Gandhara
Cultural Heritage in Buner
Muhammad Usman Mardanvi
Like
other parts of Gandhara Buner was also an important centre of Gandhara. The boundaries of Buner are adjacent to Swat,Mardan
and Swabi districts which was once the hub of Buddhism.
There are many Buddhist stupas
monasteries and other buildings of Gandhara Buddhist period which are dated 2nd century BC to 5th century AD.Some
of archaeological sites have already been excavated and are excellent.
There is continued illegal
digging by Antique Mafia in Chamla, Gokand, Bagh, Naranji hill, Malak Pur and few other places. They are all above the law;
the local and provincial government are not able to stop them nor is any one arrested. They are well equipped with metal detectors
and guns. Unfortunately in search of antiques, these treasure hunters have badly desolated some of excavated sites. If this
illegal digging is continued, the rich cultural heritage sites will disappear for ever.
It is requested to the govt
to take action against this Mafia. And save the great cultural heritage and tourist attraction sites of the Pukhtun land.
(Muhammad
Usman Mardanvi is an Archaeologist & Expert on Gandhara art and Architecture).
Mardan Tours
Mardan and the areas close to Mardan has many historical sites.These
are very attractive for Cultural Holiday Makers.Takhtbai, Rani Gut,Kashmir Smast,Shahbaz Garha are full of history.
Muhammad Usman Mardanvi was born on 1st February in 1971 in Mardan.He
got his early education locally and then he got the Master degrees in Archaeology and History from Peshawar
University. He also has Certificate in Tourist Guide Services (Tourism).
He
took part in different explorations, surveys and excavations in collaboration with Mardan
Museum. He is able to speak several national and international languages.
If you are planning to visit Mardan or other tourist areas, he will be happy to take you around the great historical sites.
Contact
Mardan Information and Advice Centre on +00 92 937-874489 for further details on Mardan Tourism.
