BUDDHIST ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

A small village called “Manthal” situated at the south end of Skardu town, alittle away from the road to Sadpara lake, has a master piece of carved rock figures of Buddha with inscription in Tibetan language. It is narrated/said that the carvings date back to the Great Tibetan Empire, not later than 1000 AD, when Buddhist preachers migrated here on their mission to propogate Buddhism. Before spread of Buddhism, the inhabitants of Baltistan and surrounding areas up to Tibet Lahsa were the followers of the locally originated “Bon” religion. When the Tibetans conquered Baltistan and succeeded in spread of Buddhism, they accomplished this grand carving for the followers to revive the coloring and to ensure that the space at the foot of the rock is kept clean.

On the surface of this roughly triangular rock, the main figure which supposed to be The Gotam Buddha is sitting in the middle of an assembly whereas 20 other smaller Buddhas represent the previous incarnation of Buddhas Sakyamni. All these Buddhas are seated on small Lotus flowers. The two other standing figures on left and right sides, are said to be portrays of “Mitriya” i.e. the coming Buddhas. This group forming sculpture is called “MANDALA” in Buddhist terminology.

The importance of this unique Buddhist heritage can not be denied because such a “Mandala” i.e. Assambly of all Buddhas carved on rock with “Chhurten” has not been discovered any where else.

Other Buddhist Remains

Some other Buddhist Archeological sites can also be seen in Mehdiabad, Kharfaq, Nar and Shigar where dozens of carving of Ibex,  human sculptures, stupas as well as Tibetan and Brahmi inscriptions are found on the rocks.

The incomplete Buddha sculpture near fish farm of Saling, Stupas, animals rock carving as well as sculptures of Tibetan language at Dumsum and Kharfaq are also noticeable.

Buddha carving in Lamsa Shigar also an important site. There are three scluptures on the rock about 6-7 high than the ground. On the right Subeyamuni Buddha and on his left there are two standing Buddhas, which traditionally believed to be “Mitriya” i.e. the Buddha of future.