Gogdara

Q68113503

Gogdara: town in a part of the Swat valley that is known for several important Buddhist monuments.

Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs

Near Odigram, Gogdara rock is just off the main road in a small village. According to several scholars, the petroglyphs were incised in c.1000 BCE. Many travelers, including Alexander the Great, may have seen the animals and chariots you can see over here.

On the right-hand side, you will notice that there are several more recent additions. This is a Buddhist addition from the sixth century CE.

A Buddhist relief
A Buddhist relief

Personally, I liked the contrast between the ancient reliefs and the Pathan children that were playing next to it. We visited the place in 2004. Unfortunately, the valley was taken over by the Taliban in 2008, and I would not be surprised if the ancient monuments are now destroyed.

This page was created in 2004; last modified on 18 August 2020.