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Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
The silent stupas of Thareli
High in the hills in Sawaldher village of Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) lie the time-tested remains of the somewhat 2000-year-old and once-thriving, Thareli Buddhist archeological site, from the ancient Gandhara civilisation. It once served as an educational institution and spiritual complex of Buddhism for about 550 years during Kushan dynasty. While rich in history and cultural significance, Thareli today remains on the fringes of public awareness and government attention. With narrow access roads, minimal facilities, and limited promotion, the site's potential as a religious tourism destination remains untapped, despite its standing as the third-largest Buddhist site in Mardan district. Located about nineteen kilometres from Mardan city on a hilltop approximately 300 metres high, the site has preserved stupas, and chapels where sculptures of Buddha were placed for worship, as well as a residential area at high altitude in mountain. 'After Takht Bhai and Jamal Gahri Buddhist remains, Thareli is the third-largest historical site in Mardan district,' shares Dr Ghayur Shahab, a faculty member of the department of archeology at the University of Malakand and the then in-charge of Mardan Museum. 'It was constructed during the Kushan period, from 1st century BC to 5th century AD. After its construction, the site remained active for 550 years. The decline of Buddhism began when the state stopped supporting it. With the arrival of the Huns and later the Muslims, Buddhism came to an end in this region.' According to the directorate of archeology and museums, KP, the complex was first discovered in 18th century and then from 1964 to 1967, a Japanese archaeological mission began excavations of the site and uncovered the main stupa beside a spring, surrounded by several votive stupas, students' quarters, monks' cells, assembly halls and chapels. Constructed with diaper masonry, the main stupa featured niches that housed Buddhist sculptures. The site spanned over multiple terraced spurs with evidence of multistoried structures. 'This site was a religious seminary where Buddhism was taught, studied and practiced,' shares Dr Shahab. 'Antiquities excavated from the site include Buddhist panels revealing the life stories of Buddha, sculptures, stucco sculptures and coins. These are [now] showcased in the Peshawar and Lahore Museums.' Junaid Khan, a local resident of the area, said that like other historical sites in KP, Thareli Buddhist complex is suitable and relevant for religious tourism. 'However, unfortunately only tourists from nearby villages visit the site,' he adds. 'The Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) provincial government has so far failed to fulfill its promises regarding the promotion of religious tourism in the religion. A major obstacle in the promotion of the thousand-years-old historical complex is the road leading to the archeological site, which is narrow and dilapidated. In addition to the construction of a proper road and walking tracks, it is crucial that the government must focus on promoting the site through main stream and social media.' According to Khan, initially, the site was under the jurisdiction of the federal government. In 2010, it was handed over to the provincial directorate of archaeology, and in 2013, the KP government protected it under the Antiquities Act and carried out some conservation and restoration work. 'In 2023, the Peshawar High Court, in a verdict, banned crush plants, mining, and blasting within one kilometre of the site,' officials in the directorate revealed. 'For the promotion of religious tourism, we need to attract foreigners from Buddhist countries to visit these sites,' shares Bakhat Muhammad, deputy director of directorate of archeology and museums, KP. He added the Thareli archeological complex is important for religious tourism but because of security concerns, the local police do not allow foreigners to visit this monastic complex and the Jamal Garhi site. As a result, they only visit the Takht Bhai monastic complex which has a negative impact on tourism. 'The site spreads over 253 kanals in a mountainous area,' shares the deputy director. 'Currently, no entry fee is collected and the site is not officially open to visitors.' Regarding further excavation and development, Bakhat Muhammad said that a two-year project for eight historical sites, including Thareli complex has been approved, adding that under the project, excavation, conservation and development will be carried out before the site is opened for local and foreigner visitors with proper facilities. Thareli's crumbling chapels, centuries-old stupas, and scattered sculptures represent more than just historical artefacts — they are fragments of a pluralistic and intellectual past that once defined the region. Yet despite its profound archaeological and spiritual significance, the site lies in neglect, eclipsed by more accessible or popular monuments like Takht Bhai. With renewed efforts in excavation, conservation, and infrastructure, Thareli could emerge not only as a key node in the Gandharan heritage trail but also as a source of cultural diplomacy and economic opportunity through religious tourism. For that to happen, however, preservation must meet promotion — and history must be given a second life. Razzaq is a Peshawar-based radio and print journalist. He tweets @TheAbdurRazzaq All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Rajasthan dig reveals 3,500-year-old settlement: ASI traces ancient riverbed; findings may link it to Rig Veda-era Saraswati river
