| MOHRA MORADU |
| Mohra Moradu has been inscribed in 1980 upon the World Heritage List of the conventions concerning the protection of the World cultural and natural Heritage. Inscription on the List confirms the exceptional universal value of a cultural site, which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity. This Buddhist complex, known as �Mohra Moradu� after the name of a nearby village, was excavated in 1915-16 under the directions of Sir John Marshall. It includes a lofty Stupa � a place of religious worship in the west and a rectangular monastery for accommodation of the bikshu teachers and students in the east. It is located well away from the city noise in between the two folds of Hathial spur for peaceful and undisturbed meditation and concentration of thoughts yet close yet close enough to the city of Sirsukh for begging of daily alms. It belongs to the 2nd century but has been repaired and renovated extensively during 4th � 5th century. The Stupa stands on a 16 feet high plinth with offset projection on the east for steps. The Stupa plinth is provided with Kanjur stone moldings and vertical slender pilasters. It was decorated with finest stucco figures of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Deyas. Some of these sculptures were removed for exhibition in the Museum. South of the steps, stands a votive Stupa on square plinth, decorated with stucco relief. The typical Gandhara monastery with a square court of 27 cells has an open courtyard with a bathroom in one corner. Another outstanding find is a 20 feet tall votive Stupa, in the monastic Cell No. 9, constructed in the memory of a venerated Teacher who had lived and died there in the cell. Assembly hall, kitchen, refectory and baths are on the east of the monastery. A well for water was within this area in addition to the one located a little further to the east. The economic strain and insecurity that followed the ruthless invasion of white Huns towards the end of 5th century, compelled the Buddhists to abandon Mohra Moradu to share the decay and end with other Buddhist establishments in Taxila valley. Mohra Moradu for its historic and architectural importance has been declared �Protected Antiquity� under the Antiquities 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. |