Bhir Mound
Bhir Mound, located in Taxila, Pakistan, is an important archaeological site. Dating back to the 6th century BCE, it reveals layers of ancient civilizations. Excavations have unearthed various artifacts, including pottery, coins, and structures. These findings provide insights into early urban planning, trade, and cultural interactions. Bhir Mound’s significance lies in its connection to the ancient Gandhara civilization, showcasing influences from Persia, Greece, and Central Asia. The site contributes valuable knowledge about historical development and cultural exchanges.
Double-Headed Eagle Stupa
Double-Headed Eagle Stupa, in Taxila, Pakistan, is a significant archaeological site. Originating in the 3rd century BCE, the site is known for its detailed carvings and sculptures. The stupa’s unique feature is the depiction of an eagle with two heads, representing power and protection. Excavations have uncovered artifacts like relics, inscriptions, and architectural elements. These findings illuminate early Buddhist practices, artistic styles, and religious importance. The site illustrates Buddhism’s spread and cultural influence, providing key insights into ancient Indian history and spirituality.
Excavations of Sirsukh
Excavations of Sirsukh, an ancient site in Taxila, Pakistan, reveal significant historical insights. Founded in the 1st century CE, Sirsukh showcases advanced urban planning and architecture influenced by Greek and Central Asian styles. Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of walls, streets, and buildings, indicating a well-organized city layout. Artifacts such as pottery, coins, and tools have also been found, providing clues about the daily life, trade, and cultural practices of its inhabitants. Sirsukh’s excavations contribute to understanding the region’s historical development and the interactions between various ancient civilizations.
Taxila Museum
Taxila Museum, located in Taxila, Pakistan, is an important archaeological site and repository. Established in 1918, the museum houses artifacts from various periods, including Gandhara, Greek, and Buddhist eras. Its collection includes sculptures, pottery, coins, jewelry, and tools, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s historical and cultural evolution. Excavations around Taxila have contributed significantly to the museum’s collection, offering insights into ancient urban planning, religious practices, and daily life. Taxila Museum serves as a vital resource for understanding the rich heritage and diverse influences that shaped this ancient city.
Sirkap Palace
Sirkap Palace, part of the ancient city of Sirkap in Taxila, Pakistan, is an important archaeological site. Established in the 2nd century BCE, Sirkap reflects Greek, Persian, and Indian influences in its architecture. Excavations have revealed palace foundations, courtyards, and various structures, indicating a well-planned urban layout. Artifacts like pottery, coins, and sculptures have been discovered, shedding light on the cultural and economic life of its inhabitants. The site illustrates the blending of different cultural elements, offering valuable insights into the region’s historical and architectural development.
Dharmarajika Stupa and Monastery
Dharmarajika Stupa and Monastery, located in Taxila, Pakistan, is a prominent archaeological site. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, it was commissioned by Ashoka, a Mauryan emperor. The site includes a large stupa surrounded by smaller stupas and monastic cells. Excavations have revealed relics, inscriptions, and statues, highlighting Buddhist religious practices and art. The Dharmarajika complex demonstrates advanced architectural techniques and the spread of Buddhism in the region. This site offers significant insights into ancient religious activities, cultural interactions, and historical development.
Buddhist Giri Remains
Buddhist Giri Remains, situated in Taxila, Pakistan, is a notable archaeological site. Dating back to the early centuries CE, the site features stupas, monastic complexes, and rock carvings. Excavations have unearthed various artifacts, including statues, inscriptions, and pottery, reflecting the region’s Buddhist heritage. The remains provide insights into ancient religious practices, art, and architecture, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Buddhism in the area. Buddhist Giri Remains contribute to understanding the spread and influence of Buddhism in South Asia and the interactions between different ancient civilizations.
Mohra Muradu Buddhist Cave
Mohra Muradu, located near Taxila, Pakistan, is an important Buddhist archaeological site. Dating to the 2nd century CE, it features a monastery, stupas, and well-preserved cave structures. Excavations have uncovered statues, inscriptions, and artifacts, providing insights into the religious and daily lives of its inhabitants. The site showcases intricate architecture and artistry, reflecting the region’s Buddhist heritage. Mohra Muradu highlights the historical and cultural significance of Buddhism in ancient South Asia, contributing valuable knowledge about the spread and development of Buddhist practices and architecture.
Piplan Buddhist Monuments
Piplan Buddhist Monuments, situated in Punjab, Pakistan, is a significant archaeological site. The site includes stupas, monasteries, and sculptures. Excavations have revealed artifacts such as pottery, coins, and inscriptions, shedding light on the religious and cultural practices of the time. The architecture and art at Piplan reflect the influence of Buddhist traditions in the region. These monuments offer valuable insights into the spread of Buddhism in South Asia and the interactions between different ancient civilizations, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the area.