The findings of the excavation constitute evidence of settlements that thrived between 3500 and 1000 BC. Discovery of the palaeochannel is the first such finding in Indian archaeological history JAIPUR: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has dug up an ancient palaeochannel buried 23 metres under Bahaj village in Rajasthan's Deeg district, leading a section of historians and archaeologists to link it to the mythical Saraswati river mentioned in the Rig Veda. The findings of the excavation, carried out between April 2024 and May this year, constitute evidence of settlements that thrived between 3500 and 1000 BC. Most of the discoveries date back to Kushan, Magadha and Sunga dynasties. Among the standout discoveries is the palaeochannel, the first such finding in Indian archaeological history. 'This ancient river system nourished early human settlements and connects Bahaj to the larger Saraswati basin culture,' said Vinay Gupta, superintending archaeologist of ASI Jaipur, in a presentation at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Gupta described the palaeochannel as an 'unprecedented discovery confirming ancient water systems supported civilisation here'. Bahaj village is about 50km from Mathura. ASI has submitted a report to ministry of culture, which will decide how to preserve the findings include remnants of residential structures with earthen posts, trenches with stratified walls, furnaces and a variety of iron and copper artefacts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Microlithic tools or small stone implements suggest that the roots of this settlement date back to the pre-Holocene era. 'The discovery of furnaces and metal objects indicates the inhabitants' advanced knowledge of metallurgy,' Gupta said during an exhibition of antiquities in Deeg last spiritual relics found by the excavation team include 15 yajna kundas (sacrificial pits), votive tanks dedicated to Shakti worship, and terracotta images of Shiva and Parvati, dating back to at least 1000 BC. Archaeologists also found four unbaked sealings, two inscribed with Brahmi letters. These are considered the earliest datable evidence of the Brahmi script on the subcontinent. Yajna kundas from the Mahajanapada period were also discovered, most of them filled with sandy soil and miniature pots holding uninscribed copper coins. Experts say this could challenge existing timelines on the origins of Indian excavation also points to Bahaj's rich craft heritage such as bone tool industries, semi-precious beads and shell bangle production. 'The Bahaj excavation has the potential to rewrite key chapters of India's early history,' Gupta said.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ASI finds ancient river channel linked to Saraswati in Bharatpur
Jaipur: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a dried-up river channel beneath Bahaj village in Deeg district — believed by many scholars to be linked to the mythical Saraswati River. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The excavation, carried out between April 2024 and May 2025, is hailed as the second-largest archaeological excavation in Rajasthan's history. What excites historians and archaeologists most is that the site offers a vivid window into ancient settlements that thrived between 3500 BC and 1000 BC. Most of the discoveries date back to the Kushan, Magadha, and Sunga dynasties. Among the standout discoveries is a 23-metre-deep palaeo-channel — a buried ancient riverbed, the first such finding in Indian archaeological history. "This ancient river system nourished early human settlements and connects Bahaj to the larger Saraswati basin culture," said Vinay Gupta, superintending archaeologist, ASI Jaipur, in his presentation at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently. Gupta described the palaeo-channel as an "unprecedented discovery confirming ancient water systems supported civilisation here". Further digging revealed residential structures with earthen posts, trenches with stratified walls, furnaces, and a variety of iron and copper artefacts. Microlithic tools — small stone implements — suggest that the settlement's roots stretch into the pre-Holocene era. "The discovery of furnaces and metal objects clearly indicates the inhabitants' advanced knowledge of metallurgy," Gupta said at the antiquity exhibition held in Deeg in May 2025. What makes Bahaj even more remarkable are the spiritual relics unearthed: 15 Yajna Kundas (sacrificial pits), votive tanks dedicated to Shakti worship, and terracotta images of Shiva and Parvati, dating back to at least 1000 BCE, pushing back the antiquity of these traditions by centuries. