Sirkap

Sirkap is an archaeological site in Rawalpindi District that preserves the remains of an ancient city with thick defensive walls and a grid-like street plan. The excavations have revealed ruins of temples, houses, and religious buildings arranged closely together across the area.

A king founded this city around 180 BC following his invasion of the region and established a kingdom that lasted until 10 BC. During this period, Greek and Indian cultures blended together in the settlement.

The buildings here show Greek columns standing next to Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines, reflecting how different faiths coexisted in the same place. This mix reveals how people from various backgrounds lived together in this ancient city.

The site is best explored during daylight hours, as the pathways between ancient ruins lack lighting. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the ground is uneven and care must be taken when walking near the archaeological remains.

One distinctive structure on site features pillars decorated with eagle motifs, blending architectural features from both Western and local building traditions. This unusual combination suggests that craftsmen consciously merged their techniques together.