Ahmad Hassan Dani
1920 - 26th January 2009
Appreciation by
Samar Majid
Professor Ahmad Hassan Dani's name was known the world over in Archaeology circles. We were all saddened to hear the news of his passing on 26th of January 2009 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
At the time of his death, Professor Dani was serving at the Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad as Professor Emeritus. He had served in this post since 1971.
A Kashmiri by birth (in 1920), following his migration to Utter Pardesh, India, he won a Gold Medal for his Masters on Sanskrit language in 1944 at Benaras Hindu University. In 1955 he completed his PhD from UCL, UK, after which he served in Dhaka Museum. In 1962 he established a Department of Archaeology at Peshawar University, Pakistan. In 1971 he left that Department after inspiring so many young Archaeologists. He authored many books related to almost every field of Archaeology including prehistory, protohistory, Buddhist history, Numismatics, Palaeography, Architecture, Field Archaeology and many more, too numerous to mention here. Professor Dani was awarded with the Pride of Performance as well as FRAS, SI and HI Awards for all his services. His family was consoled by fellow Archaeologists, academics, friends and many others from all over the country who paid their solemn respects by attending his funeral on 27th January 2009.
Professor Ahmad Hassan Dani will always be remembered by the services he rendered to Archaeology and by all those who have studied his books to become Archaeologists. We all archaeologists will miss him always. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
