Lahore – Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO has approved Punjab University’s (PU) project proposal “Sui-Vihar Excavations and Archaeological Reconnaissance of Southern Punjab” today, amounting to US$ 26000 under the participation programme 2010-2011. The project has to be completed by the end of current year. The field work around the unique Sui-Vihar shrine would unleash various facets of Buddhism and particularly Mahayana cult.
Ghandhara Buddhist art has its own characteristics whereas Southern Punjab Buddhism has its own traditions, architecture and art. It has to be ascertained whether it was the reproduction of Gandhara art or otherwise. It will also help to glean Southern Punjabis’ artistic excellence as the raw material available in that region was either stucco or clay that is easy for moldings and modeling. The stone extensively used in Gandhara is altogether absent in this region.
Field work around the monastic complex has its ramifications and will shed light on the archaeological heritage of Southern Punjab for the first time in such an extensive and scientific manner. PU Archaeology Department Chairman Dr Farzand Masih hopes that new techniques in manufacturing Buddha, Buddhisativa and other deities have been introduced in the South.
PU Archeology department students as well as students from other institutions will be imparted practical training in digging, recording and analyzing the sub-surface data. The excavations are likely to enlighten about the status of Buddhism in Southern Punjab and the Khanqahi Nizam of Sufia-i-Kram among the Muslims which may have its roots down to Buddhist monks’ monastic life. New information thus collected may explain as to why among all the regions of Pakistan, Sufism became more popular in Southern Punjab and Northern Punjab than anywhere else. The actual field work will commence soon after signing the contract of execution between PNCU Islamabad and PU.
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