Takht-i-Bahi (The Sping Throne) was discovered in 1836 & listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.
The locals believe that it was named after a spring which was located nearby the site. Due to its elevation atop the hill, it is believed that this throne has played great significance throughout the centuries.
This ancient monastery is believed to be one of the most well-structured and well preserved ancient Buddhist monasteries in the Gandhara district. The ruins are located more than five hundred feet up on top of a hill, and due to this elevation, these remnants have remained virtually untouched for many hundreds of years.
First Construction Period
It is believed the original monastery was built during the first century BC, as the design, build and materials of the monastery are authentic and in line with other buildings which are known of at the time. This fact is also proven by inscriptions which were found in the temple as these inscriptions included the name of Gondophares the first, who is recorded as living during that time. Gondophares I also known as Vindafarna, Gastaphar, Gundaparnah (from which the Pashtun surname of Gandapur originates from) and Gaspar[d], King of Persia (who’s history is recorded in Christian traditions as one of the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings who witnessed the birth of Christ). This era seemed to have retained Persian Zoroastrian religious beliefs as no evidence was found of any Greek or Buddhist symbols or writings on coins or otherwise.
Second & Third Construction Periods
The Third thru the Fifth centuries AD brought on the second & third construction periods of the monastery. This era saw the rise of the Kushan Empire. Kujula Kadphises was the first official ruler & uniter of the empire of Nomads originating from the Western provinces of modern China called Yuezhi. Buddhism flourished during their reign and the Takht-i-Bahi site expanded. In this time period the Great “Stupa Court” & the “Assembly Hall” were erected.
Final Construction Period
In this final construction period, between the 6th & the 7th Century AD, the “Tantric Complex” was constructed. This period was reportedly ruled by the Huns.
The Complex
Composing of a series of stone buildings in the Gandhara style, Takht-i-Bahi was constructed with local stone blocks which were set in a mortar made from lime and mud.
The grandiose group of structures can be divided into Four primary areas:
Once atop the main Stupa Court, one feels the breeze of mysticism & self-awareness. These thoughts arise when you glance upon the entire valley from the throne & one disconnects from the world.
There are historical records proving that the monastery was in constant use until around the 7th century, after that the records become quite unclear. This is where the archaeologists become significant, as they can uncover what become of the site between its time of closing, and present day.
Takht-i-Bahi is constantly being worked on and studied by archaeology students who travel from around the globe to try and learn more about the monastery’s history. The architecture of the monastery has also been well studied and documented, and it is understood that the people who did the initial building were quite advanced in their engineering and civil works, as the structure far surpasses other recorded sites built at this particular time.
Located approximately two kilometers from the Takht-i-Bahi Bazaar, the ruins attract many tourists and historians as well as Buddhist travelers from around the world. The site is also popular with archaeologists, and due to its age and the level of preservation, it has become an established and important archaeological as well as historical site in the Mardan district.
The busiest time of year to visit the monastery is between September and April when the weather is not too harsh. The summer months are too much to bear for an extensive trip and excavation of the site, as there is very little shade in the area, and the infrastructure on the site is not suited to tourists visiting during the peak of summer, where temperatures can easily reach 100 F or more.
Takht-i-Bahi is an encounter with a very ancient time in South Asia and the ease at which you can reach the monastery makes a journey to witness these ruins entirely worthwhile.
Health Care Consultant & Blogger based out of Chicago, IL.
KARACHI - Following are the foreign currency exchange rates for US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UK Pound Sterling, U.A.E. Dirham, European Euro, and other foreign currencies in Pakistan open market on January 26, 2023 (Thursday).
Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
US Dollar | USD | 237.55 | 240.15 |
Euro | EUR | 272.5 | 275 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 308.5 | 311.5 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 68 | 68.6 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 66.4 | 67 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 176 | 178 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 615.68 | 620.18 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 186 | 188 |
China Yuan | CNY | 34.12 | 34.37 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 33.83 | 34.18 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 29.52 | 29.87 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 2.81 | 2.89 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 2.5 | 2.54 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 756.69 | 761.69 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 52.59 | 53.04 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 148.33 | 149.53 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 22.43 | 22.73 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 600.37 | 604.87 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 63.5 | 64 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 178 | 179.3 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 21.78 | 22.08 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 250.23 | 251.98 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 6.98 | 7.08 |
KARACHI – The price of a single tola of 24-karat gold in Pakistan is Rs190,900 on Thursday. The price of 10 grams of 24k gold was recorded at Rs163,670.
Likewise, 10 grams of 22k gold were being traded for Rs150,300 while a single tola of 22-karat gold was being sold at Rs 173,200.
Note: The gold rate in Pakistan is fluctuating according to the international market so the price is never been fixed. The below rates are provided by local gold markets and Sarafa Markets of different cities.
City | Gold | Silver |
Lahore | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Karachi | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Islamabad | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Peshawar | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Quetta | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Sialkot | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Attock | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Gujranwala | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Jehlum | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Multan | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Gujrat | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Nawabshah | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Chakwal | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Hyderabad | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Nowshehra | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Sargodha | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Faisalabad | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Mirpur | PKR 190,900 | PKR 2,100 |
Copyright ©2023. Reproduction of this website's content without express written permission from 'Daily Pakistan' is strictly prohibited.