Introduction to Takht-e-Bhai Buddhist Remains:
Takht-e-Bhai is a big city in district Mardan, situated in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. It is also a neighbouring city to another famous small town Sahr-e-Bahlol, which is also another important areas where Buddhism remains are found. Takht-e-Bhai Buddhist remains are found about 15- 20 Km from the main Bazar of Mardan.
Takht-e-Bhai city also represent the world’s most important, historical and unique sites. It is very famous and attractive for those who want to explore the history, archeology and antiquity in Pakistan. Takht-e-Bhai is really remained a wonder for the whole of the world who are interested in exploring the archeological sites. In fact, Takht-e-Bahi is one of the most ancient Buddhist monastery the is very unique and historical in the world.
Takht-e-Bhai is very famous symbol of the architectural complexity of a Buddhist monastic complex. The Buddhist complex of Takht-e-Bhai is an amazing Gandharan Buddhist civilization, it is a must-stop tourist destination for tourist. Those local and non-local tourist who visit Khyber PakhtoonKhwa, must visit Takht-e-Bhai Buddhist Ruins.
A Throne of Water Spring:
The name of Takht-i-Bahi is a combinations of the Indo-Parthian, which means the “Throne of the Water Spring”. In fact, the Buddhist Ruins belongs to an ancient Buddhist monastery in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Due to having the most old, historical and archeological history, the Government of Pakistan has preserved it very well.
The Buddhist monastery of Takht-e-Bhai was in continual use until the 7th century AD. The Buddhist monastery in Takht-e-Bhai is mainly composed of an assemblage of buildings and it is considered as the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan.
Buddhist Buildings Structure
According to archeological scientists, the buildings were constructed of stone in Gandhara patterns by using local made and semi-dressed stone blocks. These local made and dressed stones blogs are then set in a lime and mud mortar.
If you visit the site, you find here that the ruins comprise a main stupa court, votive stupas court. Similarly you can also find a group of three stupas, the monastic quadrangle with meditation cells can also be found here. For gathering conference hall, covered stepped passageways and other secular buildings are also found in these remains.
The designg and construction techniques of Buddhist Ruins of Takht-e-Bhai and its neighboring city of Sahri-i-Bahlol are considered the most characteristics examples of the development of monastic and urban communities in the Gandharan regions that was once active between the 1st – 7th century AD.
Integrity
Takht-e-Bahi Buddhist Ruins are located at high hills about 150 meters height. Due to location the location of on the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi on high hills, historical reports says that it has escaped successive invasions and is exceptionally well preserved.
Although the main Takht-e-Bhai Buddhist site on hilly area is preserved very well by the government, however, the boundaries of the ancient fortified city of Sahr-i-Bahlol are well defined with part of fortification walls still intact although in deteriorated condition. Due to encroachments activity the Sahr-i-Bahlol site is increasingly threatened. In this area, peoples made their houses directly on the top of the ancient ruins and only remnants of the perimeter wall survive now.
In addition to the above mentioned reason, some other factors also adding threat to the site that are uncontrolled vegetation, inadequate drainage, lack of security to prevent unauthorized animal & human encroachment and illegal digging in the area. Similarly, vehicular traffic and pollution from local factories (Takht-e-Bahi Sugar Mill Pvt Ltd, Rahman Cotton Mill and other small factories) is also also a very serious threat that are adding to the deterioration.
