As we noted in the previous post Taxila area is dotted with almost two dozen monuments of the Gandhara Civilization. One of them is Mohra Moradu, named after a small village nearby, is located at 33°45'39.1"N, 72°51'39.4"E. It is a well preserved site and one of the most important in the area. It is located on a small hill in a relatively secluded place, appropriate for meditation and prayers. Like other Buddhist monuments, it too has a big stupa and a monastery to the east, a living place for the Buddhist monks.
The site was excavated in 1915-16 under the direction of Sir John Marshall. It belongs to the 2nd century AD, but was repaired and renovated extensively during the 4th to the 5th century. The stupas was built over a square plinth and base of the plinth was decorated with the finest stucco figures of Buddas and other holy figures. Some of them are on display in the Taxila Museum. To the south of the main stupa is a smaller votive stupa. This stupa too is decorated with stucco figures, which are quite visible even today. The whole civilization was devastated and uprooted after the attacks of the White Huns in the mid 5th century AD. The monasteries were abandoned and Gandhara Civilization never recovered after wards.
Mohra Moradu is one of the main attractions of the Gandhara Civilization in Taxila. One learns and understands a lot about this, now vanished, civilization by visiting this place. The monuments are taken good care of and the surrounding natural beauty adds to its attraction. If you have not seen this place then you have missed a lot.
Tariq Amir
December 12, 2021.
Islamabad
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