LAHORE: A Punjab University (PU) research team has discovered the existence of a 2,000-year-old Buddhist civilisation in the heart of central Punjab.

The discovery sheds new light on the religious and cultural tapestry of the region, challenging the traditional perception that Buddhism was confined to the northwestern parts of the country.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Dean Prof Dr Amra Raza, Tourism Secretary Asif Bilal Lodhi and Department of Archaeology Chairman Dr Muhammad Hameed held a press conference at the Lahore Press Club to announce the historic revelation.

Prof Mahmood highlighted the prevailing perception that Buddhism was primarily concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Taxila region. He said this groundbreaking discovery, made possible through the efforts of Dr Hameed’s research group, has shifted this narrative.

He said the artifacts unearthed provide tangible evidence of a Buddhist civilisation that once thrived between Sargodha and Jhang.

Dr Hameed shared insights into the research journey, explaining how countless cultural mounds were meticulously documented during recent field tours. He underscored the significance of the artifacts, which offer concrete proof of ancient settlements and the establishment of religious buildings, stupas, and monasteries in the region. Prior to this discovery, evidence of Buddhism in Punjab was considered insubstantial.

Tourism Secretary Lodhi praised the research team’s efforts and lauded the potential of these discoveries in bolstering tourism industry. He reiterated his commitment to collaborating on ventures that would help explore and promote various heritage sites, undoubtedly elevating Punjab’s cultural significance on the global stage.

He said the discovery represents a monumental leap in our understanding of Punjab’s history, questions abound.

Dr Hameed said the journey had just begun, with inquiries ranging from the origins of Buddhism in central Punjab to the nature of its religious structures, its duration, school of thought, characteristics and eventual decline.

Addressing these inquiries requires ongoing research, encompassing further field visits and meticulous study.

Dr Hameed said the successful execution of these subsequent phases would rely heavily on the support of the government, society, and law enforcement agencies. This collaborative effort is essential not only to complete the historical puzzle but also to preserve the rich cultural heritage scattered across Punjab’s plains, waiting to be unveiled.

The discovery of a Buddhist civilisation in central Punjab stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of history and the potential of archaeological research to reshape our understanding of the past.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2023