Butkara Stupa, Buddhist stupa in Swat District, Pakistan.
Butkara Stupa is a circular monument in Swat built in multiple construction phases, with each new structure erected over the previous one. The different building layers visible at the site reveal distinct architectural techniques and styles from various time periods.
Excavations carried out in 1956 by Domenico Faccenna uncovered evidence showing the original construction dated to the 2nd century BCE. Coins from the Mauryan period helped establish when the monument was first built.
The site displays a blend of Greek and Buddhist artistic traditions that shaped its appearance over time. Visitors walking around the structure notice this mixture in the carved details and stone decorations found throughout.
The site is located in a mountainous region where visitors can explore and observe different construction layers. Taking time to examine each level and its distinct features helps understand how building methods changed over centuries.
A Buddha statue discovered at the site ranks among the earliest Buddha images found in northwestern regions, dating to the late 1st century BCE. This discovery is particularly valuable for understanding early Buddhist art in the region.
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