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Archaeologists also found four unbaked sealings, two inscribed with Brahmi letters — considered the earliest datable Brahmi script evidence on the subcontinent. In addition, large-scale Yajna Kundas from the Mahajanapada period were discovered, filled with sandy soil and miniature pots holding uninscribed copper coins. This could challenge existing timelines on the origins of Indian coinage. The excavation also points to Bahaj's rich craft heritage: evidence of bone tool industries, semi-precious bead-making, and shell bangle production, highlighting the region's economic vibrancy across ages. Experts believe that Bahaj — located within Surasena Janapada region of ancient India, of which Mathura was a key centre — could prove vital in reshaping our understanding of India's early history. "The Bahaj excavation has the potential to rewrite key chapters of India's early history — from food production to the origins of Sanatana Dharma and early trade practices. Bahaj offers it all," Gupta concluded in the paper. Bahaj village, located about 50 km from Mathura, holds significant archaeological importance. Earlier, similar ancient discoveries were made at 3-4 sites in the region, but this is the largest so far, according to the ASI. ASI has submitted a detailed report to the Union ministry of Culture, which will decide the next steps for the site's future.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
Rare terracotta sculptures to be showcased at Buxar's museum
1 2 Buxar: Rare terracotta sculptures unearthed from Chausa Garh will soon be showcased at the Sitaram Upadhyay Museum, located near Ramrekha Ghat, in Buxar. A new Chausa Clay Statue Gallery is being developed to exhibit these priceless artefacts, many of which date back to the Gupta period, museum in charge Shiv Kumar Mishra said on Thursday. The sculptures were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted by the state govt's directorate of archaeology between 2011 and 2014. Scholars Umesh Chandra Dwivedi and Jalaj Kumar Tiwari have meticulously studied and documented around 50 terracotta figures recovered from the site. Most of the statues depict scenes from the Ramayana, such as Sita Haran (the abduction of Sita), battles involving Ram and Lakshman, and figures of Hanuman and Sugriv. Several sculptures are inscribed in Brahmi script, dating back to the 4th century AD. One of the most significant pieces is the Kalyan Sundara sculpture, representing the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It is considered the earliest known terracotta depiction of this theme in the country. "These artefacts not only reflect the artistic brilliance of the Gupta era but also stand as invaluable cultural and historical treasures of the country," Mishra said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 자신이 전략의 달인이라고 생각하시나요? 레이드 섀도우 레전드 무료 체험 Undo "If you want to connect with our heritage, this museum is a must-visit." The Sitaram Upadhyay Museum is a rich confluence of ancient relics. It houses a vast array of statues and artefacts of deities dating from prehistoric times to the Kushan period, primarily unearthed from excavations in Buxar, Chausa, and the Dumraon subdivision. However, despite its historical significance, the museum receives only 10-12 visitors on an average day. "Many residents are still unaware of this remarkable cultural heritage site," said Abhijit Kumar, a local teacher of history. The museum's collection spans from 3rd century BC to 7th century AD, representing the pre-Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods. Among the highlights is what is believed to be the oldest known statue of Lord Nandi. Established in 1979, the museum underwent a major transformation in 1993 with the construction of a new building by the Bihar art and culture department. This development is documented in the museum's visitor records. The museum houses approximately 1,500 antiquities, categorised into stone sculptures, terracotta figures, manuscripts, lithographs, coins, and prehistoric relics. Key exhibits include statues of Lord Vishnu, Shiva (Shankar), and Nandi—strong evidence of the influence of Vaishnavism and Shaivism in ancient India. The museum also boasts an extensive coin collection, ranging from ancient to medieval times. It includes punch-marked coins—the earliest known in Indian history—as well as coins from the Greek, Kushan, Shaka, Gupta, and Mughal periods, crafted in gold, silver, copper, and lead. "Despite having only four staff members, including myself, we are committed to revitalising interest in the museum," Mishra said. In March 2024, the museum hosted a national seminar titled Art of Magadh. On World Heritage Day and International Museum Day, various events were organized for school students and the general public, including a photo exhibition showcasing Bihar's rich heritage.
