Photo: Usman.pg · CC BY-SA 3.0Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Haripur / Badalpur Stupa and Monastery
Field guide · Heritage
Haripur
Haripur District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Badalpur Stupa and Monastery
In MAY 2015, a 3rd-century BC stupa was discovered at the Badalpur archaeological site near Taxila by the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilization's (TIAC).
The stupa, measuring 25x25 feet, was found beside a monastery with a central water tank, and excavations revealed coins, pottery, metal artifacts, and a Kushan-style "diaper masonry" construction. Carbon dating placed the stupa's origins between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD. The findings, including copper coins and metal objects, provide insights into the advanced craftsmanship and practices of the Gandhara people. This discovery, significant for its contribution to understanding Gandhara's Buddhist heritage, was part of ongoing excavations aimed at preserving and further exploring the site.
Why go
- ✦A 25-foot-square stupa found in 2015 beside a monastery
- ✦Carbon-dated between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE
- ✦Kushan diaper masonry, with coins and metal objects from the dig
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to March. The Badalpur stupa and monastery are in the Taxila valley, where May–June is very hot. Access is by arrangement, so check with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa archaeology office in advance.
Getting there, At Badalpur in the Taxila valley, Haripur district; public access is restricted, so check with the KP archaeology office.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Badalpur Stupa and Monastery, within 5 km.
