112 M. A. Siein — Archieological tour with the Bumr Field Force. [March, 



satisfaction of approaching it closer than has apparently been possible 

 on any previous occasion. A rapid ride down the Chamla valley, close 

 np to the border of Amazai territory did not reveal much of antiquarian 

 interest, but enabled me to collect useful information about an extensive 

 group of ruins, known as Shahkot, which crown tlie summit of the 

 mountain. It would be hazardous to express an opinion as to their 

 character or origin until they have actually been surveyed. But when 

 will this time come ? 



It was on the last day of the occupation that I made this ride to- 

 wards the snow-covered slopes of Mount Mahaban. When I returned 

 in the afternoon to the Ambela Pass, the rear guard of the force had 

 already far advanced into that famous defile. What I saw last of 

 Buner teritory had thus also the charm of historical associations, not 

 less stirring because they were modern. 



With reference to the above I may safely say that I have spared no 

 effort to utilize to the full the brief twelve days I could spend on Buner 

 soil. What makes me regret more than anything else the shortness of 

 the time allowed, is the fact that I was unable to see a single one of 

 Major Deane's puzzling inscriptions in situ. My article published in the 

 Bengal Asiatic Society's Journal (Part I, 1898, No. 1) shows that a 

 number of these inscriptions " in unknown characters " have been found 

 in Buner territory. Several of the stones bearing such inscriptions, 

 being of small size, have been removed by Major Deane's agents and 

 deposited in the Lahore Museum. Others known as yet only from 

 impressions, may be supposed to be still in their original localities. 

 Three of the places where impressions had been taken, could actually be 

 reached by me. 



At Tursak where an impression had been obtained of an inscribed 

 stone walled into a MuUa's house, almost the whole population had fled 

 at the approach of the troops. No local information was thus available 

 as to which of the twelve Mulla's houses contained this epigraphical 

 relic, and the prolonged search made by myself and my people failed to 

 bring to light tlie desired stone from the mud-plastered walls of the 

 deserted dwellings. At Naivakili and Mallaisap, two villages towards 

 the Malandri Pass, which I visited from one of the last camps by a 

 forced march of over 25 miles, the result was equally disappointing. 

 The few villagers who had not taken to the mountains, could or, would 

 not show the position of the stones. Considering the combined 

 fanaticism and ignorance of the population, it can scarcely surprise 

 that information of this kind which might be supposed to lead to the 

 discovery of hidden treasures, etc., was withheld from one of the 

 invaders. The limited time available and the smaUness of my escort 



I 