The Print
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Medieval Kashmir was confidently multicultural. And dazzled the world with art and ideas
Over the last two thousand years, Kashmir has been one of the great crossroads of inner Asia. Turks, Tibetans, Mongols, Mughals, and Chinese have all contributed to its culture. At times, Kashmir has dazzled the world with its own art and ideas; at others, it has received and reinvented those of the wider region. With a fragile ceasefire holding along the India-Pakistan Line of Control in Kashmir, it's time to take a step back and look at the region's broader history. All too often, Kashmir is seen only as a politically or religiously fragile zone, with its culture and people discussed only when relevant to a movie or a news cycle. This is a shame. The great cycles of art and culture The history of Kashmir, as a cultural unit, is not clear-cut. Indeed, as historian Robert E Fisher writes in the edited volume Art and Architecture of Ancient Kashmir, 'the name Kashmir was not generally limited to the small Himalayan valley until Kushan times, in the early centuries AD.' But it's possible to trace the development of Kashmiri culture by looking at its art. The earliest Kashmiri sculptures are in the naturalistic style of Gandhara, a cultural unit which included present-day northwest India and Pakistan. Gandhara was a prosperous, primarily Buddhist region that traded with Central Asia via Afghanistan. Its rulers, the Central Asian Kushans, founded cities in Kashmir such as Ushkur (originally Huvishkapura, after the Kushan king Huvishka). For many centuries, Kashmir entered and left the orbit of various powers in the Indus and Gangetic Plains. It was only in the 7th century CE, with both Gandhara and the Gangetic Plains politically splintered, that Kashmir finally made its dazzling geopolitical—and cultural—debut. This is a topic we've dealt with before in Thinking Medieval: under the conqueror Lalitaditya Muktapida (c. 724–760 CE), Kashmir is generally believed to have dominated a good chunk of the upper Gangetic Plains, and mounted expeditions into present-day Tajikistan and Tibet. Historian Tansen Sen, in his paper 'Kaśmīr, Tang China, and Muktāpīḍa Lalitāditya's Ascendancy Over the Southern Hindukush Region', investigated this using contemporary Chinese sources. He found that, while Lalitaditya may have attacked the Gangetic Plains, the Kashmiri policy in Central Asia was far more restrained. Isolated from the old Gandharan trade routes, Kashmir was instead looking to Ladakh as a key corridor. Arab armies were advancing in this direction from the West, while Tibetans raided from the East. Chinese court documents suggest that, in pursuit of this goal, Lalitaditya allied with various Turkic city-states in Tajikistan, and offered Chinese armies logistical support in expeditions against the Tibetans. (Later Kashmiri poets would, however, remember this in more jingoistic terms). The success of this policy is, once again, visible in art. From around Lalitaditya's time, Kashmiri art was no longer simply repurposing styles from elsewhere. Instead, in Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh and Tibet, we see the overwhelming dominance of Kashmiri artistic ideas, suggesting the movement of artists, sculptors, merchants, and monks. Many Kashmiri royals are known to have constructed monasteries in Srinagar to host foreign scholars and teachers. At the same time, new bronze icons were developed to meet the needs of Tantric Buddhist elites in neighbouring regions: figures with rich jewellery, multiple arms and heads, and elongated eyes. Their facial features and hairstyles suggest that medieval Kashmir was confidently multiethnic and multicultural. Art historian Rob Linrothe, writing in the volume