Gandh�ra by Nasim Khan, Muhammad ;

Long description:

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This book presents primarily firsthand information from some mysterious and unpublished archaeological sites excavated in the Swat Valley in the 1980s. In addition, new studies of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, rock art, and ancient routes leading to and through Gandh�ra, as well as the analyses of epigraphic and numismatic evidence presented here, argue for a reconsideration of the established political, cultural, and religious history of Gandh�ra. The book also focuses on previously unknown discoveries, reviews selected research works, and critically reexamines some older finds by situating and studying them in their respective archaeological and landscape contexts. The inclusion of archaeological data and their study in a broader geographical and cultural context is also the objective of this book. Furthermore, it studies the reasons for the mixing of cultures and the processes of compromise, particularly between Gandh�ra, Central Asia and China.

Table of Contents:

GandhÄ�ra.- GandhÄ�ran Art and Archaeology.- Excavation at Pataka Buddhist site in the Swat Valley – The site out of sight but not out of mind.- Excavation at Gumbatkai – The forgotten Buddhist site in the Swat Valley.- Excavation at Gilbaá1‡á1› Serai - A blurred image of the Buddhist period site in the Swat Valley.- Excavation at Charg Paá1­ai (Lower Dir) - Context, iconography and dating of the sculptures.- The Buddhist Site of Jinnan Wali Dheri (Taxila) Revisited.- Assassination Attempt on the Buddha at the Mount Gá1›idhrakuá1­a. A relief panel from Peshawar Museum.- One theme, two sculptures and three possessions - Buddhist Relief panels from GandhÄ�ra representing SiddhÄ�rtha going to school.- Study and acquisition history of the two Buddhaâ€TMs mages in the Pakistan Army Museum.- Before and after conservation - significance of a pectoral depicting the images of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.- Images, inscriptions and Viá1£á1‡uism - The story of the archaeological site of Hund.- Revisiting the two published Kharoá1£á1­hÄ« inscriptions from Pir Manakrai site, Haripur-Hazara.- ÅšÄ�radÄ� inscription of the Year.- Wima Takto one or two? Coin hoard recovered from the archaeological site of Aziz Dheri.- Dir Archaeology - Rock-Art Discoveries along the East-West Path.- The enigmatic Kharoá1£á1­hÄ« rock inscriptions at Zulam, Panjkora Valley, Lower Dir District.- A note on Alexanderâ€TMs battle at Massaga in the country of Assakenoi, Lower Dir District.- The Rajas of Chitral (Ku-wei) - The Kings of the Three Eras7.- Rock art in Chilas Region- Upper Indus Valley – Northern Areas of Pakistan. When, Why and by Whom?.- Ancient routes to GandhÄ�ra across the Upper Indus, Northern Areas of Pakistan.- GandhÄ�ra-China Connection - Epigraphic, Numismatic and Iconographic evidence.