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TAXILA INSTITUTE OF ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS

Hypothesis

MSc. Thesis
VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Digital Reconstruction of BadalpurMonastery Complexin Taxila

Muhammad Bin Naveed

MSc. 4th

My parents have been immensely supportive, doubly so after seeing my

excitement and enthusiasm and I am glad that they too could
appreciate where my passions are.
My friends have also been extremely supportive and enthusiastic as most
of them had no clue about the vastness of our history and it was an
energizing experience to be able to open their minds to it.
But no amount of thanks can cover the support and inspiration I have
received from the TIAC family, because it is here that I first learned of the
depth and scope of study in the field of archaeology in Pakistan and for
that I will always be grateful.

Statement of Problem

Currently there exists little to no digitally archived data on the

archaeological sites of Pakistan.

There are numerous sites within the country requiring not just physical
attention in the form of conservation but also digital attention in the form
of complete documentation incorporating surveys, architectural drawings
and detailed 3D models of the existing sites which range from Ancient to
Historical times.

We risk losing a vast amount of our heritage in the absence of proper

procedures to safeguard them using any means and technology
necessary and the digital age provides us with various tools to achieve
this.

There is a need to create a repository or database of archaeological sites in a digital format and it is
urgent as the sites of archaeological interest in Pakistan are fast disappearing due to a number of
reasons

These should be documented and digitally safeguarded on war footing in order to keep them safe
for coming generations, current scholars and also those scholars in the country and abroad who wish
to study these sites but do not have easy access to them due to various socio-political reasons.

My thesis will focus on the site of Badalpur in Taxila that is currently being investigated under the
leadership of the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations director Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Khan in
order to provide a proof of concept of the idea of virtual archaeology and how it can safeguard
sites that are otherwise in danger of disappearing.

Scope of Work

Acknowledgements

The work will focus on The Badalpur Monastery Complex in Taxila

It will include a survey of the site.

After the survey a digital representation of the site will be created.

This will then be used to create a 3D model of the site as it exists today using the levels and details in the
survey.

The model will be geo-located using software to the exact GPS coordinates of the site to give us
geographical details such as north direction, longitude, latitude and sun direction.

After this process there will be an attempt to reconstruct or reimagine the site as it existed in its heyday
and references will be taken from wherever they are available in order to give it the most complete and
authentic look possible.

Introduction to Virtual Archaeology

A process which virtually visualizes and preserves objects and buildings which are otherwise gone, in a poor state
of conservation or are in danger of disappearing.
Not just visualizing heritage in a virtual environment but also virtual excavations to preplan the process of
excavating on site.
Archaeologists are using computers to recreate the environment and conditions of the past, including objects,
buildings, and landscapes with human actors, such as ancient battles. The field is a natural evolution of
archaeology in the digital age.
Although first proposed nearly 25 years ago, it is only recently that certain guidelines and rules for the process have
been implemented namely via the London Charter, created in 2006
The technology is the same as that used in video games and movie special effects, and many universities have
recently added 3D modeling programs.
There is always a danger of mistaking the process of virtualization as a non-serious or fun way to approach
cultural heritage preservation and the creation of such charters leads to the assurance that people taking part in
the process do not shirk their responsibilities as researchers and professionals.

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Existing View

Case Studies

VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY

Reconstructed View
http://www.exrenda.net/dudley/index.htm

Existing View

Dudley
Castle,
England

ARGUABLY THE 1ST DIGITAL

RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Reconstructed View
http://www.exrenda.net/dudley/index.htm

Existing View
Reconstruction of Dudley Castle, 1994, by Royal Appointment was
arguably the first use of virtual archaeology.
Dudley Castle lies in the heart of The Black Country, in the West Midlands,
England.
During the middle of the 16th Century John Dudley Duke of
Northumberland commissioned the build of a range within the castle by
Sir William Sharrington.
This was the palatial home of John Dudley who was at the time one of the
most powerful men in England. Indeed upon the death of Edward the
Sixth (son of Henry the Eighth) it was Dudley who had the throne devised
to his cousin Lady Jane Grey.
The reign lasted only days before Mary Tudor became Queen Mary the
First. John Dudley and Lady Jane Grey were beheaded in the Tower of
London.

