Taxila Museum. Both professionals are actively collaborating with the CAP team to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the documentation.
The initiative is led by Zahir Abbas Malik, Director General of Archaeology, Punjab, underscoring a continued commitment to preserving and showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage through modern technological advancements. This project not only aims to enhance public access to these valuable artifacts but also to support ongoing research and educational efforts related to Pakistan’s historical legacy.