Loriyan Tangai (site), Malakand

Loriyan Tangai, near Shahkot in Malakand District, is a key Buddhist archaeological site excavated in 1896 by A. Caddy.

GPGreenPak Field GuidesSourced from GreenPak · 2 min read

The site revealed stupas and numerous Gandharan sculptures, many now displayed in the Indian Museum, Kolkata. These include meditating Buddhas, standing figures, and narrative reliefs, all showcasing Greco-Roman influences blended with Buddhist themes. Several sculptures bear inscriptions mentioning donors like Buddhaghosha and Buddhamitra, providing insights into the Buddhist monastic network of the time. Alfred Foucher documented many of these artifacts, dating them to the 2nd–3rd century CE. The artistry reflects high craftsmanship typical of the Gandhara region’s Buddhist culture. Loriyan Tangai holds significant historical value in understanding ancient Buddhist art and patronage.

Why go

✦A Buddhist site near Shahkot excavated in 1896 by A. Caddy
✦Its Gandharan sculptures are now in the Indian Museum, Kolkata
✦Inscriptions name donors such as Buddhaghosha and Buddhamitra

Visiting today

Loriyan Tangai’s stupas—once rich with donor-inscribed art—now exist only in colonial records and Kolkata’s museum cases.

Planning tip

Best Time to Visit, No site to visit: its sculptures are in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, so the museum is where to see them.

Getting there, In the hills of Malakand near the Shahkot pass; nothing is marked on the ground.

What to Do

◆Go with a local guide; nothing is marked on the ground

◆See the Shahkot pass on the way

◆Combine with the Swat and Malakand Buddhist sites

Nearby

Straight-line distance from Loriyan Tangai (site), Malakand, within 5 km.

Nothing else genuinely close by (within 5 km of Loriyan Tangai (site), Malakand) is published yet.