Reconstructed View
http://www.exrenda.net/dudley/index.htm

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Existing View

Laconia Acropolis
Virtual
Archaeology

Reconstructed View
http://www.exrenda.net/dudley/index.htm

Existing View

http://lava.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/

Methodology of Work at LAVA

One of the biggest challenges for students studying archaeology is getting fieldwork
experience, a challenge that has been recognized internationally by a number of
governments and higher education bodies.

The opportunities for students to gain real-world fieldwork experience are limited,
therefore it is advantageous to be able to utilize computer technologies to provide
realistic virtual fieldwork scenarios that can both complement and enhance real-world
activities.

The aim of LAVA is not to replace real world fieldwork, but rather to provide realistic
simulations that allow students to better prepare for any involvement with a real
excavation.

These objectives have been achieved through the combination of a 3D game engine,
2D maps and a group-based learning environment

Reconstructed View
http://www.exrenda.net/dudley/index.htm

Existing View

http://lava.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/

The LAVA project coordinates the development and

deployment of a number of software resources which
allow groups of students to participate in computer
simulations of the planning, execution and reporting of
archaeological fieldwork projects.
Student's learning experiences are enhanced by
allowing participation in realistic, experiential and
collaborative learning.
The following methods are used to enhance the work

Reconstructed View
http://www.exrenda.net/dudley/index.htm

Scenario Resource
The scenario resource provides a number of typical
excavation scenarios for students to work through.
Excavation Simulator
The excavation simulator provides a realistic and
engaging setting to allow students to review an entire
excavation site and the material culture contained
within it.
Research Framework
Comprehensive guidance is provided to students
through an associated project web site, allowing
learners to build up an understanding of the working
practices and research methods they will need to
employ in order to successfully manage an excavation
project.
Groupware Tools
Tools used for allowing easy collaboration between
workgroups

http://lava.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/

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An aerial view of the city center seen

from the east. Visible are the Tiber
River, Circus Maximus, Palatine, and
Colosseum.

Publications by LAVA

The following documents have been published as part of the work carried out by the LAVA Project.

A Computer Games Approach To Exploratory Learning - Lava: A Case Study in System Design. Getchell, K, Nicoll,
J, Kerbey, C, Miller, A, Allison, C, Sweetman, R, Complin, J, Michaelson, R. In: Proc. INSTICC 3rd International
Conference on Web Information Systems and Technologies, Barcelona, Spain. 2007.

Evaluating Exploratory Learning in LAVA. Getchell, K, Nicoll, J, Kerbey, C, Miller, A, Allison, C, Sweetman, R,
Michaelson, R. In: Proc. IASTED Web-based Education 2007, Chamonix, France. 2007.

Generating 3D Multiplayer Game Maps from 2D Architectural Plans. Summers, E, Getchell, K, Miller, A, Allison, C.
In: Proc. 8th International Postgraduate Symposium on the Convergence of Telecommunications, Networking and
Broadcasting, Liverpool John Moores University, UK. 2007. [

The LAVA Project: A Service Based Approach to Supporting Exploratory Learning. Getchell, K, Miller, A, Colin, A,
Kerbey, C, Hardy, R, Sweetman, R, Crook, V, Complin, J. In: Proc. IADIS International Conference WWW/Internet,
Murcia, Spain. 2006.

Real Time Mixed Reality in Virtual Environments. Sturgeon, T, Miller, A, Getchell, K, Allison, C. In: Proc. International
Postgraduate Symposium on the Convergence of Telecommunications, Networking and Broadcasting, Liverpool
John Moores University. 2006.

Games Methodologies and Immersive Environments for Virtual Fieldwork Sweetman, R., Getchell, K., Nicoll, J.,
Allison, C., Miller, A. submitted to "IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies"

http://lava.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

A typical street scene. Shops are

on the first floor of apartment
buildings. In the background are
seen the arches of an acqueduct.

Rome Reborn

RECONSTRUCTION OF ROME

http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Aqueducts supplied Rome with clean

water brought from sources far from
the city. In this view, we see an
aqueduct carried on piers passing
through a built-up neighborhood.

