Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Shahbaz Garhi Rock Edicts
Field guide · Heritage
Shahbaz Garhi Rock Edicts
Shahbaz Garhi, located in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a historical site known for its ancient rock inscriptions.
The site, positioned near important trade routes, features inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka from the 3rd century BCE, written in the Kharosthi script. These edicts are significant as some of the earliest examples of writing in South Asia. The inscriptions were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2004. Shahbaz Garhi also includes notable landmarks like the Mekha Sanda and has been a popular tourist spot for history enthusiasts.
Why go
- ✦Buddhist heritage
- ✦Gandhara archaeology
- ✦history
Current Condition
The Shahbaz Garhi Rock Edicts are currently a protected UNESCO Tentative List site, managed by the Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of Pakistan. While accessible to visitors, conservation efforts focus on preserving the ancient Ashokan inscriptions and mitigating environmental damage.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Year-round; confirm local conditions and any festival dates before travel.
Getting there, In or near Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; confirm current local access before visiting.
