Seri Bahlol

General view of Seri-Bahlol

Seri Bahlol (or Sehri Bahlol) is located near Takht Bhai, about 70 kilometres north-west of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan.

History

General view of the village.

Seri Bahlol is a historical place and it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. It contains the remains of Buddha, which have not been properly excavated. Antiques such as statues, coins, utensils and jewellery are commonly found. The local people continue illegal excavation in their homes and land, damaging the historical monuments. Some of the local dealers of antiques misguide the local population and instigate them to involve them in illegal excavation. It requires national and international attention in order to reserve the remnants at Seri Bahlol.

The word "Seri Bahlol" has been explained by various people in different ways. The local people, however, explain that this is a combination of two Hindko words "Sheri" means Sir and "Bahlol" the name of a prominent political and religious leader of the area. However, the name is not as old as the village Seri Bahlol. The village is located on a hillock protected by a well sophisticated stone wall. The wall has damaged in several places however, it is still visible in many places. The village is surrounded by fertile land where the local people practice agriculture.

Population

Abeautiful view of the village

Estimated household in the village are 750 with an average household size is 7. Total estimated population of the village is 5,250. Population of children (<18) for both sexes is 2,730 wherears adults population (>18) for both sexes is 2,520. Literacy ratio is consderably low among female. There is a primary and a middle school for girls and one primary and high school for boys. In order to provide health facilities to the local people, there is a Basic Health Unit in the village run under the administrative control of "People's Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI)".

Culture

Ancient Wall Around Seri-Bahlol

There are different tribes living in Seri Bahlol like Mohmand, Gujar, Bajouri, Khogyani etc. but all of them share the common code of Pashtunwali. The local people have mutual respect for each other. They are socially and culturally coherent and extensively support each other during marriage ceremonies, deaths or other events. There is a great respect for women who strongly observe purdah.

Economy

A farmer is applying pesticides to his crop

Economically, people are poor with a low level of literacy. The people are engaged in various economic activities ranging from farming, manufacturing to businesses & services. With the growing population, agriculture activities are not sufficient to cater the needs. Therefore, people have started business activities in the nearby town of Takht-Bhai, Gujar Garhi and in Mardan.

See also

• Hindu and Buddhist architectural heritage of Pakistan