What is Rome Reborn

Rome Reborn is an international initiative whose goal is the creation of 3D digital models
illustrating the urban development of ancient Rome from the first settlement in the late
Bronze Age (ca. 1000 B.C.) to the depopulation of the city in the early Middle Ages (ca.
A.D. 550).

The Rome Reborn team intends to move both backwards and forwards in time until the
entire span of time foreseen by our mission has been covered.

Since 1997, the Virtual World Heritage Laboratory of the University of Virginia (VWHL), the
UCLA Experiential Technology Center (ETC), the Reverse Engineering Lab at the
Politecnico di Milano, the Ausonius Institute of the CNRS and the University of Bordeaux,
and the University of Caen have collaborated on a project to create a digital model of
ancient Rome as it appeared in late antiquity.
Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

4/12/2015

The Circus Maximus housed the track used

for chariot races. Closely associated with
the founding of the city (the legendary
"Rape of the Sabine Women" took place
here), the complex was rebuilt many
times.
In this image we see the circus, the
imperial palace on the adjacent Palatine
Hill, and the Septizodium.

A typical view along the banks of the

Tiber River between the Aventine and
Transtiberim near the Pons Probi.

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

The Colossus of the Sun. This statue,

made of bronze, was originally
erected as a portrait of Nero in the
vestibule of his palace, the Domus
Aurea ("Golden House"). When
Hadrian built the Temple of Venus and
Rome over the vestibule, he ordered
the statue moved to this spot next to
the amphitheater.

An aerial view over the Tiber Island.

The Circus Maximus is seen in the
distance. At the south end of the
island is seen the sanctuary of
Asclepius. Linking the island to the city
are two bridges, which still are in use
today: the Pons Fabricius and the Pons
Cestius.

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

A view of the Arch of

Septimius Severus next
to the Rostra on the
western end of the
Roman Forum. The arch
was erected in 203 AD
in honor of Severus'
victories over the
Parthians and for
restoring order to the
state after the chaos
resulting from the
assassination of
Commodus in 192 AD.

Rome had many small private bathing

establishments. Starting with the reign
of Augustus, impressive public baths
were built in various neighborhoods of
the city. These were more than places
to wash but were lavishly decorated
with opus sectile on the floors and
walls, sculpture, and they offered a
range of cultural and athletic facilities.
In this image, we see the Baths of
Trajan on the Oppian Hill opposite the
Flavian Amphitheater.

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

4/12/2015

The Flavian amphitheater ("Colosseum") had

four levels above ground for the seating and the
arena. Below the arena was a subterranean
level where animals used in the hunts were
penned. A tunnel linked the amphitheater to the
nearby Ludus Magnus, where the gladiators
lived and trained; another tunnel was reserved
for the use of the emperor and his entourage so
that they could have secure entrance and exit
into the building. Atop the Colosseum was the
velarium, or awning, which protected the
spectators from the sun.

Papers Published Regarding Rome

Reborn

Frischer, Bernard, forthcoming. " "Cultural and Digital Memory: Case Studies from the
Virtual World Heritage Laboratory," in Memoria Romana, edited by G. Karl Galinsky,
Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome

Taylor-Nelms, Lee, Lynne Kvapil, John Fillwalk, Bernard Frischer, forthcoming.

" "Investigating the Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in 3D Virtual Worlds. A
Preliminary Report on the Digital Hadrian's Villa Project," Proceedings of the 2012
Conference of Computing Applications to Archaeology, Southampton, UK, 26-29
March 2012.

Frischer, Bernard, John Fillwalk, forthcoming. " "The Digital Hadrian's Villa Project.
Using Virtual Worlds to Control Suspected Solar Alignments," forthcoming in
Proceedings of the Annual Conference of The International Society for Virtual
Systems and Multimedia 2012.

Dylla, Kimberly, Bernard Frischer et al., 2010. "Rome Reborn 2.0: A Case Study of
Virtual City Reconstruction Using Procedural Modeling Techniques," in CAA 2009.
Making History Interactive. 37th Proceedings of the CAA Conference March 22-26,
2009, Williamsburg, Virginia (Archaeopress: Oxford, 2010) 62-66.

