Structure, Function and Historical Importance of Watermills in the Swat Valley
In: Global social sciences review: an open access, triple-blind peer review, multidisciplinary journal, Band V, Heft III, S. 237-245
ISSN: 2616-793X
The paper deals with the architecture and function of watermills in Swat valley. Watermill is a seldom-used term; however, it has played a significant role in the socio-cultural and economic lives of people in the past. This research work explores the case study of water mills in the Swat region. It examined in detail its processing and operation. The watermill was not only an instrument used for grinding purposes but also determined the mode of production, class system and social values of people. Modern technology has though changed people's behaviors and social formations up to a large extent, but it couldn't erase people's memories and history. A qualitative method has been used for conducting this research work. An ethnic-archaeological method was focused on recording the history of this tremendous ancient technology which contributed widely to the socio-cultural context of people.