Pakistan: Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol

"The Buddhist monastic complex of Takht-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) was founded in the early 1st century. Owing to its location on the crest of a high hill, it escaped successive invasions and is still exceptionally well preserved. Nearby are the ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small fortified city dating from the same period."
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Site List

Postcard # 1
What a site it is!!!

This magnificent UNESCO postcard was sent to me by Mr Imran from Lahore. The site is awesome and is quite well-preserved despite of the fact that it was founded in early 1st Century. You can imagine how old it could be. In 1857, there were a number of discoveries from these sites connecting them to the Buddhist civilization. There are a number of statues and other sculptures.

The name Takht-i-Bhai derives from the spring on the hilltop and is literally translated as 'Spring Throne'.

The complex, the most impressive and complete Buddhist Monastery in Pakistan, consists of four main groups:

• The Court of Stupas with a cluster of stupas beside the main stupa in the middle courtyard, embellished with a series of tall niches to enshrine Buddhist statues;
• The early monastic complex with residential cells around an open court, assembly hall and refectory;
• The temple complex with a main stupa in the middle of a courtyard adorned with statues niches similar to the earlier stupa court;
• The tantric monastic complex with an open courtyard in front of a series of dark cells with low openings for mystical meditation, in keeping with tantric practice.

The stamp used on the postcard was issued in 2011 to laud Pakistan Telecom Authority in order to commemorate "100 Million Cellular Subscribers" Celebrations. It is a Rs 8 postage stamp which is way over the required Rs 2 postage required on postcards sent within the country. Thank you Imran!