| JAULIAN |
| Jaulian has been inscribed in 1980 upon the World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World cultural and natural Heritage. Inscription on the List confirms the exceptional universal value of the cultural site, which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity. Jaulian, perching 300 feet above surrounding field level, represents a Buddhist Stupa and Vlhara of late Kushana era. Mr. Natesa Aiyar excavated this site in 1916-17 under the direction of Sir John Marshall. The main Stupa, provided with a tall square plinth and an offset projection for the steps, on the northern side, leads to the circular drum, which has entirely collapsed. Stupa plinth, divided in bays with pilasters, adorned with colossal seated figures of the Buddha in meditation. On the eastern side, a Buddha image, inscribed in Kharoshthi with the name of mouk donor, Budhamitra Dharmanandin. Around the main Stupa in the upper court, twenty-one square votive Stupas are constructed. Five other votive Stupas occupy the lower court. The monastery on the east is located on a slightly higher level, measures 97 feet by 106 feet with an open low quadrangular court in the middle and a line of cells all around with a covered verandah in front. On the northern side, a cell converted into a chapel to receive 13 clay figures of the Buddha and another one accommodated the staircase for the upper part. Assembly hall in with four pillar bases. Other structural remains south of the assembly hall are the kitchen, stateroom, dinning hall and a guard�s room close to the eastern entrance. Some of the finest stucco sculptures have been shifted to Taxila Museum for preservation. Other finds included fragments of a Buddhist manuscript, written in Sanskrit language and Brahmi characters of 5th century and copper coins of late Kushana and Indo-Sassanian rulers. Although, Jaulian had its own charm but perhaps due to economic strain, which followed the ruthless invasion of white Huns towards the end of 5th century, it was deserted and was left to share the decay and end with other Buddhist establishments in Taxila valley. Jaulian Stupa and monastery for their historic and architectural importance have been declared �protected antiquity� under the Act-1975, And who so ever will destroy, break, damage, alter, injure, deface or mutilate or scribble, write or engage any inscription or sign on any antiquity shall be punishable under Section-19 of the said Act with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine of Rupees 200,000/- or with both. |