The title notwithstanding, in reality it is perhaps better to describe the collaboration as an enduring partnership between the Royal Family of Swat and the Italian Archaeological Mission (IAM) in Pakistan, which, since 2020, is being co-managed by ISMEO (Italian Institute for the Far and Middle East) and Ca’Foscari University of Venice.

The cooperation started in 1955 when the Wali of Swat, Miangul Jahan Zeb, a visionary who was keen to investigate and preserve the history of Swat, invited the IAM under the leadership of Giuseppe Tucci to the valley. Miangul Jahan Zeb treated the famed archaeologist as an honorary citizen of his realm, and welcomed him by providing the archaeologist with a purpose built mission house. This facility not only provided living quarters for the archaeologists, but also provided shelving and storage to accommodate the artifacts. As the work progressed and the collection of artifacts grew, in 1958 the Wali constructed the building of the Swat Museum which became home to exceptionally fine examples of Gandharan Art and artifacts.

Miangul Jahan Zeb was post ceded by his son, Miangul Aurangzeb, the last Crown Prince of Swat. The Prince continued his support to the Italian archeologists with full fervor. His zeal for the discovery, preservation and promotion of the history of Swat was inherited by his sons Miangul Adnan Aurangzeb (and his wife Zenab), Miangul Mahmud and Miangul Hassan. Hence, four successive Wali-leaders of Swat (Mianguls........

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