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Takht Bhai, a Buddhist monastery in Mardan
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Takht Bhai, a Buddhist monastery in Mardan
Takhti Bahi, the largest religious and formal complexity of the Gandhara civilization, is known
as an ornament of Pakistan's cultural heritage. These magnificent endowments give rise to a
subtle experience that takes us back to a time when hundreds of Buddhists gathered to offer their
religious services in a very peaceful atmosphere.
A visit to Takhti Bahi ('Original Throne') provides an opportunity to explore the history of the
Gandhara civilization when the region was highly civilized, tolerant, and peaceful. Takht-e-Bahi,
about 15 km from Mardan in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, is also known as the monastery
of the great Kushan king Kanishka, who ruled
Gandhara in the second century AD and was
known for his military, political and spiritual
achievements. Takht-e-Bahi Buddhist
Monastery Complex was founded in the early
1st century. Located on top of a high hill, it
has survived a series of attacks and is still
remarkably safe. Nearby are the ruins of Sahir
Bahlol, a small fortified town of the same
period.
Listed as a World Heritage Site, it is considered one of the most built Buddhist monasteries in
the Gandhara District. It is located at a height of about 500 feet on a small hill about 2 km east of
Takht Bhai Bazaar in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), once called the center of Gandhara Civilization, which attracts tourists, historians, monuments. Attracts archaeologists
and Buddhists from all over the world.
The Buddhist complex and the village, as locals call it, are named after two wells found on a
hilltop near the complex, however, the majority believe that Takht means throne and Bhai means
water in Persian.
The Buddhist monastery was in constant use until the 7th century AD. It consists of a collection
of buildings and is the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. The buildings were
constructed of stone in the Gandhara pattern, with local costumes and semi-clad stone blocks set
in lime and clay mortar. Today, the ruins include a central stupa court, the Votivo Stupas Court,
a group of three stupas, a monastery square that includes meditation cells, a conference hall, a
covered stairway, and other secular buildings.
The other component resides in the neighboring town of
Sahar Bahlol, in a fertile field about 5 km away. The ruins
of Sahar Bahlol are the remains of a small ancient fortified
town of the Khasan period. The town is perched on a 9-
meter-high mound and is surrounded by parts of the
defensive walls that feature "diaper" style from the first
two or three centuries AD. This area covers an area of 9.7
hectares.
"I believe it is named after the spring on the left side of the Buddhist site”
The historic site is an archeological marvel, which is considered important because of its unique
design.This site is extremely important for its unique state of integrity and preservation. It is also important for its antiquity, which was certainly built during
the first century AD, as named after Gondofries (20-46 AD)
Proved by important logs.
Gondophares was a Parthian king of the Sorin family from
Sakastan, or Sistan (a Sorin general defeated Roman forces in
53 BC, in present-day Turkey, at the Battle of Carrhae, where
20,000 Romans were killed and 10,000 captured Done).
Immediately after the Gondofries, the throne was under the
control of the first Kushan king, Kajula Kadfesis. This site has been in use since ancient times
(7th century AD).
The historic site is an archeological
marvel The site symbolizes the architectural complexity of the Buddhist monastery complex and should
be considered a spectacular introduction to Gandharan Buddhist architecture, a must-see for
tourists heading to Swat. The splendor of its architecture and the serenity of its location leaves an
indelible mark on the minds and hearts of the visitors.
A group of Peshawar college students was also busy
observing different parts of the monastery.
I am a bachelor student of political science and it is a
unique experience to visit this great Buddhist site in my
hometown several times. The architecture is amazing, it
shows how advanced they were in civil works and
engineering. ۔Tourist arrivals are a good source of income for local transporters, shopkeepers,
and restaurant owners, especially from September to April.
It's a great place for people who love history, antiquities, and archeology. The architecture and its
engineering are advanced. It impresses me and I invite every Pakistani to Come and see this
monument.
GULALAI TARIQ
BS POLITICAL SCIENCE, INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