Jaulian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
Jaulian, ancient Buddhist monastery, second century CE, Taxila, Pakistan. Monastery, part Ruins Taxila, UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1980. Monastery, similar Mohra Muradu. Jaulian, is a two-level building, with twenty-eight student rooms on, the first floor, and twenty-eight-second floor. Stone stairs, preserved. Rooms preserved Buddha statues. Niche, lamps, windows, fresh air, natural light. Windows, narrower outer edge, larger inner edge, guard wild animals. Rooms, plastered, decorated plasterwork, paintings. Jaulian, “Seat Saints”, ancient Buddhist monastery, second century CE, Taxila, Pakistan, spectacular Ruins Taxila, UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1980. Mohra Muradu monastery, exploration. Jaulian, hilltop, one hundred meters, modern Jaulian village. Rawalpindi, Islamabad, thirty-five kilometers, forty-five kilometers, Jaulian. Ruins, Jaulian, a captivating glimpse of history. Large central stupa, twenty-seven smaller stupas, fifty-nine small chapels, Buddha life depiction. Two quadrangles, monastic living quarters. Form, building, Jaulian, strikingly similar Mohra Muradu. Jaulian main stupa, smaller Mohra Muradu, Dharmarajika Stupa, heavily damaged. Stucco plaster, decoration, sculptures, architectural details, quality decoration, impressive Mohra Muradu. Jaulian Buddhist Monastery, Taxila, remains an ancient Buddhist monastery, for millennia. Monastery, one of earliest universities, world, scholars’ center, India, Afghanistan, China, Persia, Greece, others. Well-maintained, surprisingly well-preserved. Jaulian, world heritage site, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Monastery, once largest world. Monastery, ruins, impressive sight. Jaulian, a popular destination, educational, and family trip. Ruined Buddhist monastery, history, culture, Buddhism learning opportunity. Beautiful setting, photographs, picnics. Jaulian visit, spring, autumn, mild weather, scenery best.
Ban Faqiran Mosque
Dr Lone, division, archaeological ruins, Ban Faqiran, upper part, lower part. Construction method, Ban Faqiran Stupa, second to fifth century AD. Ban Faqiran Stupa, few Buddhist sites, only excavated Buddhist stupa, Islamabad.
Late archaeologist historian Dr Ahmad Hassan Dani, Ban Faqiran Stupa, milestone, travelers, pilgrims, Dharmarajika monastery, three BC, Lord Buddha remains.
Federal Department Archaeology museums, comprehensive fruitful excavation, site, buried cultural heritage, Buddhist era, mosque, Muslim dynasty. Structural remains, rare copper coins, iron arrowheads, pot shreds, discovery. Introduction site, Ban Faqiran, crossroads, one ancient route, Taxila Valley, Pothohar plateau, natural passage, hill torrents, Margalla mighty hills. Remains, Ban Faqiran Site, western edge, Islamabad, Pakistan capital. Name, “Ban Faqiran”, local vernacular, “ban” (reservoir), “faqiran” (saints), Ban Faqiran, reservoir, saints. Average height, site, sea level, eight hundred fifty meters.
Shahbaz Ahmad Bhatti, Assistant Professor, Govt College, Hafizabad. Abdul Ghaffar Loan, Assistant Director, Department Archaeology Museums, Pakistan. Ph D Scholar, Taxila Institute Asian Civilizations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Muhammad Amir, Ph D Student, Department of History, University Punjab, Lahore. Archaeological potential, Capital Pakistan, Islamabad, pioneer Archaeological Excavation, Islamabad, Buddhist Stupa, Ban Faqiran. Punjab University.
Badalpur Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
Badalpur Buddhist Stupa, Monastery, Taxila, Pakistan, ancient Buddhist site, immense historical, archaeological significance. Stupa, square base, largest Taxila region, twenty-four, four meters, twenty-three meters, speculated height, twenty-one meters, Chattravali included, second, fifth century CE. Monastery, assembly hall, kitchen, stores, steward rooms, antiquities, first century, fourth century CE. Alexander Cunningham, Director General Archaeological Survey India, visited, 1863, 1864. Natisa Aiyar, Superintendent Archaeological Survey, Frontier Circle, first limited excavation, stupa, 1916, 1917. Pipal tree, engraved, sculpture back. Mathura style sculpture Buddha, discovered, Bhari Dheri site, Taxila valley.
Unique discovery, clear, Mathura images Buddha, originated soil Mathura, presented monasteries devotees, monks, pilgrimage, holy shrine Taxila, second century CE. Remarkable discovery, sculpture bodhisattva Maitreya, stupa shaped relic casket, schist stone, revealed, past excavation, monastery.
Badalpur site, nine kilometers, northwest Taxila museum, two kilometers, northwest Julian village. Stupa, monastery site, second century CE, numerous chapels, votive stupas, two courts. Mountaintop location, picturesque region. Basement square stupa, facing north, ruins three smaller stupas. Monastery, heavy semi-ashlar masonry, court cells, north, hall assembly, kitchen, refectory, south. Fragments painting, discovered, floor main entrance, monastery.
Paintings, depicted images Buddha, Bodhisattvas, different attitudes, figures worshipper. Paintings, executed, thick mud plaster, entrance wall. Black, red, sepia, blue colors, used, white surface, fine layer, stucco. Type mural paintings, discovered, Buddhist sanctuary, Gandhara. Badalpur, ancient Buddhist university, Gandhara period, rich cultural heritage, Pakistan.
Jandial Remains
Jandial Remains, Taxila Rawalpindi District, Punjab, Pakistan, ancient Buddhist site, immense historical, archaeological significance. Remains, stupa, monastery, second century CE, Gandhara period. Alexander Cunningham, visited, 1863, 1864, described, extensive ruins, monasteries, stupas, top, mound. Excavation, 1916, 1917, Department Archaeology, unearthed, remains, stupa, monastery, coins, pottery.
Stupa, base, thirty-two meters, height, twenty-one meters, original, plundered, bricks, removed. Monastery, courtyard, cells, assembly hall, kitchen, stores. Remains, sculptures, architectural fragments, Gandhara art, high quality.
Jandial, important Buddhist center, Gandhara period, monks, scholars, studied, practiced, Buddhism. Remains, invaluable resource, understanding, Buddhist life, culture, Gandhara period.