PESHAWAR: The members of a high level delegation consisting of Buddhist monks and diplomats showed keen interest the world heritage site of Takht Bhai in Mardan district and colonial-era Peshawar Museum during visit on Thursday.

The members of the delegation included monks and diplomats from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia and Nepal.

The director of archaeology and museums, Abdul Samad Khan, briefed the delegation about the significance of world heritage site of Takht Bhai and nearby Sahr-i-Bahlool. The members of the delegation also went around the primitive Buddhist monastery in Takht Bhai. They were impressed by its historical significance and conservation work.

They also took keen interest in monastic complexes of Takht Bhai that are spectacularly positioned on various hilltops ranging from 36.6 meters to 152.4 meters height with a covered area of about 33 hectares.

The delegation was informed that Takht Bhai monastery was in continuous use till 7th century (CE), composed of an assemblage of buildings constructed of stone on Gandhara pattern in diaper style using local dressed and semi-dressed stone blocks set in a lime and mud mortar.

Later, the delegation visited Peshawar Museum. It is the lone Gandhara Art Museum in world. The members of the delegation visited its different sections and galleries.

The main hall of Peshawar Museum was constructed in 1906 in memory of Queen Victoria where Buddha Gallery with statues of Lord Buddha and Buddha Savatta Gallery showcase his princely life. The tourists also took interest in rare antiques, artefacts, coins, swords, guns and other antiquities at the museum.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2023