Wells, Sarah, Bernard Frischer, et al., 2010. "Rome Reborn in Google Earth," in CAA
2009. Making History Interactive. 37th Proceedings of the CAA Conference March
22-26, 2009, Williamsburg, Virginia (Archaeopress: Oxford, 2010) 373-379. Frischer, B.,
2008. "The Rome Reborn Project. How Technology is helping us to study
history," OpEd, November 10, 2008. University of Virginia.

Frischer, B., 2006. "New Directions for Cultural Virtual Reality: A Global Strategy for
Archiving, Serving, and Exhibiting 3D Computer Models of Cultural Heritage Sites,"
in Proceedings of the Conference, Virtual Retrospect 2005 (Bordeaux), 168-175.

Frischer, B., D. Abernathy, F.C. Giuliani, R. Scott, H. Ziemssen, 2006. "A New Digital
Model of the Roman Forum," in "Imaging Ancient Rome. DocumentationVisualization-Imagination," edited by Lothar Haselberger and John
Humphrey, Journal of Roman Archaeology, Supplementary Series 61, 163-182. Not
available online.

Guidi, G., B. Frischer, et al., 2005. "Virtualizing Ancient Rome: 3D Acquisition and
Modeling of a Large Plaster-of-Paris Model of Imperial Rome," Videometrics VIII,
edited by J.-Angelo Beraldin, Sabry F. El-Hakim, Armin Gruen, James S. Walton, 18-20
January 2005, San Jose, California, USA, SPIE, vol. 5665, 119-133.

Frischer, B., 2005. "The Digital Roman Forum Project: Remediating the Traditions of
Roman Topography," inActs of the 2nd Italy-United States Workshop, Rome, Italy,
November 3-5, 2003, Berkeley, USA, May, 2005 edited by M. Forte, BAR International
Series 1379 (Oxford 2005) 9-21.

Frischer, B. and P. Stinson, 2007. "The Importance of Scientific Authentication and a

Formal Visual Language in Virtual Models of Archaeological Sites: The Case of the

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

An aerial view of the Flavian

Amphitheater ("Colosseum") seen
from the south. The amphitheater was
started by Vespasian and dedicated
under his son, Titus. It was used to
stage gladiatorial games, animal
hunts, and the execution of prisoners.
The structure could hold up to 50,000
spectators, whose seating reflected
their social status.

House of Augustus and Villa of the Mysteries," in Interpreting The Past: Heritage, New
Technologies and Local Development. Proceedings of the Conference on
Authenticity, Intellectual Integrity and Sustainable Development of the Public
Presentation of Archaeological and Historical Sites and Landscapes, Ghent, EastFlanders, 11-13 September 2002. Flemish Heritage Institute, Ename Center for Public
Archaeology and Heritage Presentation. 2007, Brussels, Belgium.

Media Coverage of Rome Reborn

News Papers

Worldwide. All rights reserved.

"Mesmerizing Video Tours Ancient Rome - in 3D," Toronto Star,

March 13, 2012.

"Ancient Rome comes back to life on Google Earth," The

Saudi Gazette, 14 November 2008.

SerJeant, Jill, 1999. "Rebuilding Ancient Rome for all to Surf it

One Day," National Post.

Patton, Phil, 1998. "Public Eye," New York Times.

"Jessica Hughes Interviews Bernard Frischer ," Classics

Confidential, October 6, 2011

"When not in Rome... Simply log onto Google," Daily Mail, 13

November 2008.

Smith, Godfrey, 1998. "When in Rome Make it Look Real," The

Sunday Times, 19 April 1998.

"Ancient Rome Reborn in 3-D," National Geographic News,

October 28, 2010

"Rome Reborn," Quo, July 2007 (in Chinese).

"Gerry Bayne Interviews Bernard Frischer," EDUCAUSE,

January 25, 2010

"Columbiano," Medellin, Columbia, 24 June 2007.

Davis, Ben, 1997. "The Future of the Past," Scientific American,

August 1997, 89.

"'Earth' to Westboro a national winner," Worcester Telegram &

Gazette (Massachusetts), Mar. 17, 2009.

Dal Maso, Cinzia, 2003. "Incontri Ravvicinati del Terzo Tipo: e

L'ultima Novita dell' Antichita," Venerdi, 14 March 2003, 8991.

