Haroonabad, Udegram
34°45'2.65"N 72°18'16.81"E
In 1928, Aurel Stein, a renowned Hungarian-British historian and archaeologist, ventured to the ancient site of Udegram, following the trail blazed by Alexander the Great. Arriving in this historically significant region, Stein observed two distinct clusters of ancient ruins. One group was situated on level ground between the surrounding farms and hills, nestled east of a small cluster of houses. The other collection of remnants adorned the crest of a serene hill, overlooking the sprawling plain below. Little did Stein know that decades later, archaeologists would delve into these ruins, unearthing the fascinating story of a well-organized city that experienced a cyclical existence of rise, decline, and rebirth over a span of 800 years, from Alexander's invasion to the 5th century CE.
The earliest layer of occupation revealed fragments of pottery adorned with Greek inscriptions, providing a glimpse into the city's past dating back to the 4th century BCE. As the Greeks yielded to other influences following the death of Alexander the Great, the town absorbed the artistic and cultural impact of the Mauryan Empire. Numismatic evidence further attests to a succession of foreign powers that left their mark on Udegram. The Bactrian Greeks, who held sway over Afghanistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab in the late 3rd century BCE, were followed by the Scythians, Parthians, and Kushans. As the power of the Kushans waned in the 4th century, Udegram became a part of the Persian Sassanian Empire, as evidenced by the discovery of coins minted during the reign of Hormuzd II, who governed between 302 and 309 CE.
However, the following century witnessed the downfall of this particular era in Udegram's history. In the tumultuous last quarter of the 5th century, the violent and marauding White Huns swept through the region, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The ruins found in the flat expanse now known as Udegram bazaar bear witness to the once-flourishing Sassanian city that succumbed to the merciless onslaught of the Huns. The remnants offer glimpses of an orderly and well-planned township, with streets paved with carefully laid flagstones and houses constructed from locally quarried and finely dressed stone. The town was meticulously divided into blocks, each featuring distinct areas designated for residential and commercial purposes. It thrived and prospered until the brutal Hunnic invasions brought about its tragic demise.
In the face of such brutal incursions, the surviving Buddhist population, chastened and fearful of future assaults, sought refuge in the safety of the hill located just east of the ravaged city. This strategic move ensured their protection and allowed their religious practices to endure amidst the tumultuous historical events unfolding in Udegram. The hill became a sanctuary where Buddhism and its followers found solace and resilience, preserving their beliefs in the face of adversity.
The tale of Udegram unveils a rich tapestry of civilizations, conquests, and cultural exchanges. It serves as a testament to the resilience of humanity, as well as a reminder of the impermanence of empires and the enduring spirit of those who endure in the face of adversity. The preservation and exploration of this historically significant site continue to shed light on the intricate web of human history and deepen our understanding of the diverse cultures that have shaped our world.
