Butterflies of Swat

Trekking is not only name of traversing some certain land. You can document many interesting things like topographical features, mountains, streams, locals foods, birds, fossils, plant types, flora fauna and many more things.

I found elven species of butterflies in Swat during my recent four days visit, without the help of my friend Ackram Awan it could be impossible to learn about there ids.

Shingardara Stupa (2019)

As you travel along the scenic river Swat, specifically from Barikot to Odigram, you will come across several Buddhist monuments that dot the landscape. Among these remarkable structures, the most notable is the stupa located at Shingardar, also spelled as Shankardâr. According to local legend, this stupa holds a connection to a legendary king named Uttarasena.

Legend has it that King Uttarasena, under the command of his master, collected and safeguarded the relics of Buddha within this magnificent stupa. The significance of this historical figure and the sacred relics stored within the stupa have contributed to its esteemed reputation.

However, it is worth noting that the stupa associated with King Uttarasena was not constructed during the late fifth century BCE, which marked the period after Buddha's ascent to Nirvana. Rather, it was built during the sixth century CE, indicating a considerably later timeframe. The architectural features of the stupa, particularly the presence of "Greek" pilasters, exhibit Greek influences, further supporting this later dating.

The stupa of King Uttarasena stands as an imposing structure, its grandeur captured in the accompanying photographs. In the second photo, the foreground reveals a road that cuts through the stupa's foundation. While this act can be seen as an unfortunate act of vandalism, it inadvertently provides us with a better understanding of the monument's immense size. The stupa itself measures a striking eighteen meters, with its foundations extending a significant eight meters below the surface.

Within the stupa's basement, there exists a hole that has been utilized by treasure hunters seeking to acquire the sacred relics of Buddha. This stupa, in comparison to the one at Zurmala, not only surpasses it in size but also boasts superior preservation due to its relatively more recent construction.

The stupa of King Uttarasena stands as a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage in the region, inviting visitors to appreciate its historical significance and architectural splendor. It serves as a tangible reminder of the profound impact Buddhism had in shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of the Swat Valley.

The Ancient Bazira of Alexander (2019)

The Ancient City of Bazira and in the background Scared Hindu Shahi mountain Jugianosar

Bazira, the ancient city associated with Alexander the Great, is situated in the southern region of the Swat Valley within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. Positioned approximately 20 km (12 mi) away from both Mingora and Butkara, it serves as the gateway to the Swat valley and is home to an approximate population of 25,000.

The exploration of the ancient town of Bazira, located beneath the modern settlement of Barikot, has been carried out by the Italian Archaeological Mission (later renamed ISMEO) since 1984, under the guidance of Giuseppe Tucci. Over the years, these excavations have uncovered intriguing ruins, shedding light on the city's historical significance.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the expeditions unearthed remains of an Indo-Greek town dating back to the reign of King Menander I in the 2nd century BCE. However, starting from 2011, a new excavation in the southwestern corner of the site revealed even older settlements. One of these pre-Indo-Greek layers has been dated to the mid-3rd century BCE, placing it within the Mauryan era. It is believed that an earlier settlement existed before being conquered and possibly destroyed by Alexander the Great during the 4th century BCE. Additionally, in close proximity to Bazira, a village belonging to the Gandhara grave culture, spanning the 7th to 8th century BCE, was also discovered. Delving deeper into history, the oldest layer beneath Barikot dates back to 1000-1100 BCE, representing an ancient village of that era.

At its peak during the 2nd century BCE, the town of Bazira covered an area of approximately 12 hectares (30 acres), including the acropolis, or about 7 hectares (17 acres) excluding it. The city was protected by a defensive wall fortified with massive rectangular bastions. Numerous artifacts have been unearthed during the excavations, providing insights into the daily life of Bazira's inhabitants. These artifacts range from coins and pottery to weapons. Among the notable discoveries are significant items highlighting the Buddhist history of Bazira, such as a large green-schist statue of Siddhartha Buddha riding his horse Kanthaka, and a carved representation of a stupa adorned with two lions. Another intriguing statue depicts an unknown deity seated on a throne, characterized by long, curled hair, and holding a wine goblet along with a severed goat head, possibly representing Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, or another local deity.

During the Kushan Empire, Bazira thrived as a major town. However, a series of earthquakes in the 3rd century CE caused extensive devastation. Combined with the decline of the Kushan Empire, these factors ultimately led to the abandonment of Bazira by the end of the 3rd century.

The archaeological excavations at Bazira offer valuable insights into the rich history of the region, tracing back through different cultural and historical periods. The artifacts and structures discovered at this site provide glimpses into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and cultural influences that shaped Bazira over time.

 

Indo Greek Defensive Walls

Indo Greek Definsive Wall

Indo Greek Defensive Wall