Archive
Stupa carving 1
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
Stupa carving 1
Value
Adaptation
Location
Kharmang, Mehdiabad
Nature
Product
Risk
High
Genesis
This site was used by Buddhists for religious practices during 7-8th century CE. During this time the whole population of the area was Buddhist and many Buddhist sites were built. It is not known how frequently this asset was used but size and design of stupa carvings suggesting that this site was used everyday for religious practices and was associated with Buddha rock and other stupa carvings. There is a chain of stupa carvings around Buddha carving and it seems that it was a monastery area. Stupa carvings were made for different people in different sides probably near their houses. There are two Tibetan Stupas on this boulder, deeply carved into the surface of the stone. Stupa on the left is in good condition and clearly visible while stupa on right is blurry and dim due to weathering and human vandalism. People made marks on this stupa and it is difficult to identify its architectural elements. People are unaware of importance of this cultural heritage and they are planting plants very near to it. It will cause fracture in stone and it will destroy the rock carvings completely.
Bodhiphha (Son of Buddha)/Buddha rock
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
Bodhiphha (Son of Buddha)/Buddha rock
Value
Adaptation
Location
Kharmang, Mehdiabad
Nature
Product
Risk
High
Genesis
Buddha figure is on the top of the valley and it is surrounded by other stupa carvings and chain of rock shelters indicating that the site was regularly used by Buddhist monks and it was part of a monastery. Locals call it Strinjamo (Female ogress). After advent of Islam, religious clergy or mullas told people that this Buddha Sculpture is a Strinjamo and advised them to avoid this area. This was a fake story just to destroy the asset. Our respondent told us that the carvings were clear and in good condition about 40 years ago. Due to weathering and human vandalism, majority of the surface of the rock is badly damaged. Central Buddha is visible from top and bottom and center area is missing. There were two more Buddha (Maitreya) 40 year ago and now both are completely defaced. This site was probably a Buddhist monastery, and monks used rock shelters above Buddha carving for meditation. Buddha is in a standing position, one hand is hanging down and holding a flask. Second is on his chest and with his palm is open. This position is called as Abhaya Mudra which is symbol of protection.
Drehmo Bogho (cold house)/ Rock Shelter 1
- Value Correlation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
Drehmo Bogho (cold house)/ Rock Shelter 1
Value
Correlation
Location
Kharmang, Mehdiabad
Nature
Product
Risk
Medium
Genesis
The rock shelter is located just above Buddha figure. There are total four to five rooms inside this rock shelter. The main hall or room is wide and long while the walls and roof of the big room are covered by a thick layer of fire smoke. This indicates use of fire at the site for a very long time.
Rock shelter 2
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
rock shelter 3
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
rock shelter 4
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
rock shelter 4
Value
Adaptation
Location
Kharmang, Mehdiabad
Nature
Product
Risk
Medium
Stupa carving 2
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
rock shelter 5 and rock painting_ Stupa 3
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
rock shelter 6
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
stupa carving 4
- Value Adaptation
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
stupa carving 4
Value
Adaptation
Location
Kharmang, Mehdiabad
Nature
Product
Risk
High
Genesis
The Tibetan stupa is carved with a Swastika. Hands of Swastika are in clockwise direction. While the color of the stupa is light and seems recent while color of Swastika is brown indicating that these two carvings were made in different time period.
Animal carvings 1
- Value Abandonment
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
Animal carvings 1
Value
Abandonment
Location
Kharmang, Mehdiabad
Nature
Product
Risk
High
Genesis
The original use of this site is not known precisely but majority of the rock carvings were made along ancient routes. It may have been used for travelers for temporary stay. The stone surface is exposed to weathering and slightly removed from one side. This has defaced an animal carving, while in the middle portions, broken fragments can be seen due to illegal digging. Animal carvings are found all over Gilgit-Baltistan. These carvings were made by pilgrims, traders, and travelers who passed all through this region. Some carvings were also made by locals. These carvings show people's affiliation with animals and their importance for survival in the prehistoric times. Majority of the animal carvings have Ibex and Markhor, indicating their abundance in the region during those times.
Animal carvings 2
- Value Abandonment
- Age
- Nature Product
- Location Kharmang, Mehdiabad
- Vallery skardu
