Type: Archaeological Site - Cave
Province: Islamabad
District: Islamabad
Period: Historic
Relative Chronology: 7th - early 11th Century CE
Description: Shah Allah Ditta Caves are situated on the southern side of Margalla hills in a small picturesque valley, only 14 km north-west of the capital Islamabad, measuring 40m in length, 60m in width and 08m in height. The caves consist of two natural kanjur rock shelters situated on either side of the natural spring. Front side of the eastern cave no.1 is covered with a wall of undressed stone laid in lime mortar. A narrow approach to the cave is provided in the eastern north. Facade of the cave is covered with mud plaster having coatings of red color. Cave no.2 also consists in natural kanjur rock stone. Inside the cave, a small platform (1m in length) is provided. The colour of walls and roof has become blackish due to smoke of the fire used by the inhabitants. In front of the caves, there are remains of a paved channel and a square water tank measuring 9x6 m constructed in lime stone blocks, laid in lime mortar.
Latitude: 33.722050000
Longitude: 72.915160000
Ownership: Evacuee Trust
Legal Status: Protected by The Antiquity Act 1975 (As amended in 1992)
Title of Publication: Pre-Historic Rock Shelters and Caves in Capital Territory Islamabad and District Rawalpindi
Published In: Journal of Asian Civilizations, Vol. 33, No. 1, July 2010
Year of Publication: 2010
Bibliography/Reference: Khan, Muhammad Ashraf et.al
