ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 Destroyed by the barbarian Central Asian tribes of the White Huns in 5th Century AD, Jinna Wali Dheri, a Buddhist monastic complex in Taxila, is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries.

First identified by Sir John Marshal in a survey carried out between 1912 and 1913, the site is now all set for its inauguration. The excavation works began in 2002 and finished in December 2008.

Sitting 15 feet underground, archaeologists had never thought that the Jinna Wali Dheri, once ignored by Sir John Marshal as probably not important, would reveal one of the finest ancient treasures ever unearthed in the entire Gandhara region - the Mural of Buddhastava.

One of the most frequented sites by visitors today, it is famous for the unique discovery of a mural painting at the mound in 2005.

This was the largest mural discovered but found in 150 fragments, some as tiny as one square inch in size.

One of the largest pieces, roughly two square foot made spectacular addition to the Taxila Museum's permanent collection.

The mural depicted Lord Buddha in various meditative postures, surrounded by monks.

“Unfortunately, lack of resources and equipment are major constraint,” said an official in the Ministry of Culture.

“We have not been able to exploit this wonder and present it to the world. The remaining pieces sit in the lab and still need to be put together.”

According to the ministry's archaeological department, the location of the complex, spread over 12 kanals, was ideal and in the plain area close to the Haro River in the northwest, unlike other monasteries discovered in the hills.

Before the invasion of the Huns, its huge structures were renovated and repaired twice, reflecting different architecture concepts and schools of thought.

Lime stone of local area was frequently used for the main construction. Kanjur stone was also used for the decoration of the stupas and monastery.

“Not one 42-inch stone block - the biggest compared with those used to build other monasteries - is in its original condition.

There is evidence that fierce fire destroyed the structures,” said an official in the archaeology department.

After the Huns almost destroyed the Jinna Wali Dheri, illegal digging rendered even more damage.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums started regular excavation in 2002-03 and then the US embassy also assisted in the conservation and restoration of the site.

According to the archaeology department, the embassy also funded for publication of literature and provision of public facilities in the area.

The department employed the best experts for the excavation and conservation of the complex.

The mound is one of the best preserved Buddhist monastic complexes in Taxila.