What's New :
Gist of India Year Book (IYB) 2024. Download Here...
Thematic Current Affairs Compilation. Download here...

What were the Bamiyan Buddhas, and why did the Taliban destroy them?

  • Category
    History
  • Published
    31st Mar, 2022

Context

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has recently said it would protect the ancient Buddha statues in Mes Aynak.

About

About Bamiyan Buddhas:

  • The Bamiyan Buddhas were great examples of a confluence of Gupta, Sassanian and Hellenistic artistic styles.
  • They are said to date back to the 5th century AD.
  • They were once the tallest standing Buddhas in the world.
  • They were called by the locals Salsal and Shamama.
  • Salsal means “light shines through the universe”; Shamama is “Queen Mother”.
  • UNESCO included the remains in its list of world heritage sites in 2003
  • Efforts have been made to restore and reconstruct the Buddhas in their niches with the pieces available.

About Bamiyan:

  • It is situated in the high mountains of the Hindu Kush in the central highlands of Afghanistan.
  • The valley is set along the line of the Bamiyan River.
  • It was once integral to the early days of the Silk Roads, providing passage for merchants, culture, religion and language.
X

Verifying, please be patient.

Our Centers

DELHI (Karol Bagh)

GS SCORE, 1B, Second Floor, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005 (Beside Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. 8)

Get directions on Google Maps

BHUBANESWAR (Jaydev Vihar)

GS SCORE, Plot No.2298, Jaydev Vihar Square, Near HCG Day Care, BBSR - 751013

Get directions on Google Maps

LUCKNOW (Aliganj)

GS SCORE, 2nd Floor, B-33, Sangam Chauraha, Sector H, Aliganj, Lucknow, UP - 226024

Get directions on Google Maps

Enquire Now