The Kushanas, who originally hailed from China, conquered the flourishing city of Taxila including the whole of the Gandhar region in the later period of the 4th century BCE and continued with their regime till 230 BCE. The Kushanas were liberal enough to encourage the Indian art along with the state religion Buddhism. In the 'golden age' of Taxila, Kushanas not only supported Buddhism but also built numerous temples and monasteries in and around Taxila. Unfortunately, the invasion of the Sassanian rulers on Gandhara though ended the Kushana's rule in 230 BCE, but the later also protected Buddhism alike their predecessor till the invasion of the White Huns on Taxila in the 5th century CE, who plundered the city and destroyed the monasteries, temples and viharas of Taxila.


Taxila
The ancient city of Taxila, which saw many rulers invading and conquering over this place - Greeks, Scythians, Parthians, and Kushanas due to its strategic location in southern and central Asia, is a major historical destination in Pakistan. A home to the ruins of shrines, temples, monasteries and ancient cities, Taxila has still much to provide to everybody - from an archaeologist to a tourist.


Buddhist Attractions

• Mohra Moradu Monastery : The Mohra Morady monastery, which was once the place of meditation for the Buddhists, is located in a small valley between Sirkap and Jaulian in Taxila. The monastery which was unearthened while excavating the place under the supervision of an eminent archaeologist, Sir John Marshall in the early 20th century, revealed that the shrine was probably damaged by the foreign invaders in search of wealth. However, the lower portion or the base of the stupa is still intact and venerated by the Buddhists.
  
  
• Dharmarajika Stupa : The Dharmarajika stupa, which was constructed by the Indian emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to keep a part of the Buddha's relics, has the honour of being the earliest Buddhist monument in Pakistan. The large shrine, though in ruins today, was once coated with lime plaster and gilding along with a seven layered umbrella stone at its top.Raised on a platform, the stupa is 15 meters high and 50 meters in diameter. Today, the Dharmarajikha shrine and the remains of the monastery spread around it is a major tourist destination on the Indian sub-continent.

Other Attractions

• Bhir Mound : The Bhir mound, remains of a fortified city in Taxila, dates back to the period between the 6th century BCE to 2nd century BCE. The remains of the city suggest that the place was located on the trade route of central Asia and therefore, was a prey to all the foreigners on their way to south Asia. The narrow streets with houses made of stone and wood further suggests that the place was not well planned. However, the settlement at Bhir mound came to an end falling in the Bactrian traps, who established a new city, Sirkap.
  
  
• Sikrap City : The ruins of the Sikrap city is a major tourist destination in Taxila, Pakistan. The main city of Taxila from the 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE, Sikrap developed and flourished under the reign of numerous dynasties such as Greeks, Scythians, Parthians, and finally the Kushanas. The remains of Sikrap - temples, stupas, houses, shrines and palaces, suggests that the town planning of the city was influenced by the Greek architecture and was well planned with defense point of view.
  
  
• Double-Headed Eagle Shrine : The double headed eagle shrine, located amidst the main street in the ruins of Sikrap, comprises a bird bas relief holding an arch. The monument is a unique combination of the Bactrian Greek and Indian architecture with Helenic decorated sides and Indian gateway.
  
  
• Jain Stupa : The ruins of the Jain stupa, dating back to the 2nd centuru BCE, is situated close to the double-headed eagle shrine.
  
  
• Jandial Temple : A Zorastrian structure, the Jandial temple, which is placed in Jandial(1 mile from Sirkap), is one of the well treasured structures of Central Asia. The temple, which comprises a central shrine with four ionic columns supporting a porch, basically represents the Helenic architectural style.

Taxila in Pakistan, which is at a distance of 35 kilometers from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan and 32 kilometers north west of Rawalpindi, is easily accessible by air, rail and road. The Islamabad airport(International airport) and the Rawalpindi airport(Domestic airport) can be reached by all major cities. Taxila has a small railway station so the best deal would be to take a train to Rawalpindi. Taxila can also be reached by buses, coaches and private taxis.


The best months to visit Taxila are from October to February.