Rare Kushan-era water jug with Bactrian inscription unearthed in Tajikistan
Archaeologists uncover ancient clay vessel bearing complete Bactrian script—offering new insight into everyday life under the Kushan Empire
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — Archaeologists in Tajikistan have discovered a rare clay vessel inscribed in the Bactrian language, dating back to the Kushan Empire—an era that once spanned much of Central and South Asia. The artifact, unearthed at the Khalkhajar archaeological site near the village of Sarband, is among the most significant linguistic finds in the region in recent years.
According to The Times of Central Asia, the excavations were led by Mirali Zamon Karimdodzoda, head of the archaeology and numismatics department at the National Museum of Tajikistan. The dig began on May 20 and has already revealed the remains of ancient structures—clay and brick walls with traces of whitewash and intact interior sections—believed to date from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
Among the most notable discoveries is a two-handled clay jug, found in fragments and carefully restored. What sets it apart is a fully intact inscription in Bactrian—an Eastern Iranian language written in a variant of the Greek script. Such inscriptions are extremely rare in Tajikistan and provide a window into the domestic life and cultural practices of the Kushan period.
To decipher the text, the museum consulted renowned experts, including Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams, a leading scholar in ancient Iranian languages, and British numismatist Joe Cribb. Their translation of the inscription reads:
“This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina.”
While deceptively simple, the phrase holds deep significance. It highlights not only the use of written language in personal contexts but also suggests a level of female agency and literacy rarely documented from the era. The name “Sagkina” itself contributes to onomastic research, helping scholars better understand naming customs and gender roles in ancient Central Asia.
Experts say the inscription sheds light on a broader cultural norm of marking ownership—a practice that hints at both literacy and the social value of personal property. It also contributes to the study of Bactrian script evolution and its use beyond administrative or commercial texts.
The Kushan Empire, which at its height covered parts of present-day Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, played a pivotal role in shaping early transcontinental trade routes and cultural exchange. Bactrian served as an administrative lingua franca and is critical for reconstructing the region’s complex historical identity.
Excavations at Khalkhajar are ongoing. The jug and other artifacts will be catalogued for future public exhibition at the National Museum of Tajikistan, where the vessel is expected to become a highlight of the collection—offering visitors a rare glimpse into the intimate, everyday world of an ancient empire.
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