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Fasting Buddha
the Zenith of Gandhara Art,
flanked
by
Gandhara Jewellery Found from Sirkap, Taxila
Seated Buddah
in Dhayana Mudra
pose from Julian Monastry, Taxila
This is the land which attracted Alexander the great from Macedonia in 326 B.C., with whom the influence of Greek culture came to this part of the world. During the 2nd century B.C., it was here that Buddhism was adopted as the state religion which flourished and prevailed here for over 1000 years, starting from 2nd century B.C., until 10th century A.D. During this time Taxila, Swat and Charsaddah (old Pushkalavati) became three important centres for culture, trade and learning. Hundreds of monasteries and stupas were built together with Greek and Kushan towns such as Sirkap and Sirsukh both in Taxila. It was from these centres that a unique art of sculpture originated which is known as Gandhara Art all over the world. Today the Gandhara Sculptures occupy a prominent place in the museums of England, France, Germany, USA, Japan, Korea, China, India and Afghanistan together with many private collections world over, as well as in the museums of Pakistan. Nevertheless, the zenith of this Gandhara Art is one and only "Fasting Buddha" now on display in Lahore Museum, Lahore
Finally, the light of Islam penetrated in this part of the world as early as 7th century AD. from the west with the Arabs and during the 10th century AD from the north with the Turks. Islam replaced the early way of life of worshipping idols and introduced new philosophy of faith in one God. With Islam in came a new culture in this land from Arabia and Central Asia. Hence, a new type of architecture, hitherto unknown in this area, was introduced. Tens of thousands of Mosques, Madrasahs, tombs and gardens were created by the Muslim rulers all over the Sub-Continent. The new style of Islamic architecture prevailed and matured in this land for over a thousand years. The most important contribution of the Muslim rulers to this land, however, is a new language ‘Urdu’ which became the national language of Pakistan since its independence in 1947.
The
legacy of our predecessors at the time of our independence, on August 14, 1947,
came to us as a treasure which may be called as Pakistan’s national heritage.
So rich and diversified is this heritage that Pakistani nation can be proud of
its glorious past, be Islamic, Post Islamic or pre-Islamic period as far back as
pre-historic times. No other country of the world can produce the treasure of by
gone days as can be found in Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon us to treasure
our national heritage and save it from further deterioration and theft.
The
establishment of NFCH is much appreciated and a great interest is shown by the
general public hence since its establishment in 1994 hundreds of proposals were
received from different agencies and individuals for the conservation,
preservation and publication of the Pakistan’s national heritage. It is hoped
that with the continued patronage of the government, the Philanthropists and the
Business Community to the NFCH we shall be able to achieve the aforesaid goal
BY
Rana Aftab Ahmed
Lotus
Social Welfare Trust International