On one scorching day in April 2019, we embarked on a visit to the remarkable Raja Gira Castle, perched upon the hilly slopes of Udegram. Udegram, a quaint town situated downhill from the castle, found itself on the western side. Flowing to its west, the majestic Swat River gracefully meanders, eventually merging with the Panjkora River downstream in the Malakand District near Totakan.
Legend has it that approximately a thousand years ago, the very town of Udegram became the battleground for an epic clash between Mahmud of Ghaznavid's army and Raja Gira, the last Buddhist king. Raja Gira, displaying immense courage and valor, valiantly fought against the formidable forces of Mahmud. However, in the face of overwhelming numbers, he ultimately succumbed to defeat. This marked the end of a 1,300-year reign of Buddhism monarchy in the valley, forever altering the course of history.
Delving into the realm of historical exploration, we encounter the notable figure of Sir Marc Aurel Stein. A Hungarian-born British archaeologist, Sir Aurel Stein (1862-1943) gained recognition for his extensive expeditions and archaeological discoveries in Central Asia. His contributions remain highly regarded in the field.
The site of Raja Gira, its ruins meticulously documented by Sir Aurel Stein between 1930 and 1938, sprawls across an expansive area characterized by partially man-made terracing on the northern slope of the mountain. Positioned roughly one hundred meters below the renowned "Castle," this location offers a commanding view over the present-day village of Udegram nestled within the Swat Valley. According to the findings of Sir Aurel Stein and the esteemed scholar Giuseppe Tucci, this region encompasses the ancient city of Ora. It is worth noting that Alexander the Great conquered Ora in 327 B.C., leaving an indelible mark on its history. Moreover, in close proximity lies Bazira (also known as Bir-kot or Ghwandai), further enriching the historical significance of the area.
