"Is it not a guidance for them, how many generations We have destroyed before them in whose dwellings they do walk about? Verily, therein indeed are signs. Would they not then listen?"
Al-Quran [Sajdah 32:26]
Takht Bhai or Takht Bahi (Urdu: تخت بھائی) is a Buddhist monastic complex dating to the 1st century BCE. The site is located about 15 kilometers from Mardan city, KPK. The complex is regarded by archaeologists as being particularly representative of the architecture of Buddhist monastic centers from its era. Due to its religious significance and remarkable architectural feature, the site has been placed on the " World Heritage Site" by UNESCO in 1980.
Takht Bhai
Takht Bhai, literally meaning "spring or well on a high surface". The spring of that period still exist on western hill and is used by the local people. Therefore the Buddhist sanctuary and the nearby village were named after these wells. The remains are most astounding, exciting and imposing relics of Buddhist in Pakistan. Datted back from 2nd BC to 5th century AD and scattered over 32.9 hectares. The site was excavated by Dr D.B Spooner and Mr.Hargreaves in 1907-09 and 1910-11 respectively. The remains consist of main stupa, votive stupas, court, lofty chapels, monastic quadrangle, meditation cells, covered passages and many other secular buildings. All are stone built laid in lime and mud mortar in diaper style masonry. A large number of stone and stucco sculptures have been unearthed during excavation, which now on display in Peshawar museum. The sculpture depicts the life of Buddha before his birth and different events of his life and reveal evolutionary and developmental stages of Gandhara art.
Takht Bhai
