Rare Kushan Coins and Lapis Lazuli Unearthed at Taxila’s Bhir Mound

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Pakistani archaeologists have discovered rare decorative stones and ancient coins at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhir Mound, near the historic city of Takshashila, shedding new light on one of the earliest urban settlements of the Gandhara civilisation. Officials have described this as the most significant discovery at the site in the last ten years.

Notable Finds at Bhir Mound

During ongoing excavations at Bhir Mound, one of the oldest parts of the Taxila complex, archaeologists unearthed fragments of decorative stones dating back to the 6th century BCE, along with bronze coins from the 2nd century CE. Preliminary analysis identified the stones as lapis lazuli, a semi-precious material highly prized in antiquity. The artefacts were recovered from the northern section of the site, specifically the B-2 trench, believed to have been part of a residential area.

Kushan Coins and Religious Diversity

The bronze coins have been attributed to the Kushan dynasty after detailed numismatic studies by specialists from the University of Peshawar. According to excavation head Aasim Dogar of the Punjab Department of Archaeology, the coins bear the image of Emperor Vasudeva, considered the last prominent Kushan ruler. The obverse side features the emperor, while the reverse depicts a female deity, reflecting the religious pluralism that characterised the Kushan period.

Taxila During Kushan Rule

Evidence indicates that Taxila reached its political, cultural, and economic zenith between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE under Kushan rule. Under emperors such as Kanishka the Great, the city became a major administrative, commercial, and intellectual hub. Royal patronage of Buddhism during this period led to the construction of stupas, monasteries, and large religious complexes, while Gandharan art thrived as a fusion of Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian styles.

Trade Networks and Archaeological Importance

The presence of lapis lazuli suggests extensive trade links, particularly with the Badakhshan region of present-day Afghanistan, a historic source of the stone. Kushan coinage, circulated between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, indicates strong economic foundations and broad trade networks, including connections with Roman markets. Together, these discoveries provide valuable insights into Gandhara’s urban life, economy, and cultural interactions.

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