Saidu Sharif Stupa (2019)

The Saidu Sharif Stupa, known as Saidu Sharif I during excavations, holds great significance as a Buddhist sacred site situated near the city of Saidu Sharif in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is nestled at the foothills that separate the Saidu River valley from the Jambil River valley. The sacred area encompasses two terraces constructed on the hill's slope, accessed through a rock cut on the northern side. These terraces include a prominent stupa, surrounded by smaller monuments, as well as a monastery.

The Italian Archaeological Mission initiated excavations at the site in 1963, with the project spanning until 1982, interrupted between 1966 and 1977. The initial excavation campaign focused on the lower terrace, uncovering the main stupa, while the second campaign revealed the upper terrace, housing the monastery.

The lower terrace, referred to as the "Terrace of the Stupas," features a larger main stupa, encompassed by various minor monuments such as stupas, viharas, and columns. The structure of the main stupa, with its square base and a stairway on the northern side, has been preserved up to the first cylindrical body. Fragments of the harmikā (the square railing around the stupa's dome) and the umbrellas that once adorned the stupa have been found near the site. One of the cylindrical bodies of the stupa was adorned with a frieze carved in green schist, while the top corners of the rectangular body were adorned with four columns on pedestals, each topped with a crouched lion figure.

Archaeologists have divided the lifespan of the Saidu Sharif I sanctuary into three periods. In the first period, from approximately 25 BCE to the end of the 1st century CE, the monuments were arranged symmetrically. Over time, the Terrace of the Stupas became more crowded, leading to its expansion during the second and third periods, which occurred between the 2nd-3rd century CE and 4th-5th century CE, respectively. These three construction periods are also evident on the upper terrace, where the monastery underwent expansions followed by a reduction to its original dimensions during the third period, indicating the decline of the entire sacred area.

Gumbatuna Stupa, Swat (2019)

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The site of Gumbatuna, which derives its name from the Pashto word for "dome," holds great significance as a Buddhist establishment located on the right bank of the Swat River in northern Pakistan. First mentioned by A. Stein in the Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1930, the site drew the attention of scholars and archaeologists alike. Subsequent exploration and excavation work by Berger, Wright, and Professor G. Tucci further unraveled the secrets hidden within its ancient structures.

Gumbatuna is situated in a picturesque valley, approximately 6 kilometers west of Barikot village, along the metalled road leading towards Nimogram. The archaeological remains span a vast area of 1500 meters from north to south and 1000 meters from east to west. Scattered across terraced fields that slope towards the Shamozai range of hills, the ruins of Gumbatuna evoke a sense of awe. The site also features a charming spring located in a gully to the north, adding to its natural beauty.

Excavations began by focusing on the terraces, particularly the main stupa and partially uncovered votive stupas that had been disturbed by treasure hunters. The middle terrace reveals a circular monastery, now occupied by the modern village of Gumbatuna. On the upper terrace, different groups of monastic settlements, caves, viharas, and stupas can be found, painting a vivid picture of the Buddhist community that once thrived in this area.

The lower zone of Gumbatuna encompasses the main stupa, surrounded by votive stupas and columns within an enclosure wall. The main stupa stands on a square plinth measuring 17 meters on each side, with an offset projection on the east side for steps. This impressive structure, considered one of the best-preserved ancient stupas in Udyana, consists of a dome, upper and three lower drums, resting on a square podium and base. Although the harmika (a square structure atop the dome) and umbrellas are now missing, the stupa's grandeur is still evident.

The square base of the stupa features a straight Scotia pattern, while the podium or square plinth rises to a height of 3.90 meters from the top of the base molding. The top of the plinth is paved with schist slabs, and a built-in Corine (a decorative molding) projects from it. The circumambulation path around the drum is paved with large stone slabs of schist, varying in width. At the corners of the first drum, the square bases of columns provide evidence that the stupa was once adorned with four columns, a decorative feature also observed in other stupas in the Swat Valley.

