Gilgit Baltistan is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of Pakistan. All over the world, Gilgit Baltistan is widely known for the scenic views and mighty mountains. But I would like to shed light on another aspect of GB. In Gilgit Baltistan, there are many places which delineate the historical worth of the region.
MANTHAL BUDDHA ROCK:
The MANTHAL BUDDHA ROCK is located in Skardu valley. This is corroboration of Buddhism in the history. This represents the late phase of the Golden era of Buddhism in Upper Indus valley between the 8th and 10th centuries(A.D). The Buddha relief on a large yellow rock shows the meditating Buddha surrounded by small Bodhisatives and two standing Metreyias.
In the 1st millennium A.D, this might be the center of Buddhism.KARGHAH BUDDHA ROCK:
This is located in Baseen Valley like Manthal rock this is also an evidence of Buddhism in the region in the atavistic times.This was carved in the 7th century by the ancient followers of Buddha.
It was discovered in 1938.
HALDEKISH Rock is carved rock located in Karimabad Hunza. The carvings date back to the 8th century AD. The rock is on a top of a mountain. The rock is divided into two parts, once there used to be some Buddhist shelter caves which fell over time. The rock is one of the major evidence of the history of Buddism in Gilgit-Baltistan.
CHAQCHAN MOSQUE:
Chaqchan means Miraculous. The mosque is located in Khaplu Baltistan. It was built by Sufi saint Syed Ali Hamadani in 14TH century A.D. It is one of the most ancient mosques in Pakistan.In the 14th century, Sufipreachers from Persia introduced Islam in Baltistan. Famous amongst them was Syed Ali Hamadani. This mosque is a benchmark for the new era of Islamic culture and lifestyle in the region.
