axila is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. For some time, it remained centre of Buddhism.

Taxila was a centre of learning, where students could study any subject, religious or secular, from the Vedas to mathematics and medicine, and even to astrology and archery.

The prominence of Taxila as a seat of academic and practical teaching was a result of the city`s geographical location and its reputation as an institute that promoted both western and eastern ideas.

The city abounds in Gandhara architecture and a semblance of Greek imprints.

From this ancient site, a fragment of an iron wheel from Sirl(ap remains, dating back to 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD, was also discovered.

The wheel is now showcased at one of the galleries of the Taxila Museum.

The fragment of the wheel shows that people living in that era were imparted techniques not only in art and craft but also in technology and in the use of various materials.

According to Abdul Ghafoor Lone, an archaeologist and former curator of Taxila Museum, this wheel was part of the iron cart, used for transportation of goods in the 1st century BC in Taxila.

He said the wheel`s design showed how much load the cart was supposed to carry and circles and ring in the dia of the wheels provided strength to it (cart).

He said the discoveriesmade by the archaeologists in the Indus valley civilisation had been testifie d which showed that wood was mainly used in manufacturing of wheels but such kind of material was much utilised by the Greeks in Gandhara.

According to Mr Lone, a major breakthrough in development during the Gandhara period was the introduction of high skill use of metals that had been introduced by the Greeks in Taxila.

He said the Greeks considered the city as the `greatest of all the cities` in the area.

Alexander annexed the area to malce it part of his enormous kingdom.

He said after the Bhir Mound city was abandoned, Sirkap became a major city of Taxila in the 2nd century BC.

The city was heavily influenced by Greek city planning principles introduced tothe area after Alexander`s conquest in the 3rd century BC.

He said that Greeks not only used metal for the production of weapons but also in utensils.

He said the Greeks frequently used iron, bronze, copper silver and gold in manufacturing of daily-use items.

It is interesting to note that metal was unknown to the Indians. The Aryans or later invaders brought metal and changed the socio culture of the subcontinent.

This invention also played a dramatic role in culture and changed religious approaches.

It strengthened man`s belief in self-made gods and shifted power from the hands of priest to the warrior.

This fragment of an iron wheel is a major source of attraction for researchers and historians.