29-03-2018
33°45'2.27"N, 72°49'50.49"E
MONASTERY VIEW
Apart from its historical, religious, cultural and legendary background, in the last 2,000 years Taxila was also famous for eye treatment.
Apart from its historical, religious, cultural and legendary background, in the last 2,000 years Taxila was also famous for eye treatment.
In fact officials with
the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) believe that the Christ Hospital
Taxila is continuation of that old historical legendary story narrated by folk
tellers.
“The Stupa of Kunala
sitting 100-feet high to the south-east of Takshasila city – Taxila’s ancient
name – was where the blind would come to pray, and many had their prayers
answered,” said an official of DOAM.
The official said Kunala
was Emperor Ashoka’s beloved son, who was heir to the Mauryan empire. While he
was supposed to be the future king, he was blinded by one of Ashoka's wives,
Tishyaraksha, at a young age in jealousy, the official said.
The story of Kunala was
related to this magnificent Stupa on the top of Sirkap city, founded by Greeks
in 2nd century BC, the official said. “He was called Kunala because his eyes
were small but beautiful. He was gifted with a sweet voice. But the jealous
queen manoeuvred to order that his eyes be put out. A minister hesitated to
execute the order.
“When the prince came to
know about the royal order, he insisted on obedience to his father's command
and a hot iron was put to his eyes.
He wandered with his
wife far from his father’s kingdom,” the official narrated, adding that one day
Ashoka recognised his son’s voice in his court. On learning his queen’s
treachery, Ashoka ordered to put
her to death and Kunala
was restored to the court.
According to DOAM
official, Prince Kunala’s eyesight was restored by a famous surgeon who got his
education in medicine in Taxila, then famous for training and knowledge of
medicines, mathematics, grammar, archery, languages, and astronomy etc.
“Archaeological remains
of Kunala's Stupa do not co-relate with the story. The masonry style of this
Stupa belonged to 2nd century AD whereas Kunala was appointed in Taxila in 4th
century BC,” the official said.
“How it was named as
Kunala Stupa was not fully confirmed and needed deeper investigation and study.
But it is a fact that
Taxila was known for the best eye treatment in those days,” he said, supporting
his story with several antiquities found in Taxila, which were used for eye
treatment.
Such surgical
instruments were on display in Taxila Museum for public.
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