Ierano, Giorgio, 1997. "In visita ai Fori virtuali con la macchina

del tempo," Panorama, 23 January 1997, 96.

Murr, Andrew, 2003. "Caesar Slept Here," Newsweek, 3

February 2003, 51.

Larner, Monica, 1997. "For the Appian Way, Hit Command-A,"

Business Week, edited by Otis Port, 14 April 1997, 107.

Liverani, Paolo, 1997. "A spasso per l'Urbe col PC."

Sullivan, Meg, 2003. "Digital Lab Reclaims Cultural Heritage

Sites," UCLA Today, 25 February 2003, 8.

Televison

"Exploring Ancient Rome With Google Earth," Education

Week, Mar. 17, 2009.

"Miramonte technology coordinator wins Google contest,"

Contra Costa Times, Mar. 16, 2009.

Federico Ferrazza, "Fortissimamente Google," Espresso, Feb.

17, 2009.

Lubell, Sam, 2002. "Virtually Rebuilt, a Ruin Yields Secrets," The

New York Times, 2 May 2002, E6.

Computer Graphics World, December 2008, "History in the

Making".

Otani, Izumi, 2002. "Adding New Depth to Archaeology," Italy

Daily, 29-30 June 2002.

"Computer Model of Ancient Rome Offers Trip to the Past,"

Reprinted from News For You, Volume 55, Number 31; by

permission from New Readers Press, a Division of ProLiteracy

Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Purpose of the Project

The primary purpose of this phase of the project was to spatialize and
present information and theories about how the city looked at this
moment in time, which was more or less the height of its development as
the capital of the Roman Empire.

The knowledge we have about the city has been used to reconstruct
digitally how its topography, urban infrastructure (streets, bridges,
aqueducts, walls, etc.), and individual buildings and monuments might
have looked.
The model is thus a representation of the state of our knowledge (and,
implicitly, of our ignorance) about the urban topography of ancient Rome
at various periods of time.
Source : http://romereborn.frischerconsulting.com/

Hampden Teacher Wins Award from Google, WABI (CBS)

Hampden Teacher Wins Google Curriculum Contest, WLBZ
(NBC), also picked up by NBC affiliate in Portland, ME
Google Winner, WVII (ABC/FOX)

Gordon, Dan, 2002. "Rome Reborn," UCLA Magazine, 54.

2002. "Het Colosseum Her Bouwd."

Media Coverage of Rome Reborn

Online Magazines

"Google Earth: Tiefflug ueber das antike Rom,"

