Rich history: Taxila – a symbol of diversity

Heritage site has over the past centuries been hub of Greek, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

ISLAMABAD: Taxila, one of the six world heritage sites of Pakistan, has great potential as a historical attraction.

An official of Taxila Museum told the APP on Wednesday that Taxila had transitioned between being the hub of Greek, Buddhist and then Islamic culture and was thus a unique symbol of diversity.

“It comprises of a vast complex of archaeological heritage; the site includes a mesolithic cave, four settlement sites, a number of Buddhist monasteries dating different eras, mosques from the medieval period, as well as Buddhist stupas and monasteries, all from the 1st to 5th century AD,” he said.

The official revealed that Taxila Museum was attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

The museum official claimed that people from all walks of life, especially students of various educational institutes regularly visited the museum from all over the country.



He further elaborated that guides were also provided, who explained the history of the sites as well as the exhibits in the museum to the visitors.

The official said that last month, a number of senior government officials from Sri Lanka and a delegation of 50 monks also visited the museum.

Taxila holds a significant place in Buddhist history, as the first image of Lord Buddha was carved here.

Moreover, Buddhism then spread from here to China, Korea and Japan.

Two beautiful & well maintained gardens are also attached with the museum’s building, for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural environment and weather.

It’s a site museum where the collections of gandhara art are placed, which dates back to 600BC to 700BC.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.