February 12, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 13, 1427

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PESHAWAR, Feb 11: A delegation of Chinese officials visited Peshawar Museum which is displaying artefacts and statues of Gandhara art.

The delegation was led by Wang Jia Rui, Minister International Department, central committee, Communist Party of China. The other members of the team were Ai Ping, Director General International Department, Zhang Xuyi, Division Director, International Department, Xiao Ning Ning, Protocol Bureau, International Department, Zhao Yin and Zhao Qiang, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The delegation was briefed about the Gandhara region and Peshawar Museum.

The delegation took keen interest in the collections of Peshawar Museum, specially the Buddhist Art pieces exhibited in three galleries at the ground floor.

The delegation was told that the first image of Buddha was introduced by the Kushana ruler Kanishka in the 1st century, who came to this region from Central Asia via Silk Rout and ruled India. During this time the Buddhist art flourished in Gandhara from 1st Century to the 5th century A.D and Peshawar, the then Kanishkapura, remained the capital of Gandhara.

Many Chinese pilgrims including Sung Yun, Fa Hiuen and Hieun Tasang visited Gandhara in 5th, 6th and 7th century A.D. and recordeded an eye-witness of the Buddhist Art of Gandhara.

These Chinese accounts has provided a strong base for the locations of Buddhist stupas, monasteries, cities and towns and people of Gandhara of the past.