by Petra Pluw atsch, Frankfurter Rundschau, Jan.
6, 2009

Virtual Tripping, 30 Nov ember 2008

Guardian.CO.UK, 13 Nov ember 2008

London Times, 3 October 2007

BBC New s, 12 June 2007

Good Morning Silicon Valley, CA, 13 Nov ember

2008

ARCHI TECT Magazine, 1 October 2007

Daily Mail,12 June 2007

La Stampa, 26 September 2007

New s for Mediev alists, 12 June 2007

Brisbane Times, Australia, 13 Nov ember 2008

Smithsonian Magazine, July 2007

Panorama, 12 June 2007

Die Presse, 19 June 2007

Rainew s 24, 12 June 2007

Bookyards, 18 June 2007

EdTech Solutions - Teaching Ev ery Student, 11

June 2007

Computer Science Teacher, 18 June 2007

Kleine Zeitung, 11 June 2007

Krone, 18 June 2007

Reuters, 11 June 2007

Science Daily, 11 June 2007

USA Today, 11 June 2007

UVA Today, 11 June 2007

VERI TAS et VENUSTAS, 11 June 2007

Vorarlberg, 11 June 2007

World Science, 11 June 2007

BBC New s, 12 Nov ember 2008

The New York Times, 12 Nov ember 2008

Times Online, 12 Nov ember 2008

CNET New s, 12 Nov ember 2008

NOS, 12 Nov ember 2008

01net., 14 Nov ember 2008

Wired, 14 Nov ember 2008

I nside Higher Ed, 14 Nov ember 2007

Ascribe, 14 Nov ember 2007

Hot Hardw are, 13 Nov ember 2008

Welt Online, 13 Nov ember 2008

The National Business Rev iew New Zealand, 13

Nov ember 2008

RaiNew s24, 12 Nov ember 2008

Associated Press, 13 Nov ember 2008

BBC, 12 Nov ember 2008

The Hindu, 13 Nov ember 2008

Washington Post, 12 Nov ember 2008

ABC New s, 13 Nov ember 2008

I nformation Week, 12 Nov ember 2008

The Age, 13 Nov ember 2008

Guardian.CO.UK, 12 Nov ember 2008

The Register, 13 Nov ember 2008

Dragon's Eye, 15 June 2007

The Lede, New York Times, 15, June 2007

People of the Book, 15 June 2007

Visual Thoughts, 15 June 2007

OGLE Earth, 12 Nov ember 2008

Google Earth Blog, 12 Nov ember 2008

Times of I ndia, 13 Nov ember 2008

Wired, 14, June 2007

RP Online, 13 June 2007

Spiegel Online, 13 June 2007

Telekom Presse, 13 June 2007

YouTube, 13 June 2007

YouTube, 12 Nov ember 2008

C-Ville Weekly, 19 October 2007

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Personal Work

Virtual Sirkap

A MULTI USER VIRTUAL

ENVIRONMENT

What Is Virtual Sirkap

The project was undertaken as a way to apply 21st century technologies to ancient sites and Sirkap
was taken as a test site for this purpose. The excavated portion of Sirkap was chosen to be modeled.

However due to unavailability of updated information the only source for the team was the work of
John Marshall. They were unable to visit the city or have access to more recent research.

The team consisted of the following individuals

Daniel Michon Professor, Project Advisor, Claremont McKenna College

Yehuda Kalay Professor, Project Advisor, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology

Ahmed El Antably UC Berkeley, Project Manager

Pinar Aybar UC Berkeley, 3D Artist, Sirkap Website Design & Programming

Seungwan Hong UC Berkeley, 3D Artist & Avatar Animation

Ginette Wessel UC Berkeley, 3D Artist

A software which utilizes MUVEs or Multi User Virtual Environment was merged with the architectural
3D model to create a video game like scenario where a person could use a virtual avatar and move
around the recreated city. 36

Although it is not an absolutely accurate representation of Sirkap at 100CE, it is nonetheless a proof of

concept of what can be achieved using this technology.

Taxila

The region of Taxila is one of the richest archaeological hubs of Northern

Pakistan and owes this to its vast history dating to the 6th century BCE, where
mention of the site is found in the inscriptions of the Achaemenid kings Darius
and his son Cyrus. It was a province of the Persian Empire at the time and
provided troops and materiel to the forces of the Empire. After this period the
region became one of the most prominent centers of the Gandhara culture,
being significantly expanded following the developments that Asoka brought
to the region after his conversion to Buddhism.

The area has seen near constant habitation seen antiquity and has always
remained a hub of activity whether it is commercial, military or otherwise and
has hence seen a wide array of development of every kind.

The Kushan rule has been considered a golden age in the history of this region.
The Kushans were a tribe that migrated to Gandhara around the first century
AD from Central Asia and Afghanistan.The tribe selected Peshawar as its seat
of power and later expanded east into the heartland of India to establish the
Kushan Empire, which lasted until the third century AD. (Naeem)

4/12/2015

Building Typologies
The buildings we are most concerned with in Taxila all fall
within the same building type and are based around the
same cultural development in the area i.e. the rise of
Buddhism in the north western subcontinent. The character
of the architecture as explained before took after the
prevalent cultural phenomenon of the time i.e. the spread of
Buddhism and its relation to the ruling elite and
contribution to the economic and social life of the area.
These are of course the monastic complexes and
specifically the Stupa and Monastery and their auxiliary
facilities.

