By Shabnam Batool
Introduction
The old name of Taxila was Takhshasila and it was area of Buddhist Ganddhara. This civilization has enjoyed its golden period during Ashoka dynasty. Taxila is an ancient civilization located in the Rawalpindi region of Pakistan’s Punjab province.
The city was built along the roads that linked it to other civilizations at the period. Taxila was known for its libraries and learning centers, thus scholars and students from all over the world would travel there to learn.
Furthermore, Taxila University, one of the largest universities, used to offer scientific and humanities courses. The ruins of this university reveal that it also had an experiment lab. The city was model of construction with center market, well mapped streets and homes. Historians believed that this civilization was influenced by multiple civilizations and the impacts of the Achaemenid Empire, Mauryan Empire, and Hellenistic culture clearly reflect from its architects and sculptures. The city is made up of four series of early dynasty Buddhist monasteries, as well as a Muslim mosque and madrassa. This tremendous civilization flourished in Pakistan from 5th century BC to 6th Century AD.
But in this Article I have tried to give you some information about Buddhist Monasteries. These Monasteries have a mysterious attraction for those who love to dig history.
History of Monasteries /Stupa
Monasteries or Stupa were worshiping places in ancient times, it is said that King Ashoka collected the relics of Buddha from earlier stupas and mixed them into tones of dust from which he constructed approximately 84,000 new stupas for worshiping purposes. The amount of stupas is still unclear but approximately 20 stupas are discovering by archeologist in Taxila. They vary in design, structure and historical significance but Some of the notable stupas in Taxila include the Dharmarajika Stupa, the Jaulian Stupa, and the Mohra Muradu Stupa.
Discovery & Construction Material of Stupa
Sir Alexander Cunningham was a famous archaeologist whose work considerably contributed to our understanding of Taxila and its stupas. His indigenous work in Taxila, as well as other sites across the border, represents a watershed moment in recognizing and preserving ancient history.
These stupas held mixed dust of Buddha’s ashes and were regarded the body of Buddha, thus admirers of Buddha built them with high grade stones. Buddhist also believed that due to the ashes of Buddha these Stupas are the center of spiritual power. The devotees of Buddha preserved this this mixed dust with stone blocks.
Decline
This civilization’s major demise began with the invasion of the Greeks, Scythians, and Kushans, who undermined the social and political systems of this civilization. Furthermore, the decline of the Mauryan Empire resulted in an absence of Royal supporting for research programmes in educational institutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decline of the Taxila civilization was a result of a combination of external invasions, the weakening of political support, and economic shifts. These factors disrupted the stability and prosperity of Taxila, leading to its gradual decline as a significant center of learning and trade. Despite its downfall, Taxila’s legacy as an important ancient civilization continues to be recognized in the archaeological remains and historical records that shed light on its rich history.
FAQs
who was king of Taxila?
Taxila was controlled by various dynasties throughout history, including King Ambhi, Chandar Gupt Mauryan, and Ashoka.
Which part of the world ancient Taxila university was?
Between two famous rivers of Pakistan Indus and Jhelum, Taxila University was situated.
Which civilization lived in Taxila
The empire of Gandhara
