Taxila, Pakistan: Archaeologists in Pakistan have uncovered rare decorative stones and ancient coins during an excavation at a UNESCO World Heritage site near the historic city of Taxila, shedding new light on one of the earliest urban settlements of the ancient Gandhara civilisation.
The discoveries were made at the Bhir Mound, one of the oldest archaeological remains in Taxila. Experts unearthed fragments of decorative stones dating back to the 6th century BC, along with coins from the 2nd century AD. Officials described the findings as the most significant archaeological breakthrough at the site in the past decade.
According to reports, the excavation revealed pieces of metamorphic decorative stone identified as lapis lazuli, a highly valued semi-precious material in the ancient world. Alongside these were rare bronze coins belonging to the Kushan dynasty, significantly enriching the material history of ancient Gandhara.
Aasim Dogar, Deputy Director of the Punjab Department of Archaeology and head of the excavation team, confirmed the initial assessment of the artefacts. He said specialised forensic techniques were used to date the metal objects, while numismatic experts from the University of Peshawar conducted a detailed analysis of the coins.
“The decorative stones are lapis lazuli, while the coins belong to the Kushan period and bear the image of Emperor Vasudeva,” Dogar said. Vasudeva is regarded by historians as the last of the great Kushan rulers to govern the region.
Dogar explained that the obverse side of the coins depicts Emperor Vasudeva, while the reverse features a female religious deity. He noted that such imagery reflects the religious diversity of the Kushan era, which incorporated multiple belief systems within its imperial culture.
The artefacts were found on the northern side of the site in the B-2 trench, one of 16 excavation trenches currently being explored. Archaeological evidence from the surrounding area suggests that this section of the site once served as a residential zone.
Experts say the findings reinforce historical understanding that Taxila reached the height of its political, cultural and economic influence under Kushan rule, particularly between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Dogar noted that during the reign of emperors such as Kanishka the Great, Taxila developed into a major centre of administration, trade and learning.
The Kushan period also witnessed strong royal patronage of Buddhism, leading to the construction of stupas, monasteries and expansive religious complexes. This era marked the flourishing of Gandharan art, a unique blend of Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian artistic traditions, with Taxila at its heart.
Numismatist Malik Tahir Suleman highlighted the historical importance of Kushan coinage, calling it one of the most valuable sources for understanding ancient South and Central Asia. He explained that issued between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, these coins evolved from Indo-Greek models into a sophisticated imperial currency system.
Struck mainly in gold, copper and bronze, Kushan coins reflect the empire’s economic power and extensive trade networks, including commercial links with Roman markets. Suleman added that the coins are known for their rich iconography and multilingual inscriptions, often depicting rulers in Central Asian attire on one side and a wide array of deities on the other.
Beyond the coins, the presence of lapis lazuli fragments offers crucial insights into ancient trade routes. Experts say the stone likely originated from Badakhshan in present-day Afghanistan, indicating long-distance trade connections between Taxila and Central Asia.
