Takht-i-Bahi, Mardan: Buddhist Monastery and UNESCO Site

Takht-i-Bahi is a remarkably well-preserved Buddhist monastic complex near Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Founded during the early first century CE, it remained in use for several centuries and preserves one of Pakistan’s clearest examples of Gandharan monastic architecture.

The hilltop complex contains stupa courts, meditation cells, assembly spaces, covered passages and monastic buildings. Its elevated position helped protect it from the destruction that affected many other ancient sites in the region.

Takht-i-Bahi and the nearby fortified settlement of Sahr-i-Bahlol have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

Table of Contents

Takht Bahi Buddhist temple History

The Mauryan Buddhist King Asoka (299-237 BC) ruled the old country of Northern Pakistan for about 40 years, with the Takht Bahi area within his jurisdiction. While other rulers left coins, this philosopher-king left a checklist of life skills for his people. He was very much the product of Pakistani soil as he studied under the tutelage of his grandfather the strategist Chandragupt Maurya, at the ancient Taxila University of government and society.

Asoka, a Buddhist convert from Hinduism, chose the nonviolent ways of Buddhists for himself.

Shahbaz Garhi and Ashoka’s rock edicts

Shahbaz Garhi, approximately 25 kilometres from Takht-i-Bahi, preserves rock edicts associated with the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Written in the Kharoshthi script, these inscriptions communicate principles including ethical conduct, respect for others and concern for human and animal welfare.

Shahbaz Garhi can be combined with Takht-i-Bahi as part of a wider Buddhist and Gandharan heritage journey around Mardan. However, the two should be presented as separate sites with different histories.

So, is anyone listening?

Shahbaz Garhi was the original market town on the bank of a rivulet, 25 Kms from Takht Bahi, at the crossroads of trade coming directly South from Tajikistan & Kazakhstan. That’s why Asoka etched his edict for everyone to see. The British abandoned this route because of their abhorrence of anything Russian.

Buddhist sites around Mardan Pakistan

There are several Buddhist sites from the 1^st century AD to the 7^th century BC, around Shahbaz Garhi. The most significant of these sites are Jamal Garhi, Sehr-e-Behlol, and Takht Bahi. The Google map of Takht Bahi, Sehr e Behlol, and Shahbaz Garhi are pasted below for your reference along with pictures and images.

My visit to Takht Bahi Buddhist temple and monastery

We went to Takht Bahi or the ‘throne of springs’ site, a short distance from Mardan city. The bazaar of Takht Bahi Mardan looks like it is still in BC times. Takht Bhai Buddist temple Mardan itself is 165 Kms distance from Rawalpindi (2.5 hours). The road is quite smooth.

Takht Bahi is the best surviving Buddhist monastery in South Asia, similar to Taxila. Its 500-foot elevation has helped it survive the raids of white-Huns and robbers.

What to see at Takht-i-Bahi

Takht-i-Bahi is spread across several connected hilltop terraces. Important surviving areas include:

The main stupa court
A court containing smaller votive stupas
The monastic quadrangle and meditation cells
Assembly and conference spaces
Covered stepped passages
Secular and service buildings

The buildings were constructed from local stone using techniques characteristic of Gandharan architecture. From the upper sections, visitors can also see across the surrounding plains and hills.

The place has a breathtaking view of the surrounding planes. You can see Malakand Mountains to the north, Peshawar in the distance towards the West.

The most interesting thing about this monastery is the pitch-dark, 40-day meditation chamber where the graduating monks were sealed tight for the duration. Their assignment was to propose a life’s question to themselves and also to answer it. Only then were they granted Monk status.

The time span of the site is 100 BC – 700 AD.

Anyways, the place survived and thrived till 700 AD when its donors in the plains below, mostly in the walled city of Sehr I Behlol converted or were overrun. After 700 AD the monastery was probably abandoned.

Sehr, I Behlol has been encroached upon by locals and can hardly be recognized.

History and preservation

The monastic complex was founded during the early first century CE and expanded during later periods. UNESCO states that it remained in use until approximately the seventh century.

Its hilltop position helped it survive successive periods of political and religious change. The surviving layout and masonry make it one of the most complete Buddhist monastic complexes in Pakistan.

Nearby Sahr-i-Bahlol preserves the remains of a fortified settlement from the same broad historical period. Urban expansion and encroachment now threaten parts of that site.

If you have to go to Takht Bahi then I recommend visiting the tiny museum of Mardan on the way back to see the figurines.

Oh did I mention that the construction technique of using rock shards to hold building blocks together is still being practiced by mazdoorabad town folk down below? So much for progress!

Origins of Buddhism here in Takht Bahi Mardan, Pakistan

Many Buddhist pilgrims from Srilanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Korea visit the site — none from India though.

This is because the sect of Buddhism in practice in these countries has its origins at Taxila, Pakistan.

On the way back, the misty agricultural lands full of yellow saffron farms spread out before you; add to this scene a setting sun and you have pure heaven.

Explore more Buddhist heritage in Pakistan

Compare Takht-i-Bahi with Jaulian Monastery near Taxila, Dharmarajika Stupa and Bhamala Buddhist Complex near Khanpur.

Conclusion

Takht-i-Bahi is valuable because its surviving buildings allow visitors to understand how a Gandharan Buddhist monastery functioned. Its stupa courts, cells, passages and hilltop setting make it one of Pakistan’s most important archaeological places.

Visitors should remain on permitted paths, avoid climbing on ancient walls and respect restricted areas. Current opening times, access conditions and entry charges should be confirmed before travelling.