Takht Bhai (Throne of the Water Spring) is an archaeological site in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is considered the best preserved Buddhist place in Pakistan. It is one of the 6 World Heritage Sites in Pakistan.
Its inscriptions refer to Gondophares I, the most influential king of the Indopartan Empire. Therefore, it is widely believed that the Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist Monastery was built at least 2000 years ago. The Buddhist complexes and the village, as the locals say, are named after the two fountains that can be seen on the top of the hill near the complex, but the majority trust Takht to rule the throne.
Archaeologists have divided the history of the complicated into four periods, beginning in the 1st century BC.
The monastic complex may have been built in the early 1st century AD. This is attested by inscriptions titled Gondophares (AD 20-46). After Gondophares, the place fell under the rule of Kujula Kadphises, the first king of Kushan. This first era lasted until the 2nd century AD. and is associated with a few different kings Kushan Kanishka, as well as the early Parthian kings and later Kushans. The 2nd construction period, which protected the creation of the stupa courtyard and aula magna, occupied the site in the 3rd, 4th and 5th centuries.
The site was conquered by the Huns in the mid-5th century AD, ending Kushan’s rule. The Hun Toramana and then his son Mihirakula killed the inhabitants around Gandhara and destroyed most if not all Buddhist monasteries. There are indications that Takht-I-Bahi was destroyed by the Huns in the same duration of destruction, but the complex seems to have been used until the seventh century AD. The first contemporary historical reference to these ruins was made in 1836 with the help of a French officer who refers to Buddhist stays in a village called Mazdorabad. Explorations and excavations on the site began in 1864. A large number of objects can be observed in the British Museum. The site suffered a primary restoration in the 1920s. A famous Takht-i-Bahi stairlift, now in the British Museum, shows devotees in Hellenistic dress. Buddha statue, Takht-i-Bahi, 2nd-3rd c. Century AD Slate, H. 980 mm (39 in). Indian Art Museum. The Buddha is seated on the lion’s throne. Takht-i-Bahi. slate, H. 525 mm. Indian Art Museum.
The most historical site of the generation is Sehri Bahlol. The monastery is located on Malakand Road. The phrase “Sehri-Bahlol” has been defined by several people who use it in unique ways. Locals say this is a Hindko word meaning “Sir Bahlol”, an important political and religious leader of the area. However, the name is not as old as the village of Sehri-Bahlol. It is undoubtedly an area to see that encompasses history, archaeological remains, and works of sculpture
