Ruins of Dillu Roy

Ruins of Dillu Roy, Jampur, Punjab

Dillu Roy mound, locally known as ‘Dillu Roy Thehr’, is a fascinating archaeological site in Punjab dating back to the Buddhist period in the region. This site, dating back nearly 2000 years, offers an glimpse into the Buddhist era, specifically the time of the Kushan Empire. The site of Dillu Roy came to light in 1858 when it was rediscovered, stirring intrigue among historians and archaeologists. This compelling site provides a window into the Syctho Parthian period of the 1st century or possibly the Kushan era that spanned 30-375CE. Dr. Abbas Birmani, in his book 'Tilismati Wadiyan', has poetically depicted Dillu Roy as a 'speaking city asleep', a fitting metaphor for a once-thriving settlement from the 2nd century BC to the 8th century AD.
Historians believe that the ancient city remained buried under layers of dust and sandstone for thousands of years until its rediscovery in 1858. The city, named after a Brahman prince called Dillu Roy, occupies a vast area, but locals started to encroach on the heritage site by cultivating crops on large parts of it. Despite the passing of time and human intervention, traces of the bastions that used to guard the city and its people are still visible.
The site was given a new lease of life in 2018, when extensive excavations by the Punjab Archaeology Department brought to light a wealth of artifacts associated with both Hinduism and Buddhism. More than 1370 pieces of artifacts were uncovered during these excavations, which make the discoveries significant. Items such as sling balls, dabbers, oil lamps, spoon handles, terracotta wheels, and animal figurines were also discovered at the site. These artifacts are evidence that the area was occupied by Buddhists during the Scytho-Parthian period, dating back to the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD.

The tower at Dillu Roy mound

This rich range of historical artefacts discovered contain an array of beautifully decorated pottery shards and painted rubber stamps, signifying the cultural and religious richness of the era.
These cultural artefacts from the site have now found a home in the Harappa Museum, located near Sahiwal. The museum itself is situated near another ancient site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Together, these sites provide a compelling narrative of Pakistan's ancient roots.

Geography and Location of Dillu Roy Mound

The site is situated in the tehsil of Kot Chutta, within the district of Dera Ghazi Khan and Tehsil Jampur of District Rajanpur. More precisely, it's located in Mauza Khanpur, which is approximately 4 kilometers from Jampur, along the Dajal road. Interestingly, the site straddles the boundary of two districts: Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, with a significant part of the area - around 480 kanals - falling within Dera Ghazi Khan, while a minor portion - about 3 kanals - is within the Jampur Tehsil of Rajanpur. Geographically, Dillu Roy is located in a geographical feature locally known as 'Damaan' in the Siraiki language, denoting a plain area just adjacent to a mountain range. It lies between the Suleman Mountain range and the Indus River, specifically at the foothills of the Koh e Sulman Range.  In 1964, the archaeology department declared Dillu Roy to be a protected archaeological site.

The city of Dillu Roy goes back to the Kushan Era

Myth of Dillu Roy

The story of Dillu Roy is as intriguing as the archaeological site itself. As the myth goes, Dillu Roy was a local chieftain, infamous for his ruthlessness and despotic behavior. According to local mythology, Dillu Roy's reign was marked by a disturbing edict: every newlywed bride within his dominion was commanded to spend her first marital night with the Raja himself. The decree was widely reviled, but it continued unopposed due to the fear of the ruler's wrath. However, resistance came from an unexpected quarter - Dillu Roy's own daughter. In a silent act of protest, she disguised herself as a bride and spent the night with her father, an act of incest that is said to have provoked divine retribution.
The legend concludes with the wrath of a goddess of disaster, invoked by this act of incest. In her anger, she is said to have brought about a great flood that washed away the city, effectively erasing Dillu Roy's cruel reign. This tale, passed down through generations, provides a mythical backdrop to the historical significance of the site.

The Kushan Empire

The Kushan Empire (1st century CE to 3rd Century CE), which emerged during the first century CE, was a prominent power that extended across vast swathes of Central Asia, Northern India, and what is now modern-day Pakistan. Known for its diverse cultural influences, the empire played a crucial role in bridging East and West, facilitating the spread of Buddhism as well as fostering a distinctive art style known as Gandhara art.
Believed to date back to the Buddhist period of the Kushan Empire, the ruins and artifacts unearthed at Dillu Roy provide compelling evidence of this grand empire's cultural footprint in this region. Decorated pottery shards, painted rubber stamps, and traces of Hindu and Buddhist practices found at the site all offer crucial insights into the day-to-day life, religious beliefs, and artistic sensibilities of those living under the Kushan reign.
Dillu Roy, could have been influenced by either the Kushan Empire or the Indo-Parthian Kingdom due to its location and the time period when it was inhabited. The exact affiliation depends on precise dating of the artifacts found there, which can often be challenging in archaeology.

The Site of Dillu Roy is almost 2000 years old