Seri Bahlol
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Criteria | Cultural: iv |
| Reference | 140 |
| Inscription | 1980 (4th Session) |
Seri Bahloll is located near Takht Bhai, Takht Bhai, about 70 kilometres north-west of Peshawar, North West Frontier Province, Pakistan.
History
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 [1] . The word "Seri Bahlol" has been explained by various people in different ways. The local people, however, explain that this is a word of the Urdu 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. Hindu were being lived in Seri-Bahlol, Takht-Bhai and surrounding areas before partition of sub-continent.
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 lush green fields where the local people practice agriculture. Economically, people are poor with a low level of literacy. People are engaged in several economic activities like agriculture, business, trade and services. 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.
Social Groups
Prominent personalities may include but not limited to Haji Sher Zada Baba (Late), Haji Yousaf Bacha (late), Haji Saif-ul-llah Khan (Late), Haji Zafar Khan (X Chairmain of Tehsil: Takhti Bhai), Haji Sahibzada Advocate (Late), Haji Sultan Mahmood (Islamic Scholar), Haji Dilawar Khan, Haji Abdul Shakoor, Master Mohammad Wali, Haji. Habib-ur-Rehman, Sher Zaman, Haji Kachkol Khan, Awal Khan, Amir Mohmmad Khan, Haji Khan Mir, Haji Gul Said. Mr.Dost Muhammmad Khan(Late) was also a prominent personality of the village who was an XEN in WAPDA. His son Captain Meraj embraced martyrdom during the Pakistan Army operation against the militants in swat Valley of Pakistan.another son of Mr.Dost Muhammad Khan is Mr.Fida Muhammad Khan who is a Sub Divisional Officer in Peshawar Electric Supply Company [PESCO].
References
- ^ Hassan Dani, Dr: The Peshawar