| PIPPLAN |
| Pipplan � the Buddhist monastic establishment of ancient Taxila 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. The site took its name from the thick shady pipal trees which once stood over the unexcavated mound and provided shelter from sun and rains both to human and animals alike. The ancient remains, excavated in 1923-24, are of two periods; one abutting and partly covering the ruins of earlier period. The earliest monastery, which lay to the east, dates from early Kushana period fell into ruins about the 4th 5th century and whole of this area was levelled except the Stupas in the middle. The later monastery built on the western side with semi-ashlar masonry. It is similar in plan to Mohar Moradu and Jaulian with central open courtyard and cells on all four sides, with assembly hall, kitchen and refectory on the south. In one of the cells on the southern side, an earlier period Stupa stands eight feet high in well-preserved condition. This votive Stupa rose in three tiers, decorated with Corinthian pilasters alternating with lotus rosettes. A meditating Buddha is sitting on the north side of the second tier. At the base of the dome, eight seated figures of the Buddha in stucco are placed. Other small finds from Pipplan includes a collection of 26 coins of local Taxilan, Azes II Kadphises 1, Kadphises II, Kinishka, Vassudeva, Shahpur II and Indo Sansannian rulers. By the end of 5th century, Pipplan also met the same fate as those of its contemporary monastic settlements in the region. Economic conditions compelled the abandonment and desertion of the monastery, which was left to face the gradual decay at the hands of both human and nature. The Buddhist monastic remains at Pipplan for their historic and architectural importance have been declared as �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 or Rupees 200,000/- or with both. |