GHS visits Khewra Salt mines and Katas Raj temples
On March 15, 2013 the Griswold History Society arranged a one day trip to Khewra Salt mines and Katas Raj temples.
The Khewra mines are the second largest salt mines in the world. Legend has it that the salt was discovered by the troops of Alexander the Great in 320 BC. Throughout South Asian history, these mines have been a major source of rock salt and a major stirrup for trade and economic activity. These days, the mines are also a major tourist attraction with over a quarter of a million visitors each year. The students spent a few hours inside the mines marveling at the rock salt formation and the different artifacts carved out of them, like a mosque and a replica of the Minar-e-Pakistan.
Then the trip moved to the Katas Raj temples which have been recently renovated by the Government. These temples date from the Hindu Shahi period in the seventh century and used to be a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Legend has it that the water pool there was formed by the tears of Sita when she was separated from Ram in the great epic Ramayana. The students were simply mesmerized by the temples, their architecture and the sense of calmness and peace found the place.
Overall, the trip proved to be highly enjoyable as well as academically informative.
