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Zehanpora, a village in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a significant archaeological site revealing Kashmir's ancient Buddhist heritage.
Key Highlights of the Zehanpora Site
- Location: Zehanpora village, Baramulla district, North Kashmir
- Age: Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, dating to the Kushan period (1st–3rd century CE)
- Structures Found:
- Multiple stupas (Buddhist reliquary mounds)
- Apsidal chaityas (prayer halls)
- Viharas (monk residences)
- Urban-style settlements and artefacts
- Historical Importance:
- Linked to rulers like Kanishka and Huvishka, who promoted Buddhism in Kashmir
- Shows Gandharan architectural influence, indicating cultural exchange with north-western Buddhist regions
- Possibly connected to Huvishkapura, an ancient Kushan capital
- Strategic Role: Situated on the Silk Route corridor, enabling the movement of monks, merchants, and religious ideas between Kashmir and Gandhara (Afghanistan–Pakistan region)
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