Chak (Pashto: چک), referred to by some as Chak-e Wardak (meaning Chak of Wardak in Dari), is a town along the Chak River in Maidan Wardak Province of Afghanistan. The town serves as the administrative center of Chak District. The main attraction in the area is the Chak Dam, which is named after the town of Chak.

Chak
چک
Chak is located in Afghanistan
Chak
Chak
Location in Afghanistan
Coordinates: 34°06′28″N 68°34′43″E / 34.1077°N 68.5787°E / 34.1077; 68.5787
Country Afghanistan
ProvinceMaidan Wardak Province
DistrictChak District
Elevation
2,206 m (7,238 ft)
Population
 • Total
5,065
Time zoneUTC+04:30 (AFT)

The town of Chak has a population of around 5,065.[1] It is located within the heartland of the Wardak tribe of Pashtuns.[2]

History

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Wardak Vase and coins in the British Museum

Archaeological excavations carried out in the area of Chak indicate that the history of human settlement in this region goes back to ancient times. Outside the town, there are many ancient Buddhist remains, including a fortified monastery and six stupas, one of which contained a bronze vase with a Kharoshthi inscription that held 61 Kushan coins, which is now in the British Museum's collection.[3]

Geography

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The town of Chak is approximately 2,206 m (7,238 ft) above sea level.

Demographics

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A majority of the population is Pashtuns. The residents mostly belong to the Wardak tribe. Most of them are fluent in Pashto and Dari, the official languages of Afghanistan.

References

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  1. ^ "Chak-e Wardak". Falling Rain.
  2. ^ Coyle, Dennis Walter (2014). Placing Wardak Among Pashto Varieties (Master's thesis). University of North Dakota.
  3. ^ British Museum Highlights
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