Archaeologists working in the Bazira Barikot area of Swat, Pakistan, have uncovered a pre-Buddhist sacred monument dating back to the 4th century BC. The excavations were conducted by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan in collaboration with Dr. Abdul Samad and the staff of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with students from local universities and Jahanzeb College.
Dr. Luca Maria Olivieri, the director of the mission, described the structure as initially built around a natural sacred space, possibly associated with elements such as a spring, a Naga shrine, or a sacred tree.
During the 3rd century BC, in the era of Ashoka, the monument underwent significant transformations, marking the first wave of Buddhism’s spread in Gandhara. It was during this period that the pre-Buddhist shrine of Bazira was converted into a Buddhist temple.
Archaeological evidence points to the construction of an Indian-style stupa outside the temple entrance during the Buddhist phase. The temple’s interior, particularly the central cell, underwent modifications, serving as an important place of worship.
Further alterations were introduced by the Indo-Greeks, who constructed an enclosure around the temple, creating a walkable corridor. The Odiraja rulers added a vault to the enclosure, and later, during the late Odiraja or early Kushan period, further modifications were made.
Radiocarbon dating has substantiated the chronological timeline of these transformations. The monument, identified as a Buddhist sacred space, remained in use with various adaptations until the 4th century AD.
The archaeological findings offer a rare glimpse into Gandhara’s religious and architectural evolution, enriching the understanding of its cultural history.
Italian archaeologists have been working in Bazira Barikot since 1987, unraveling various phases of history and civilizations. The ongoing focus is on the terraces of Bazira’s acropolis, exploring the Ghaznavid phases, with evidence spanning from the Bronze Age to the Indo-Greeks. The team is also studying the network of roads connecting the ancient city, providing insights into its urban planning.
In addition to historical revelations, sediment studies have suggested a radical shift in understanding local geography, challenging the location of fabled lakes mentioned in Buddhist legends and traditions.
The forthcoming excavation reports for 2022-2023 are expected to deepen understanding and offer insights into Swat’s rich history.