The cylindrical drums of the stupa measure 4.70 meters in height and are surmounted by a hemispherical-shaped dome with a diameter of 10 meters. Unfortunately, relic hunters have cut through the dome from the east, and a shaft now extends from the top, reducing the stupa's original height. The stupa can be ascended via a flight of twelve steps on the east side, leading to the top of the podium. The masonry of the main stupa displays an intricate diaper pattern, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Surrounding the main stupa are 27 votive stupas of various sizes, all square in plan and featuring diaper masonry. Although the upper portions of these votive stupas are missing, two of them, numbered 16 and 27, have survived up to the drum level. The plinths of some stupas exhibit plain diaper patterns, while others, such as stupas 14 and 15, are adorned with Corinthian pilasters, showcasing the artistic diversity of the site.

The excavation work at Gumbatuna has focused on the northern, southern, and western sides, while the area in front of the main stupa remains unexplored, awaiting further salvage operations. Despite some disturbance caused by sculpture robbers who have looted antiquities from the site, a significant number of sculptures and an impressive stupa complex have been uncovered. Among the artifacts discovered are sculptures depicting Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and architectural elements in both stone and stucco.

While no coins were found at the site to provide precise dating, the stone, stucco, and diaper masonry sculptures suggest that Gumbatuna flourished during the early Kushana era, possibly from the 2nd century A.D. until the 7th-8th century A.D. Its historical and artistic value makes Gumbatuna a remarkable testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of the region and a captivating destination for visitors and scholars alike.

 

Buddhist Settlements in background mountains of the stupa

Mohara Moradu Buddhist Monastery in Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan

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Text Source:- Wikipedia 

29-03-2018

View of Monastery 1917 after excavation taken from book guide to taxila by Sir john Marshall

INTRODUCTION

Mohra Muradu is the place of an ancient Buddhist stupa and monastery near the ruins of Taxila, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The ancient monastery is located in a valley and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The monks could meditate in all stillness at this place but were near enough to the city of Sirsukh to go for begging as it is only around 1.5 km away.

The city was built in the 2nd century CE and renovated in the 5th century. Thus it belongs to the Kushan age.

The ruins consist of three distinct parts, which include the main stupa, a votive stupa and the monastery and have been included in the world heritage list of the UNESCO since 1980 under Taxila.

EXCAVATION

The ruins of Mohra Muradu were excavated under the supervision of Sir John Marshall by Abdul Qadir in 1914-1915. They consist of a buddhist monastery and two stupas. The main stupa is built on a foundation more than 4.75 meters high. The smaller, votive, stupa lies behind the bigger one.

MONASTERY

The monastery consists of 27 rooms for the students and the teachers built around a courtyard with a pool. The large, square shaped pool contained water for ritual washings and was about half a metre deep. Stairs to the pool were present on all sides. The monastery also contained a kitchen and a well for water that still functions today. The rain water was collected into the pool from the roof of the monastery over wooden extensions. Statues of Buddha are found abundantly in the courtyard and the rooms for the students. An assembly hall is also present in one corner of the monastery.

The monastery was a double story building. Stairs to the upper story went through one of the rooms. There was additional connection through wooden constructions from the courtyard. The strength of the walls has, however, led to the idea that there might have existed even a third story.

Monk Cells, In front remains of pool

Monks Cells,  Buddha replica statuses and remains of pool

Niche where groups of   figures shifted to Taxila Museum

Mohara Moradu suppose to be a Vihara, you can remain of stairs to reach First floor

Another Views of Stair

Another View of Monk Cells

Monk Cell

Stupa 1

Stupa 2

Foundation of Circular Votive Stupa

The Monumental Votive Stupa 

The monument is found in one of the rooms of the monastery. It was probably dedicated to the memory of one of the teachers who used to live in the room where it is located. The umbrellas were once colored. The monument is about 4 meters high.

Replica of Votive Stupa placed in cell,original stupa shifted to Taxila Museum

1917 Picture of Votive Stupa by Sir John Marshall

                                                          BUDDHA & BODHISATTVA STATUES 

Statues Relics before Shifting to Taxila Mueseum

statue of Bodhisattva found at  current site present now at taxila museum

Replica of Statues , original shifted to taxila museum

Replica of Statues , original shifted to taxila museum

Replica of Statues , original shifted to taxila museum

Explanation of Site  Taken from the book  Sir John Marshall Book Guide to Taxila

OTHER FEATURES

The assembly hall of the monastery. The bases of the supporting columns are visible.

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