ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SWAT Valley

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SWAT BUDDHIST SHRINES

Archaeological Sites in Swat, A fairly large number of Buddhist sites such as stupas, monasteries, viharas, settlements, caves, rock-carvings and inscriptions are scattered all over the Swat Valley. This heritage of immense interest may be seen both in plains and in the hilly tracts. Fa-Hein, who came to Swat in the 4th century AD, wrote about 6000 monasteries in the valley.
The memoir of Sung- Wung, who visited the enchanting valley in the 6th century AD, records 6000 images in the sacred monastery of Talo (Butkara). The most famous of all the Chinese pilgrims, Hsuan-Tsang who came here in 7th century A.D, mentioned 1400 monasteries in Swat, which eloquently confirmed the extensive remains of the Buddhist period.
Even today over 400 Buddhist stupas and monasteries may still be seen in ruins in Swat covering an area of about 160 square km. The Buddhists built their stupas and monasteries higher on the hills with the aim that agricultural economy may not suffer and also to provide a sort of protection and security to them from the invaders.

Nimogram Stupa ; Archaeological Sites in Swat

Just 7 km from Landakai, a road goes towards Nimogram, which is further at a distance of 21 km. Nimogram is famous for its monastery on the top of a hill overlooking the whole area. Three main stupas with several other ones are also found here. These archaeological sites revive the Buddhist period of this place.
These structures have been built with dressed stones, a mastery by the old Artisans.They resemble Andan Dheri monastery situated in Dir district.
Location: The Buddhist site of Nimogram is situated about 45 km west of Saidu Sharif and about 22 km from Barikot, on the right bank of the Swat river in sub-valley of Shamozai. This site was discovered in 1966 and excavated in 1967-68.
The Site: The site consists of three main stupas in a row from north to south with a courtyard of 56 votive stupas and the adjoining monastery on the west of the main stupas.

It is difficult to give a definite date to the monuments at Nimogram. Nevertheless, based on the discovery of a few coins of Kushana period, the site may be traced back to 2nd and 3rd century A.D. Apart from the coins and pottery of Scytho-Parthian period, a large number of stone and stucco sculptures depict various scenes of Buddhist mythology. These sculptures are on display in Swat museum.

JEHANABAD SEATED BUDDHA; Archaeological Sites in Swat

Location: The huge image of a seated Buddha carved into a high rock face of reddish colour that rises on the hill side to the southwest of Jehanabad (Shakhorai) village. It is situated at a distance of 5km to the N-E of Manglawar. This huge image of the Buddha is also visible from the road, on the right side when one is on the way to Malam Jabba.
Description: The Buddha figure is about 7 meters in height and is certainly the most impressive piece of sculpture to be seen in Gandhara region. Unfortunately, it was damaged by miscreants in 2008.
Traces of this excellent figure of the Buddha remain, which is seated on a high throne in the altitude of mediation.

The snail shell curls of Buddha are carefully rendered. His eyes are more than half closed. There is a prominent Ushnisha and long ear lobes. The folds of the robe are stringy, with a planned alteration of high and low ridges.

Though the figure exhibits the Gandhara Art style in the drapery with pleats and the hair, the rather solemn, powerful form of the torso and representation of the folds of the robe are in agreement with the usual form adopted in the area for the other figures of the Buddha.

Gumbatuna Stupa; Archaeological Sites in Swat

Sir Aurel Stein in the Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India first mentioned the site of Gumbatuna in 1930. Berger and Wright who carried out small-scale excavations (Berger et al 1941). Professor G.
Tucci followed it in 1955-56.
Location: The site of Gumbatuna (Gumbatuna is the plural form of “Gumbat”, the Pashto word for dome”) is a Buddhist establishment situated on the right bank of the river Swat, 6 km west of Barikot village along the metalled road leading towards Nimogram in a wide valley.

The valley is broadly drained by the Swat river which flows in several braided channels through the area. The archaeological remains are scattered over a range of 1500 meters north to south and 1000 meters east to west in wide terraced fields sloping into the hills behind, known as Shamozai range. A spring is located in the Picturesque gully, north of the sacred area.
Main Stupa: The lower zone comprises the main stupa encompassed by the votive stupa and columns bounded by the enclosure wall.
The main stupa stands on a square plinth measuring 17m each side with an offset projection 3.71m long by 3.82m wide. The huge stupa is probably the best preserved in ancient Udhyana consisting of a dome, upper and three lower drums, resting on a square podium and scale The structure above the dome comprises harmika and umbrellas, which are now missing.

RAM TAKHT (RAM’S THRONE); Archaeological Sites in Swat

Ram Takht is one of the sacred places in Hinduism. It is only second to Amarnath Cave regarding its sacredness and sanctity.
Ram Takht is situated on the top of Mount Elum at an altitude of 9200 feet above sea level. This point is called Jogyano Sar (yogi peak).The dune of Barikot which is also famous for its sacred ruins is visible from here towards the North-West.
The Hindus believe that Ram Chandra Jee Maharajah spent three years of his BanBass (jungle life) here. The Hindu pilgrims visit this place once a year on first day of Sawan, to pray, worship and seek unity with Almighty. A holy spring flows near Ram Takht where most of the yogis came to seek union with the divine entity.
Ram Takht has also been demolished by treasure hunters in the hope of acquiring ancient treasures. Toorda Pacha whose family has resided here since time immemorial says that one of the yogis was killed by a nomad in the hope of acquiring wealth. Later the nomad lost his sanity and his whole family disappeared mysteriously from the place.
Ram Takht can be accessed through different routes of Karakar, Char, Dokada, Bezo Sar, Amlukdara and Marghuzar. One can reach the place in five hours from Marghuzar easily. Several cool streams adore the way while most of the dense forest has been chopped down by timber mafia. The way is well treaded and there is no fear of straying away.

The exotic valley of Swat and the holy district of Buner are the spectacular panoramas visible from Ram Takht. Mount Elum has a profound spiritual and holy past. The famous saints Peer Baba and Durrani Baba had visited this place, worshipped and meditated here. Today they are in their eternal slumber in the lap of Mount Elum.