Contextualizing Buddhism

Exploring the Limits of Buddhist Survivability in High Altitude Valleys in District Mansehra, Pakistan

Abstract

Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, being located on the ancient Silk Route has played an instrumental role in the ancient trade, commerce and development of Buddhism as well. The region is a pivot between the China and Central Asia. Asoka recognized it in the 3rd century BC by carving 14 edicts here, and became central to the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China. It has been revealed that no Buddhist site existed at altitude of 2000 meter and above, equally not mentioned in Buddhist narratives. Recent archaeological explorations exposed hundreds of Buddhist sites in the region revealing the survivability and availability of Buddhist sites mainly on the trade routes. This paper systematically explores the existence of Buddhist monuments in Mansehra coping with natural and cultural landscapes.