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Takht-i-Bahi (Pashto/), is an Indo-Parthian archaeological site of an ancient Buddhist monastery in Mardan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The site is considered among the most important relics of Buddhism in all of what was once Gandhara.
The monastery was founded in the 1st century CE, Takht-i-Bahi, UNESCO Office, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2002 and was in use until the 7th century. The complex is regarded by archaeologists as being particularly representative of the architecture of Buddhist monastic centers from its era. UNESCO Advisory Body Evaluation of Takht Bhai Takht-i-Bahi was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1980, with UNESCO describing it as "exceptionally well-preserved."
Another etymology suggests that the name Takht-i-Bahi was possibly given to this monastery complex after the Muslims settled in the region. The word "Bahi" (بهی) or "Behhi" is neither Pashto nor Persian, and in one sense in Arabic, "Bahi" means beautiful and bright. In another sense, "Bahi" (بهی) means "بهی البیت بهیاً: the house which is empty and abandoned"; therefore, the "Takht-i-Bahi" (Takht = castle, palace) means a castle where in there no longer is settled a king and has remained abandoned.Kalani, Reza. 2022. Indo-Parthians and the Rise of Sasanians, Tahouri Publishers, Tehran, pp37,38
Additional structures on the site may have served as residences or meeting halls or for secular purposes. All of the buildings on the site are constructed from local stone and are mortared with lime and mud.
The monastic complex was likely founded in the early 1st century Common Era. An inscription bearing the name of Gondophares (2046CE) has been found at the site. After Gondophares, the area came under the control of Kujula Kadphises, the first Kushan Empire king. This first era continued until the 2nd century CE and is associated with another Kushan king Kanishka, as well as early and subsequent Kushan kings. The second construction period, which included the creation of the Stupa Court and assembly hall, occurred during the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. A third construction period, associated with the later Kushan dynasty and the Kidara Kushana rulers, occurred during the 4th and 5th centuries.
The region was subjugated by Huns in the middle of the fifth century CE, which ended the Kushan Empire rule. The Hun ruler Toramana and his son Mihirakula killed many inhabitants of the Gandhara region and destroyed most Buddhist monasteries. Evidence suggests that Takht-i-Bahi was damaged in the same period of destruction by the Huns. However, the complex appears to have been in use until the 7th century CE.[3] Short Guide To Takht-i-bahi by Shakur, M.a.
The first modern historical reference to these ruins was made in 1836 by a French officer who referred to the Buddhist remains in a village named Mazdoorabad. Explorations and excavations on the site began in 1864. A significant number of objects can be found in the British Museum. The site underwent a major restoration in the 1920s.
Various people have explained the word "Sehri-Bahlol" in different ways. Local people claim that it is a Hindko language word meaning "Sir Bahlol," a prominent political and religious leader of the area. However, the village of Sehri-Bahlol is older than the name is.
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