The cosmopolitan art of Gandhara was brought to light by antiquarians and art dealers of the 19th and 20th century but currently almost all major museums exhibit pieces from the Gandharan art.

This art appeared in the region in the 1st century BC, strengthened in the 1st century AD, flourished till 5th century and lingered on till 8th century. From Gandhara culture to Madhura art, Taxila’s sculptors have been experts in producing replicas of historical stonework.

The local artists, stimulated by the personality of Buddha, took advantage of the contacts, motifs and technology from Greeks, Romans and Persians and developed such a unique art which gave Buddha an eternal life.

Gandhara art is the landmark of Taxila but with the passage of time the traditional art of making statues has declined. However, artisans have turned their attention to making different items from the famous Taxila black stone and marble.

At present, artisans are producing different pieces used for internal as well as external decoration not only in Pakistan but also in other countries.

These items produced at the small village of Dhabian, a few yards from Taxila Museum, by local artisans are not only liked by art admirers from Karachi to Peshawar and Islamabad-based diplomatic circles but are also being exported.

The artisan first refines the stone with a chisel and hammer. A sketch is drawn on this stone and then carved with the help of a chisel and hammer. The finishing touches are given with sandpaper.

The world famous Taxila stone is a limestone that is hard, durable and best suited for embellishing buildings. Prof Dr Mohammad Ashraf Khan, the director of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisation (TIAC), said Taxila was named as the city of stones as no brick was utilised in the construction of any stupa or monastery here. The centuries-old skill of craving and masonry has been passed on from generation to generation.

A.G. Lone, former curator of Taxila Museum, said ancient Taxila was also known as Taka (cut) Shaila (stone) ‘City of cut stones’. Stone chiseling is a hard job but these traditional craftsmen have continued their profession to keep alive the stone art for the future generation.

He added that modern craftsmen of Taxila especially stone chiselers were using ancient iconography and decorative motives depicted in architectural friezes of Gandhara and ancient Taxila.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2015

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