Treasure of ancient coins discovered in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 2 (UNI) A treasure of coins belonging to various kingdoms from first to 20th century has been discovered in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, an official spokesman said today.

He said the Directorate of Archives, Archeology and Museums has obtained the copper and silver coins found at Valootra in Rafiabad area of Baramulla district.

The coins are believed to be of Kushan, Mughal, Durrani, Sikh and Dogra kingdoms and from period between first to 20th century.

The treasure has been transferred to the Shri Partap Singh (SPS) Museum here for preservation, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir government has invited global tenders for construction of a new state-of-the-art museum building at Lal Mandi here.

The spokesman said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has approved the site for the construction of the new museum building which would be at par with international standards and aesthetically represent the traditional architecture of Kashmir.

He said the proposed museum would be built adjacent to the SPS museum here on a piece of land measuring 19 kanals and 17 marlas.

The museum would have all modern facilities, including central heating and electrical system, landscaping and interior designing.

He said Mr Azad has directed the authorities concerned to initiate necessary steps for seeking site and building plans along with technical estimates of the works from expert consultants of the national and international repute.

Archives, Archeology and Museums Director Syed Khurshid Ahmed Qadri has invited architects registered with the New Delhi-based Council of Architecture to participate in the limited design competition, the spokesman added.

He said honorarium as permissible under guidelines of the Council of Architecture would be paid to the selected one entry for final award by the Board of Assessors.

The applications from interested architects should reach the Director's office at Old secretariat here within a period of 15 days, the spokesman added.

UNI AG AK KN1306