Rare Kushan Coins, Lapis Lazuli Unearthed at Taxila’s Bhir Mound

Pakistani archaeologists have uncovered rare decorative stones and ancient coins at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Bhir Mound near the historic city of Takshashila, offering fresh insights into one of the earliest urban settlements of the Gandhara civilisation. Officials have described the find as the most significant discovery at the site in the past decade.

Key Discoveries at Bhir Mound

The discoveries were made during ongoing excavations at Bhir Mound, one of the oldest components of the Taxila complex. Archaeologists unearthed fragments of decorative stones dating back to the 6th century BC and bronze coins from the 2nd century AD. Preliminary analysis has identified the stones as lapis lazuli, a semi-precious material highly valued in antiquity. The artefacts were recovered from the northern section of the site, specifically within the B-2 trench, which experts believe formed part of a residential area.

Kushan Coins and Religious Pluralism

The bronze coins have been attributed to the Kushan dynasty following detailed numismatic analysis by specialists from the University of Peshawar. According to excavation head Aasim Dogar of the Punjab Department of Archaeology, the coins bear the image of Emperor Vasudeva, regarded as the last of the great Kushan rulers. The obverse depicts the emperor, while the reverse features a female religious deity, reflecting the religious pluralism characteristic of the Kushan period.

Taxila Under Kushan Rule

Archaeological evidence suggests that Taxila reached its political, cultural, and economic peak between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD under Kushan rule. Under emperors such as Kanishka the Great, the city emerged as a major administrative, commercial, and intellectual centre. Extensive royal patronage of Buddhism during this era led to the construction of stupas, monasteries, and large religious complexes, while Gandharan art flourished as a fusion of Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian influences.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Bhir Mound is the earliest settlement at the Taxila archaeological complex.
• Kushan coins often depict rulers and diverse religious deities.
• Lapis lazuli indicates long-distance trade in ancient times.
• Taxila was a major centre of Gandharan art and Buddhist learning.

Trade Networks and Archaeological Significance

The presence of lapis lazuli points to extensive trade links, particularly with the Badakhshan region of present-day Afghanistan, historically known as a major source of the stone. Numismatists note that Kushan coinage, issued between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, reflects strong economic foundations and wide trade networks, including contacts with Roman markets. Together, these finds significantly enhance understanding of Gandhara’s urban life, economy, and cultural exchange.