Transmission of Buddhism Across Central Asian Networks, argues that in Tibet and Ladakh, even though artists were aware of ideas from Xinjiang and further east, they preferred Kashmiri styles. This means that if not for Kashmir, the visual world of a huge chunk of inner Asia would look entirely different. By the 11th and 12th centuries, Kashmir was a culturally dazzling—if politically unstable—kingdom. Kashmiri poets, such as Bilhana, were active as far south as present-day Basavakalyan in Karnataka, and Kashmiri philosophers, such as Abhinavagupta, were known across the subcontinent. Kashmiri kings, however, were constantly vulnerable to the intrigues of landed aristocrats and religious institutions. Rulers such as Harsha (r. 1069–1101) began to sack various local temples and monasteries, hiring Turk mercenaries. Turk and Mongol migrations and conquests continued, and, by the 1300s, Kashmir had been incorporated into the Islamicate, Persianate world. Also Read: Medieval Bengali Buddhism wasn't purely 'Indian'. Javanese gods, Hindu rivalry Kashmir as a Muslim Crossroads With the advent of a Muslim ruling class, Kashmir's sculptural and figural painting traditions waned. Yet, in other ways, the developments of prior centuries continued to endure. As historian Mushtaq A Kaw writes in 'Central Asian Contribution to Kashmir's Tradition of Religio-Cultural Pluralism', Kashmir had a tradition of worshipping relics of the Prophet Muhammad—directly contiguous with practices in neighbouring Xinjiang. The idea very likely comes from the worship of Buddhist relics. Kaw also points to similarities in wedding rites, naming ceremonies, and ascetic traditions that Kashmir shared with a vast swathe of Central Asia. While it's possible that many such traditions predate the arrival of Islam, what seems beyond dispute is that Kashmir's ancient connections were rejuvenated under Muslim rule. By the 17th century, Kashmir was once again firmly under the Gangetic orbit of the Mughal empire. Historian Showket Ahmad Mandloo, in 'Trade and Commerce in Kashmir During the Mughal Period', writes that the Mughal historian Abul Fazl describes no less than twenty-six routes traversing Kashmir. These connected it to 'Ladakh, Tibet, Kashgar, Yarkand, China and Turkestan. The trade with Bhutan, Nepal and Bengal also took place by this route.' Armies, caravans, traders, mendicants, and artisans from all directions crisscrossed Kashmir. Kashmiri saffron, paper, fruits, and textiles found thriving markets in India and beyond, while Kashmiri Pandits and Sufis frequently found lucrative positions in Mughal service. Thousands of shawls were commissioned by Mughal aristocrats; Kashmir had easy access to raw materials (wool from Ladakh) as well as artisans, traders, and styles emerging from Central Asia. By connecting Indian buyers to Central Asian sellers, Kashmir's prosperity exploded. Peoples and cultures, languages and ethnicities—in today's world of nation-states, we often see them as fixed, territorially-bounded, ascending and descending because of war or fervour. In particular, Kashmir's transition from primarily Hindu to primarily Muslim is seen as a break from its past, providing justification for extremists to demand the involvement of nuclear-armed powers. It seems we forget that Kashmir was always, for better or worse, the beating heart of inner Asia. Anirudh Kanisetti is a public historian. He is the author of 'Lords of Earth and Sea: A History of the Chola Empire' and the award-winning 'Lords of the Deccan'. He hosts the Echoes of India and Yuddha podcasts. He tweets @AKanisetti and is on Instagram @anirbuddha. This article is a part of the 'Thinking Medieval' series that takes a deep dive into India's medieval culture, politics, and history. (Edited by Asavari Singh)
