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What is common to the places Takht-i-Bahi, Guldara, and Sirkap?
  • a)
    These were trade centres along the Silk Route during ancient times.
  • b)
    These were monastery sites of the north- west region in India.
  • c)
    These were the areas ruled by the Deccan Sultanate.
  • d)
    These were burial sites of the Timurid and Ghurid rulers. 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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What is common to the places Takht-i-Bahi, Guldara, and Sirkap?a)These...
  • In the Gandhara region, Indian and Hellenistic features coalesced. There was a significant expansion of Buddhist monasteries in Gandhara and northern Afghanistan in the early centuries CE, but very little evidence of their architectural form survives. Takht-i-Bahi in Pakistan and Guldara in Afghanistan are two important sites.
  • Excavations at Takht-i-Bahi revealed a large monastic complex that included several connected clusters of cells arranged around courtyards, stupas, and sculptures. A stupa once stood in one of the courtyards, but only its square base survives.
  • In contrast to the stupas of central India, those of the northwest had a towerlike appearance with sculptural decoration on the base and dome. Guldara stupa (2nd century CE) rises from a high square base, with stairs leading up to it from the east. The outer façade of the structure consists of thin, flat slabs of sedimentary rock, carefully arranged one on top of the other (this is known as the diaper masonry technique and was introduced to this region by the Parthians), the interior filled with stone rubble.
  • Extensive evidence of early Buddhist shrines and stupas comes from Taxila. The city of Sirkap at this site was founded by the Indo-Greeks and continued to be occupied during Shaka and Parthian rule. The excavated remains mostly belong to the latter phase. The largest structure is a ruined Buddhist apsidal temple, located in Block D. This has a screen between the apse and area for assembly. A number of stone heads showing Indian and Greek features and styles were found here; some may represent bodhisattvas. In front of the shrine, on both sides of the entrance, were the square bases of stupas. This structure can be dated to the first half of the 1st century CE. Another important structure at Sirkap was the so-called ‘shrine of the double eagle’ in Block F, probably built in the late 1st century BCE. Its only surviving portion is the square base of what was obviously a stupa.
  • Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
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What is common to the places Takht-i-Bahi, Guldara, and Sirkap?a)These...
Monastery sites in the north-west region of India

Takht-i-Bahi
Takht-i-Bahi is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in the north-west region of Pakistan, near the city of Mardan. It was built between the 1st and 7th centuries CE and is considered one of the most well-preserved Buddhist monastic complexes in the Gandhara region. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.

Guldara
Guldara is another important Buddhist monastery site located in the north-west region of Pakistan, near the city of Peshawar. It dates back to the 2nd century BCE and was an important religious and cultural center during the Gandhara period. The site contains numerous stupas, monastic cells, and other structures that highlight the architectural and artistic achievements of the time.

Sirkap
Sirkap is an archaeological site located near the modern city of Taxila in present-day Pakistan. It was a major city of the ancient Gandhara region and served as an important center for trade and commerce. Sirkap was part of the larger Taxila complex, which was an important hub along the ancient Silk Route. The site contains numerous Buddhist stupas, monastic complexes, and other structures.

Common characteristics
These three sites, Takht-i-Bahi, Guldara, and Sirkap, share several common characteristics that make them monastery sites of the north-west region in India.

1. Buddhist heritage: All three sites have strong Buddhist associations and were important centers of Buddhist worship and learning during ancient times. They showcase the rich Buddhist cultural and religious traditions that flourished in the region.

2. Architectural significance: The sites feature impressive architectural structures, including stupas, monastic cells, and other buildings. These structures exhibit the unique blend of Greek, Persian, and Indian architectural styles that characterized the Gandhara region.

3. Strategic locations: The sites were strategically located in the north-west region of India, which was a crossroads for various trade routes, including the famous Silk Route. This made them important centers for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and travelers from different parts of the world.

4. Historical importance: These sites have significant historical importance, providing insights into the ancient Gandhara civilization and its interactions with other cultures. They also showcase the religious and cultural exchanges that took place in the region.

In conclusion, Takht-i-Bahi, Guldara, and Sirkap are all monastery sites in the north-west region of India, specifically in present-day Pakistan. They were important centers of Buddhist worship, learning, and trade during ancient times, and their architectural and historical significance make them valuable cultural heritage sites.
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What is common to the places Takht-i-Bahi, Guldara, and Sirkap?a)These were trade centres along the Silk Route during ancient times.b)These were monastery sites of the north- west region in India.c)These were the areas ruled by the Deccan Sultanate.d)These were burial sites of the Timurid and Ghurid rulers.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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