STUPAS In Taxila

REASONS FOR STONE USE IN GANDHARA

Buddhism became the rallying cry for the people of India and its ideals were of such a powerful nature that wood, with its perishable nature, could not properly embody and
impart to the coming generations the eternal nature of the philosophy behind Buddhism.
Hence something more solid was needed and indeed it was stone that was seen as the most adequate material in which to carve and create monuments to the new faith in
a manner that definitively edified the deathless nature of the ideals of Buddhism and stand the test of time.
So stone architecture not only served as a way to embody the principles of Buddhism but also led to a revival of the Greek traditions of art and architecture imbued with local
beliefs and patronage.

The spread of monasteries and their

associated buildings within the
Gandhara region as a whole and
particularly around Taxila gives us
an idea of the impact of Buddhism
in the region.

MONASTERIES In Taxila

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Steps in Stupa Construction

A gradual flight of steps is made

A support structure is constructed

A dome is added on this support

A harmika is added to the dome

An axial pole is added to the harmika

Umbrellas or chatris are added to the pole upto 13 in number. The number
of chatris denotes the status of the monk for whom the stupa is
constructed.

Types of Stupas

Type 1: Square on plan with flight of steps

Type 2: Square on plan with multiple circular stories

Type 3: Square on plan with singular circular story

Type 4: Square on plan with second story also square surmounted by dome

Type 5: Square on plan on plinth.

Spaces in Monastery

Refrectory/Service Hall: Upatthana-sala

Kitchen: Aggi-sala

Cloistered Promenade: Cankamana-sala (for walking/exercise)

Bathroom: Jantaghara

Store room: Kotthaka

Medical and general storage: Kappiya-kuti

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10

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Details of Architecture in Gandhara

Reliefs From the work of Francine Tissot

Badalpur

Location of Site

The site at Badalpur is to the North West of Taxila Museum at a distance of about 10 km and is located
in the limits of the village of Bhera. It lies on the left bank of the Haro River and is surrounded today by
many fields, small households and tree gardens of various fruits. On both sides of the site the hills of
the Taxila valley can be clearly seen presenting a picturesque view and giving an idea of its ancient
setting. It has been protected since 1930 as an Archaeological mound under government law. It lies
right next to the road leading into Bhera village. The site is spread over 2.9 acres which has been
dated to the 2nd 5th century CE (during the heyday of the Kushan dynasty) although recent dating
of organic material at the site has shown that it might be even older to about 3rd century BCE. In
description is a Stupa and Monastery Complex.

While standing on the site facing North, the Stupa is to the West, the main entrance to the East and
what is possibly an assembly hall adjacent to the current excavation is to the South with the main
monastery and meditation cells to the North. The path to the Stupa runs through the current
excavation site.

11

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN TAXILA

JINAN WALI DHERI

STUPA

BADALPUR

SIRSUKH

VOTIVE
STUPAS

JANDIA
L

SIRKAP

ACCESS
BETWEEN
SECTIONS

MOHRA MORADU
JAULIAN

TAXILA MUSEUM

BHIR MOUND

DHARMARAJIKA

Background of Archaeological Work

Background of Excavation work

The site was first discovered in 1863-64 during the time of Alexander
Cunningham and was excavated to a small extent, with only the
stupa and the chapels around it unconvered.

Further excavation was carried out by John Marshall in 1916-17

under his subordinate Natisa Aiyar, who was head of the Frontier
Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India. (Khan)

in 2011 under the direct supervision of Dr Ashraf Khan and continues

presently. 3 seasons of excavations have currently been carried out
by TIAC. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is
thus protected under international law. (Khan)

A number of reasons are present for the excavation of historical

sites: (Khan)

To mitigate illegal excavations.

Following this it was largely abandoned and was only recently

approached again in 2005 by the Exploration and Excavation
Branch of the Culture Department of Sind. This excavation was
headed by Dr Muhammad Arif. The season began in June and
ended in August of that year. The second series of excavations
were held under Mr Mohan Lal, who was then heading the
Exploration Branch and Mr. Shakir Ali who was the deputy director
in 2006-7. (Khan) (Zaman)

To verify historical data on the region.

To develop an understanding of ancient societies that lived in the

region.

To enrich the museums of the country by preserving cultural

heritage.

To determine further archaeological potential of the sites.

This was the time during which the southern, northern and western
parts of the monastery complex were unearthed along with a
significant number of objects.

To promote tourism.

To encourage fresh research.

