Taxila is one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia, located in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. It was a major city of the Gandharan civilization, which flourished from the 6th century BCE to the 5th century CE. Taxila was a hub of Buddhism, a centre of learning, an urban metropolis and a meeting point of various cultures, such as the Achaemenids, Greeks, Mauryans, Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, Huns and Muslims.
But how many religions have their existence and foundation in the ancient city of Taxila? The answer is not easy to give, as Taxila was a melting pot of diverse religious traditions and practices. However, some of the main religions that left their mark on Taxila are:
Buddhism
Taxila was one of the earliest centres of Buddhism in South Asia. It was here that the Buddha is said to have visited and preached his teachings. Taxila also became a famous centre of Buddhist learning and art, attracting monks and pilgrims from all over Asia. The archaeological sites of Taxila contain numerous Buddhist monuments, such as stupas, monasteries, sculptures and paintings. Some of the most notable Buddhist sites in Taxila are the Dharmarajika stupa and monastery, the Jaulian monastery, the Mohra Moradu monastery and the Bhamala stupa.
Hinduism
Hinduism was also prevalent in Taxila, especially during the Kushan period (1st-3rd centuries CE). The Kushans were patrons of both Buddhism and Hinduism, and built temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. Some of the Hindu gods worshipped in Taxila were Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Durga. The archaeological evidence of Hinduism in Taxila includes sculptures, coins, seals and inscriptions. Some of the Hindu sites in Taxila are the Sirkap temple complex, the Jandial temple and the Giri temple.
Jainism
Jainism is another ancient religion that has its roots in Taxila. Jainism is a non-violent religion that teaches respect for all living beings and advocates detachment from worldly pleasures. The founder of Jainism, Mahavira, is said to have visited Taxila and converted some of its inhabitants to his faith. Jainism also influenced the art and architecture of Taxila, as seen in some of the sculptures and reliefs depicting Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) and stories. Some of the Jain sites in Taxila are the Khader Mohra group of stupas and monasteries, the Kalawan group of stupas and monasteries and the Pipplian cave.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that originated in ancient Iran. It worships Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord) as the supreme creator and upholder of truth and justice. Zoroastrianism was brought to Taxila by the Achaemenid rulers (6th-4th centuries BCE), who conquered the region and made it part of their vast empire. Zoroastrianism also survived under the later Iranian dynasties, such as the Parthians and the Sassanians. The archaeological evidence of Zoroastrianism in Taxila includes fire altars, coins, seals and inscriptions. The most prominent Zoroastrian site in Taxila is the Jandial fire temple.
Greek religion
Greek religion refers to the polytheistic beliefs and practices of ancient Greece. It was introduced to Taxila by Alexander the Great (4th century BCE), who invaded India and established his rule over parts of Gandhara. Greek religion also continued under his successors, such as the Seleucids and the Bactrian Greeks. Greek religion influenced the art and culture of Taxila, as seen in some of the sculptures and coins depicting Greek gods and goddesses, such as Zeus, Apollo, Athena and Aphrodite. Some of the Greek sites in Taxila are the Sirkap city wall, the Sirkap double-headed eagle stupa and the Sirsukh city wall.
These are some of the major religions that have their existence and foundation in the ancient city of Taxila. However, there may have been other minor or local religions that also coexisted in this multicultural city. Taxila is a unique example of religious diversity and tolerance in ancient times, where people of different faiths lived together peacefully and even shared their religious practices and beliefs.
