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Bamiyan Buddhas

2022 APR 2

Preliminary   > Art and Culture   >   Architecture   >   Archaeological sites

Why in news?

  • The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has said it would protect the ancient Buddha statues in Mes Aynak. This is the site of a copper mine where the Taliban are hoping for Chinese investment.

About Bamiyan Buddhas:

  • The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two 6th-century monumental statues, Salsal and Shahmama, which were carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan valley of central Afghanistan.
  • It is situated in the Hindu Kush Mountains.
  • They were great examples of a confluence of Gupta, Sassanian and Hellenistic artistic styles.
  • They are said to date back to the 5th century AD and were once the tallest standing Buddhas in the world.
  • They were called Salsal and Shamama by locals.
    • Salsal means “the light shines through the universe”
    • Shamama is “Queen Mother”.

What had happened to the Bamiyan Statues?

  • In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas statues.
  • Following the fall, UNESCO included the remains in its list of world heritage sites in 2003, with subsequent efforts made to restore and reconstruct them.

What is the significance of Bamiyan?

  • Bamiyan valley is situated in the high mountains of the Hindu Kush in the central highlands of Afghanistan.
  • The valley, which is set along the line of the Bamiyan River, was once integral to the early days of the Silk Roads, providing passage for not just merchants but also culture, religion and language.
  • When the Kushana Empire spread, Bamiyan became a major trade, cultural and religious centre.
  • As China, India and Rome sought passage through Bamiyan, the Kushans were able to develop a syncretic culture.
  • Moreover, during the rapid spread of Buddhism between the 1st to 5th centuries AD, Bamiyan’s landscape reflected the faith, especially its monastic qualities.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding Bamiyan Buddha statues:

1. It is situated in the Hindu Kush Mountains

2. It is a confluence of Gupta, Sassanian and Hellenistic artistic styles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer