Gandhāra

This book presents primarily firsthand information from some mysterious and unpublished archaeological sites excavated in the Swat Valley in the 1980s. In addition, new studies of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, rock art, and ancient routes leading to and through Gandh-ra, as well as the analyses of epigraphic and numismatic evidence presented here, argue for a reconsideration of the established political, cultural, and religious history of Gandh-ra. The book also focuses on previously unknown discoveries, reviews selected research works, and critically reexamines some older finds by situating and studying them in their respective archaeological and landscape contexts. The inclusion of archaeological data and their study in a broader geographical and cultural context is also the objective of this book. Furthermore, it studies the reasons for the mixing of cultures and the processes of compromise, particularly between Gandh-ra, Central Asia and China.

M. Nasim Khan is Professor at the World Arthistory Institute (WAI), Shanghai International Studies University, and his research focuses mainly on Gandh-ran studies. He obtained his doctorate with distinction from Sorbonne University, Paris. Prior to joining WAI, he served as Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Peshawar and at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He is also founder of the journal “Gandh-ran Studies”. His published books include: Buddhist Paintings in Gandh-ra (2000), Treasures from Kashmir Smast—The Earliest Shaiva Monastic Establishment (2006), Kharö-h- Manuscripts from Gandh-ra (2008), Coins from Kashmir Smast—New Numismatic Evidence (2008), The Sacred and the Secular—Investigating the Unique St-pa and Settlement Site of Aziz Dheri (3 vols., 2012), and Kashmir Smast—The Earliest Seat of Hindu Learning (2 vols., 2018). In recognition of his outstanding achievements in education and research, he was awarded the Higher Education Commission’s Best University Teacher Award and one of the highest Pakistan National Civil Awards, the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.