Karkis [patched] Jun 2026

Known as the Shreepali clan, they trace their origins to the Sinja Valley.

This exhibition is designed as an immersive experience where the audience navigates a space built to resemble a family home.

This paper explores the historical geography and political significance of the land of Karkis (Karkisha), a region frequently cited in Hittite texts of the Late Bronze Age. Situated in the zone of interaction between the Hittite Empire and the Ahhiyawan (Mycenaean) sphere of influence, Karkis presents a complex case study in imperial frontier management, bronze age diplomacy, and ethnic identity. By cross-referencing Hittite diplomatic records, such as the Milawata Letter and the Annals of Tudhaliya I , with later Greek geographical knowledge of Caria (Karkīa), this study argues that Karkis served as a pivotal buffer state whose shifting allegiances precipitated major military campaigns in the 13th century BCE. karkis

Crucially, the letter implies that control over Karkis was vital for securing the southern flank of the Hittite sphere of influence against the expanding power of Ahhiyawa. It serves as evidence that Karkis was not a peripheral wilderness but a politically organized state capable of treaty enforcement and dynastic succession.

Historically, "Karki" was a prestigious title bestowed upon tax-collecting officers in the medieval Khasa Kingdom. The name is thought to derive from the Nepali word kar , meaning "tax". Sub-Clans: Notable groups among the Karkis include: Known as the Shreepali clan, they trace their

: The project focuses on memory, love, and the "often unseen responsibilities of care" within a family.

: It has been featured in cultural festivals like Pune's ICCR Sub Zonal Office events and the Alti Palti Festival. Historical and Cultural Context of "Karki" Situated in the zone of interaction between the

Perhaps the most significant window into the status of Karkis is the Milawata Letter (CTH 182), generally attributed to Hittite King Hattusili III or his successor Tudhaliya IV (late 13th century BCE). This letter is addressed to the King of Ahhiyawa concerning the governance of Millawanda (Miletus) and the surrounding territories.