Buddhist sites captivate visitors

Danish delegation receives briefing on Gandhara civilisation

TAXILA:

Danish Ambassador Maja Mortensen, accompanied by a delegation, visited the Taxila Museum, the Unesco World Heritage Site of Julian Stupa and Bhamala Stupa and hailed Gandhara Civilisation as one of finest civilisations in histroy.

During the visit, the delegation was given a detailed briefing on the Gandhara civilisation, the history of Buddhism and the religious, cultural and historical significance of the Julian and Bhamala stupas.

The delegation was informed that these historical sites in Taxila and its surrounding areas represented a great civilisation spanning several centuries and had played a prominent role in the spread of Buddhism, religious teachings, architecture and sculpture.

Danish Ambassador Maja Mortensen and members of her delegation expressed particular interest in Buddhist statues, ancient artefacts, masterpieces of stone carving and historical structures.

They also sought information about the ancient educational and religious system of the Julian monastery and the distinctive architectural features of Bhamala Stupa.

On the occasion, the delegation was informed that the Gandhara region had been an important centre for Buddhist education and preaching in the past.

The stupas, monasteries, Buddhist statues and other archaeological remains found in the area provided clear evidence of the religious, intellectual and artistic development of that era.

Officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department also briefed the delegation on measures being taken to protect, maintain and restore the historical sites.

They said the department was fulfilling its responsibilities through regular monitoring of the sites, protection and documentation of archaeological remains, and efforts to preserve their original historical significance so that this valuable heritage could be safely passed on to future generations.