Revisiting the Archaeology of an Early Historic City: A Case Study of Semthan, Kashmir

This paper primarily assesses the links between the Central Asian regions and Kashmir during the early historic period. Archaeology and textual sources are critically analysed to guess the magnitude of relations both regions shared during the time period under study. The Kushana and Indo- Greek sources speak of the paramount importance of these regions and the relations between the two. Semthan, an early historic site in Kashmir, is focus of the study. NBPW, Indo-Greek and Kushana remains were found at the site during the course of excavations. Besides from explorations, carried at the site by the author, many archaeological evidences of these ruling dynasties were found. Semthan survived as an urban hub and main trading post of these ruling powers in Kashmir.