VYAKHYA

Abstract

Taxila or Takshashila ("City of Cut Stone" or "Taksa Rock") is one of the subcontinent's treasures and was once an important city of the kingdom of Gandhara. The ruins of Taxi la are located about 30 km north of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, just off the famous Grand Trunk Road. Taxila was an important Buddhist Centre from 5th century BC to 6th Century AD. This thesis explores the rich Buddhist history of the Gandhara region in Pakistan and presents a comprehensive study on the development of an interpretation center and an experiential retreat facilitating the Buddhist devotees as well as disseminating the knowledge about the sacred sites at the heart of Gandharan civilization aiding in revitalization of religious tourism and pilgrimage of Buddhists as this is the most sacred sites to many in Buddhist religion where ashes of Buddha are believed to be buried in Dharmarajika stupa. The thesis also focuses on heritage, cultural and mass tourism to these treasures giving the facilities that focuses on connection of the visitor to the spread of Gandhara civilization throughout its span. The design phase of the thesis consists of two parts. The first part focuses on the design and establishment of an interpretation center just off the site of Sirkap, an ancient Buddhist city in the Gandhara region. The interpretation center aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and religious significance of the area. Utilizing modern technology, immersive displays, and interactive exhibits, the center aims to engage visitors in an educational and experiential journey, ensuring a deeper appreciation of the region's Buddhist history. The second part involves the creation of a Buddhist experiential retreat near the Dharma Rajika Stupa, a revered Buddhist site. The retreat aims to cater to the spiritual needs of Buddhist pilgrims, providing a serene and immersive environment for meditation, contemplation, and religious practices. The design of the retreat incorporates elements inspired by traditional Buddhist architecture, integrating natural surroundings to enhance the spiritual experience of the pilgrims. The importance of thesis is signified by the words of the most venerable Monk from Thailand visiting Pakistan for Rain retreat in Dharmarajika stupa which started from 12th Oct 2022 where he called on Buddhists from all 32 Buddhist majority countries to visit Pakistan to get the knowledge of how Buddhism started and about its spread. Pakistan has already seen 70% increase in religious tourism according to UNESCO from 2020 to 2022 and it predicts the increase of 300% if the facilities are provided to cater to such numbers. The times are calling for a space adhering to the heritage identity of this region giving these tourists facilities to get informed, practice and to get narrative of the site through experientiality. The objective of the thesis encompasses the sentimental value of giving the religious tourists space with which they can identify with as well as practical value of this tourist influx impacting the local economy in a hugely positive way.