Taxila lies 35 km to the west of Islamabad and to the northwest of Rawalpindi off the Grand Trunk Road.
It is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in the world. In fact, it is well-known for being the center of Buddhism as well as the centre for learning and culture. It also has the famous Gandhara sculpture.
Many statues of Buddha, each depicting a different meaning or activity, can be found at Taxila. These are generally made of stone and stucco and show the different stages in his life and his transition to enlightenment. Statues of other famous people in history such as Alexander the Great and the eminent ruler Asoka can also be found here. All the statues show great skill and craftsmanship because they are carved very intricately and are aesthetically pleasing. Taxila was taken over by Alexander the Great in 327 BC after which it was ruled by the Mauryans. Towards the end, it came under Asoka’s rule during which time it reached the zenith of its development and culture. Eventually, Taxila was taken over and destroyed
The last period for Taxila was the Gandhara period. It was during this time that Taxila became a world known centre for philosophy and art. The city also attracted many people from the region of China and Greece, primarily because of it being a centre for Buddhism.
Like Mohenjodaro and Harappa, Taxila was well-planned as a city with wide streets and well-built houses as well as stupas for the priests. The royalty of the time lived in splendid palaces in the city. Gold, silver coins and other jewellery items have also been excavated from Taxila.
At present, Taxila is a mixture of urban and rural elements with the residential areas in the form of small colonies in the urban areas. These are populated by people who work in the industries and other institutions located within the city. The city also has a museum which contains the remains of the Ghandara civilization. Taxila has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
The city still serves to be an attraction for historians, students as well as a number of tourists because of its grandeur and its excellent architecture. To cater to tourists and students, a souvenir shop which offers a large variety of items, is located within the city so that visitors can send gifts to Pakistan and also take something back with them as a reminder of the secrets buried within the ruins. In fact, the shop also offers courier facilities through which Pakistan gifts can be sent to relatives and friends so that they too, can get a glimpse of what the historical site has to offer. It must be remembered that Taxila is an ancient site and therefore it is uncertain as to how long it will remain. Therefore, it would be wise to give your loved ones an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this ancient city with you by sending them souvenirs and Pakistan gifts that they will actually cherish. |
