Thursday 1 December 2011

Ancient Buddhist seals found in NW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 seals of ancient Buddhist period were found in Taxila which was the capital of the Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara and a center of learning in northwest Pakistan, local Media reported Tuesday.

The relics were found during the research made by the Department of Archeology and Museums in their latest excavations of Taxila region, according to DAWN newspaper. The seals are reported to be added to the collection of Taxila museum soon.

Besides other relics of historical significance including gold coins and the rare Red Stone and Buddha sculpture were also found.

The seals were found in a cell, which was reportedly the greatest collection from a single location so far.

Officials believed that the discovered seals belong to the first century BC to fifth century AD. They believed that the discovery of the ancient clay seals depicting icons symbols and motifs provides vital evidence that this monastery either received heavy donations or had deep economical ties with other states.

Analytical study of the seals is underway to confirm the donor states and people in those days.

Taxila had been the proud cradle of one of the most ancient civilizations in this part of the world when it was known as Takshasila and where Buddhism flourished since the reign of Ashoka, the great India king, in 272-232 BC.

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