HARIPUR:Taxila is a testament to the rich cultural and educational heritage of the ancient world with its well-preserved archaeological remains providing insights into the diverse civilisations that once thrived in the region, said noted historian Prof Rashid Khan.

He was speaking at the Lok Chaupal in Panjkatha area of Khanpur here on Monday evening, where members of intelligentsia, journalists, retired officers of different public sector organisations and development experts were in attendance.

Prof Rashid said Taxila, an ancient archaeological site, had evidence of human habitation dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE and heldan incredible historical and cultural importance for Pakistan.

He highlighted Taxila as a key centre of the Gandhara region and explained how it was connected with the ancient trade routes, remained a `melting pot` of various cultures and attracted invaders, scholars, philosophers and traders from around the world.

`Taxila came under the influence of the Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms after the conquests of Alexander the Great. It continued to thrive as a centre of commerce, culture, and learning. Taxila flourished under the Kushan Empire with further contributions to art and learning. Buddhist art and architecture, including stupas and monasteries, were prominent during this period,` he said.

The historian said the Gupta Period saw thecontinued development of Taxila as a centre of Buddhism and Hinduism and many Buddhist stupas and monasteries were expanded and adorned with sculptures.

He, however, said Taxila faced invasions by the White Huns contributing to its decline.

`The [Taxila] city gradually lost its importance as a major centre and the once great university fell into decline,` he said.

Prof Rashid said Taxila came under Islamic rule after Arab invasions and continued to be of historical and religious significance.

He added that the city`s political and economic importance diminished but it gained the attention of European archaeologists and historians during the British colonial period.

The historian said Taxila was designated by the Unesco as a world heritage site in recognition of its archaeological and cultural significance.

CONTESTS: The University of Haripur has grabbed top positions in essay writing and poster painting competitions held by the National Accountability Bureau for university students The competitions were held to motivate university students to fight the scourge of corruption, according to a spokesman for the UoH.

He said Hamza and Afra Aamir of the UoH`s Department of Information Technology claimed first and second positions respectively in the poster painting competition, while Fatima Ashiq of the university`s Department of Zoology got the second position in the English essay writing contest.

A spokesperson for the NAB gave away cash prizes to winners.