TAXILA: The Directorate General of Archaeology Punjab is establishing an auditorium that will open a new window for local and international tourists, especially followers of Buddhism, as well as researchers and scholars of ancient Gandhara civilisation.

The auditorium, which is being established on the premises of the museum, would provide an opportunity to the visitors and tourists to digitally visit the ancient civilisation and sees artifacts and Buddha statues showcased in the adjacent museum building.

“The ground-breaking ceremony of the project was performed on March 10, 2020 and it is expected to complete in June this year,” said Ali Gohar, archaeological engineer at the Directorate General of Archaeology. He said the project would be completed at the cost of Rs23.549 million.

Responding to a question, Mr Gohar said the construction of the auditorium in Taxila Museum was part of the project funded by the Punjab government under which public facilities and historical monuments and sites were to be upgraded.

“Once completed, it will serve as a venue for screening Gandhara heritage site documentaries and hosting seminars focusing on Gandhara civilisation,” Taxila Museum curator Humaira Naz said.

Deputy Director, Department of Archaeology, Anjum Javaid termed the establishment of this facility within the premises of the museum as a remarkable achievement for provision of better facilities to tourists, especially international pilgrims.

He said a virtual tour to all important Buddhist sites scattered in Taxila valley would be arranged for tourists, adding that visitors would be able to see the ancient sites through virtual tours if they were unable to physically visit them.

Mr Javaid said the building would also provide a platform for organising conferences and seminars to facilitate national and international participants.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2024