Gandhara Civilization

The Influence of the Greek culture came to Pakistan because of the invasion by Alexander the great. The religion of Buddhism was approved as the state religion which flourished for over 1000 years. At that time the cities of Taxila, Swat and Charsaddah were three important centers for traditions, trade and education. Taxila was filled with hundreds of monasteries and stupas. These centers have been the origin of unique sculpture art lately known as Gandhara to all over the world.  Now a days these sculptures have a well known position in the museums of England, Germany, France, USA, Japan, Korea, China, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. When the Buddha passed away, people built 84,000 stupas for veneration.But, lately it was replaced by sensitive human imagery. One of the prominent and the zenith sculpture of "Fasting Buddha" display in Lahore Museum, Pakistan. Soon, the light of Islam broke in in this part of the world and thousands of Mosques, Madrassahs, tombs  were created to worship only one GOD.

 Pakistan’s national heritage is so rich and diversified  which makes the Pakistani feel proud. It is also from one of the treasures of Pakistan. Gandhara civilization can be seen in the cities of Peshawar valley, Mardan, Swat, Dir, Malakand, and Bajuaur agencies, Taxila and Jalalabad. The fascinating record of Gandhara civilization, revealed in the 20th century, at the sites of Taxila and Swat. The rock carving has been found along the Karakoram Highway. Among many other arts the footprints of the Buddha were also found in the Swat valley which later placed in Swat Museum.

The land of Swat is celebrated throughout the world as the holy land of Buddhist learning and faithfulness. Swat attained reputation as a place of Buddhist pilgrimage. According to one record the Swat valley  is filled with fourteen hundred beautiful stupas and monasteries. The site of Butkarha-I, contain the original relics of the Buddha. Some of the famous stupas are:

Dharamarajika Stupa is the oldest Buddhist monument in Taxila. The Dharamarajika Stupa contained the silver scroll commemorating the relics. Takht-i-Bhai wealthy Buddhist remains right about 10 miles northeast of Mardan. It has an architectural diversity and romantic mountain setting.

The Gandhara's language was of Middle Indo-Aryan dialect, usually called Gāndhārī. Gandhāra education was controlled by the dynasty of the Persian empire. The Gandharan Buddhist texts are both the Buddhist and South Asian manuscripts discovered so far. Most are written on brisk and clay port.

If you are interested to visit that ancient civilization of Ghandara. The Pakistan International Airlines is operating domestic flights to Peshawar. It will be easy and comfortable too.