Expert sheds light on Taxila’s rich cultural heritage

HARIPUR: Taxila stands as a testament to the rich cultural and educational heritage of the ancient world, with its well-preserved archaeological remains providing insights into the diverse civilization that once thrived in the region.

This was the gist of a public talk that Prof Rashid Khan, a known historian, delivered at the Lok Chaupal in the famous Panjkatha area of Khanpur on Monday. Members of intelligentsia, journalists, retired officers of different public sector organizations and development experts were in attendance. Ayaz Kiani moderated the session.

Speaking to the participants on the topic of the historical background of Taxila, Prof Rashid Khan said that Taxila - an ancient archaeological site in Pakistan - has evidence of human habitation dating back to the 2nd millennium BC and held an incredible historical and cultural importance for Pakistan.

Prof Rashid Khan explained how Taxila has been an important centre of the Gandhara region and connected with the ancient trade routes. He elaborated how Taxila through ages has been a melting pot of various cultures and attracted invaders, scholars, philosophers and traders from around the world.

“Taxila came under the influence of the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms after Alexander the Great’s conquests. The city continued to thrive as a centre of commerce, culture, and learning. Taxila flourished under the Kushan Empire with further contributions to art and learning. Buddhist art and architecture, including stupas and monasteries, were prominent during this period,” he quoted from his research and history books.

He said that the Gupta period saw the continued development of Taxila as a centre for Buddhism and Hinduism and many of the Buddhist stupas and monasteries were expanded and adorned with sculptures. However, he said that Taxila faced invasions by the White Huns, contributing to its decline. The city gradually lost its importance as a major centre and the once-great university fell into decline.

About its coming under Islamic rule, he said Taxila came under Islamic rule with the advent of the Arab invasions. The city continued to be of historical and religious significance, but its political and economic importance diminished but it gained attention from European archaeologists and historians during the British colonial period. Prof Rashid Khan explained that Taxila today was designated as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, acknowledging its archaeological and cultural importance.