Call for restoring Taxila varsity
Pakistan, being the melting pot of different civilisations has different shades and colours taken from the rich cultural heritage of Gandhara, Indus, Mehrgarh, Arabs, Afghans, Mongols, Mughals, Persians, Turks and British spanning thousands of years.
Amidst them are some ancient seats of learning, including the University of Taxila - which once formed the greatest learning centre of the Gandhara Civilisation in the region and is widely acknowledged as the first example of higher learning in the world.
Education and archaeological experts say Taxila has great potential for religious and educational tourism and it can be converted into an international education city for higher and specialised education.
Punjab Archives Department Director Maqsood Ahmed says that Taxila, formerly Takshashila, was also described in the Buddhist Jataka tales written in Sri Lanka around the fifth century. In this text, Taxila has been mentioned as the capital of the kingdom of Gandhara and a great learning centre. He said that the Chinese travellers such as Fa Hian and Huien Tsang also mentioned Takshashila in their writings.
Ahmed said that the Muslim world, once a hub of intellectual wonders, has lost its glory, particularly in science and technology. But, if developed, Taxila can help promote science and technology while attracting foreign students, particularly from the sub-continent, Central Asia and other countries.
Abdul Nasir Khan, the library curator at Taxila museum said that the students had come here from all over the world including China, Babylon, Syria and Greece and Indian sub-continent for education. He said that subjects including science, mathematics, medicine, politics, warfare, astrology, astronomy, music, dance, religion, Vedas, grammar, agriculture, surgery, commerce, futurology, and philosophy had been taught at the campus.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2020.