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