After the formation of TIAC (Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations) the

excavation was taken over in 2010 by the institute and work began

To train future archaeologists.

Monastery
MONASTERY

Almost the entirety of the monastery building has been excavated and the surrounding areas are
now being approached to get a clearer picture of the site as it was.

The site has notably visible mud plaster which was used on both the walls and ceilings (evidence of
which has been found amongst the rubble). This is a unique feature of the architecture of the
region as evidence of this hasnt been found on other sites and might be due to later occupation
of the site following collapse of the Buddhist occupants. (Iqbal) The diaper and semi ashlar pattern
of masonry is indicative of its Gandharan roots as well as the Buddhist origins of the site.

The main monastery complex has 38 cells, where the 4 corner cells are larger in size and the rest
being of uniform size.

The rooms themselves are small to average having a single entrance and small niches within them
for housing idols or possessions. The corner rooms were probably used as storage rooms or doctors
chambers or for senior monks.

In the center of the complex is what was probably a central water pool or tank for purification
purposes, and on the east and west walls are accesses.

The East access is probably an entrance into the monastery, while the west access is the exit into
the stupa area. The monastery area measures approximately 160 x 175. The smaller rooms
measure 12 x 12 and the corner rooms are 18 x 12. The walls are from 2 3.5m and from 1-1.5m
in thickness and are of massive construction.

STUPA
VOTIVE
STUPAS

ACCESS
BETWEEN
SECTIONS
CURRENT
EXCAVATION

SOUTH CHAPELS

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Stupa

The stupa measures about 819 (L) x 743 (W) x 20 (H) and its main access ramp is
flanked by two votive stupas. These were possibly raised by monks of higher order or
rulers so that they could be worshipped and left alms for. They are much smaller, one
being approximately 13 x 13 and the other being approximately 13 x 16. There was an
elevated path (or the Prada Kashina Patha) ringing the stupa around which the
supplicants could perform their rituals but that has long since eroded.

The masonry of the stupa is lime stone in the semi ashlar and diaper pattern of masonry
that is seen throughout the region, with the pilasters and mouldings of the plinth done in
Kanjur stone. The height of the stupa mentioned before rises above this plinth i.e. total
height of the structure is 20ft above the height of the plinth.

The stone facing of the stupa has been vandalized in order to get to the relics housed
within it. This was reported even in Alexander Cunninghams time and evidence of this
can still be seen where the stupa seems as if it has been cut in half, the dome being no
longer clearly identifiable. Relics of the Buddha or monks of a higher order were placed
within stupas which were then worshipped by the Buddhist supplicants and were of
great importance.

To the north and south of the main stupa are a series of chapels, 3 on each side for a
total of 6. There may be 2 more on either side but since that part of the site is on private
land it cannot as yet be excavated.

SURVEY IN PROGRESS

Current Excavation

The current area of excavation includes what might have been an assembly hall, a
kitchen, dining area, store rooms and an extension of the monastery. The extension
portion is being unearthed currently and the other sections have been cleared of
land and detailed. It lies on the path towards the stupa which passes along the
southward wall of the monastery.

The extension of the monastery was discovered by chance after bushes were
cleared from the area and a visible structure was discerned from the disturbed soil
underneath.

The extension space includes possibly 8 or more monk cells and this area also has a
store room. During the excavation the previously mentioned stucco statue of
Buddha in meditation, iron objects such as door knocks, pottery, animal bones,
coins and a grinding stone were found. A jar, which could be the top of a buried
stupa, is being excavated at present. The kind of bones uncovered show that
animals were also being domesticated and these have been sent to various
institutes for research and analysis.

Digital
Reconstruction

REIMAGINING BADALPUR AS
IT STOOD IN ANTIQUITY

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MODELING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS

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REALISTIC RENDERS
OF BADALPUR SITE
MODEL

CURRENT STATE OF SITE

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SITE IN ANTIQUITY

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SITE VIEW AT NIGHT

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Conclusion

Pakistan faces many threats, threats which effect each aspect of our society and this includes our
collective heritage.

Neglect, corruption, disinterest, looting, desecration, all are just a few of the dangers being faced by
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Digital technologies now need to be utilized in order to virtually compile our collective heritage into a
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