Fazal Khaliq
PESHAWAR, Pakistan: In a monumental archaeological discovery in September 2024, experts uncovered a site in Swat, located around 250 kilometres northwest of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad known for its picturesque valleys, rivers, and snow-capped mountains.
The site offers an extraordinary glimpse into the overlapping histories of multiple civilisations. Known as Ghwandai Top in Barikot Bazira, located at about 18 km west of Mingora, the main town of Swat district, it encompasses remnants of Vedic, Indo-Greek, Buddhist, Brahmanical, and early Islamic eras.
This convergence of cultural and spiritual influences makes it one of the most significant archaeological landmarks in South Asia. It offers unparalleled insights into the region’s rich history and its enduring importance as a hub of human activity.
The fieldwork lasted four years and was executed by ISMEO experts of the Italian Archaeological Mission, the International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies (ISMEO/Ca’ Foscari University of Venice) and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the ALIPH Foundation project titled ‘Saving the Archaeological Site of Bazira.’
A crossroads of spiritual and cultural histories
Archaeologists have highlighted the profound historical and cultural significance of Ghwandai Top, noting its role as a microcosm of Swat Valley’s dynamic history. Dr. Luca Maria Olivieri, head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat, describes the hill as a spiritual and political nexus that reflects millennia of transformation.
“From its prehistoric origins to its later role in Buddhist monasticism and Brahmanical worship, until the Islamic times, and the Dardic period, this hilltop has been a focal point for religious and political activity over millennia,” he tells WE News English.
The site is known in the Greek accounts of Alexander the Great as Bazira/Beira. The name reflects the local pronunciation of the Sanskrit word vajra (thunderbolt). A unique Shāhi inscription found on the Barikot hill by Harold Deane, the first Political Agent of Malakand and later the first Chief Commissioner of the erstwhile North-West Frontier Province which was renamed as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2010—now preserved in the Lahore Museum, calls the site Vajirasthana: “the fortress of the vajra.”
The site’s spiritual significance is deeply rooted in the traditions of South Asia. In Vedic mythology, Barikot hill represented the vajra, a powerful symbol of the god Indra.
“Centuries later, Buddhist traditions associated it with Vajrapāṇi, the companion of Buddha, who tamed the mythical nāga Apalāla to regulate Swat’s waters. This mythical tale is prominently depicted in Gandhāran art, further solidifying the hill’s place in Buddhist religious narratives,” says Dr. Elisa Lori, deputy head of the Italian Mission, in an exclusive chat with WE News English.
During the Kushan period, Barikot became a thriving Buddhist centre. Archaeologists discovered massive terraces built to house stupas and shrines that once dominated the valley’s landscape. By the 7th century Common Era (CE), however, the Turk Shāhi rulers repurposed the site for Brahmanical worship, constructing grand Vaiṣṇava temples as symbols of political and religious dominance.
A testament to urban and religious evolution
The urban development of Barikot is equally fascinating. Its hill’s recorded urban history dates back to the Indo-Greek era (165–95 BCE), during which it became the acropolis—a citadel or ancient fortified part of a city, usually located on a hill—of a rich city. The acropolis was surrounded by fortifications, partially visible in the depth of one trench, analogously to the lower urban circuit.
This circuit, with its bastions, can also be admired while entering the site from the parking area on the N-95 Swat highway. The wall circuit adopted a Hellenistic urban model constructed using Greek metrology. This early urban planning reflects a fusion of local and external influences, showcasing Barikot as a melting pot of cultural exchange.
According to the Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat, under the Kushans, the city’s wealthy agrarian resources were maximised to support Buddhist communities. Monastic settlements expanded across the valley, and the construction of monumental terraces signalled a sophisticated integration of spiritual and economic priorities.
Nevertheless, the 7th-century shift to Brahmanical worship marked a new phase in Barikot’s history. The hilltop was fortified, and the construction of grand temples symbolised the growing influence of Turk Shāhi rulers.
By the late 1st millennium CE, the site had become a key player in the rise of Vajrayāna Buddhism, a new spiritual movement that emerged from Swat Valley. While the Ghaznavid era (10th–11th centuries) later transformed the hilltop into a military and administrative centre, traces of its religious past remained visible, highlighting its layered and overlapping histories.
“The importance of the site and its name is underlined by an important but little-known epilogue,” says Dr. Olivieri. “When the Yusufzai Pashtuns conquered Barikot in the 15th century, the local Dardic population left Swat and built a second Barikot in the Kumrat Valley in Dir. This history is still reflected in the local traditions and folklore of the two Barikot villages.”
A global destination for heritage tourism
The discovery of Ghwandai Top is a landmark moment for global heritage tourism. Its diverse archaeological layers—spanning Vedic, Buddhist, Brahmanical, and early Islamic traditions—make it a unique destination for tourists from around the world. Scholars and heritage activists believe the site’s universal appeal has the potential to attract pilgrims, historians, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Pilgrimage tourism is one of the key draws of Ghwandai Top, where followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths can visit sacred structures such as stupas, Vajrayāna sculptures, Hindu temples and a mosque. The site’s spiritual legacy provides a meaningful experience to visitors seeking a connection to their religious roots.
In addition, the Indo-Greek, Kushan, and Turk Shāhi influences on Barikot’s urban design and spiritual practices make it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and archaeologists. The site also offers a wealth of opportunities for educational tourism, where scholars, students, and researchers can study the interconnectedness of civilisations, religious transformations, and socio-political dynamics that shaped Swat Valley over centuries.
Usman Ulasyar is a historical preservation activist and heads a Mingora-based non-governmental organisation Suvastu Arts and Culture Association. To him, Barikot is more than just an archaeological site. “It’s a cultural bridge that fosters interfaith understanding and celebrates the shared histories of diverse traditions,”
The road to global recognition
To fully harness Ghwandai Top’s potential as a world-class tourist destination, significant investments in infrastructure, preservation, and marketing are essential. Modern roads and parking areas must be constructed to ensure easy accessibility, while visitor-friendly pathways, including wheelchair-accessible routes, need to be developed.
Establishing visitor centres with multilingual guides, brochures, and interactive displays will further enrich the experience for international tourists. Additional amenities such as shaded rest areas, clean washrooms, and reliable internet connectivity will provide essential comfort and convenience.
Accommodation options near the site should cater to a range of budgets, from hostels to boutique hotels, while shuttle services from major hubs like Mingora-Islamabad can enhance connectivity. Trained interpreters can provide engaging narratives about the site’s history, supported by multilingual signage to cater to diverse visitors. Safety measures, including tourism police, 24/7 security, and on-site first-aid centres, will ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
Speaking to WE News English, Dr. Abdul Samad, Director of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasises the collaborative efforts to preserve and promote the site.
“The discovery and conservation process was initiated: thanks to a collaborative project between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department and the Italian Archaeological Mission. It is a joint effort to highlight Ghwandai at both national and international levels,” he explains.
Dr. Samad also highlights the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE), a World Bank project in safeguarding Barikot’s excavation areas. “We have already installed a large protective shed over the remains to preserve the site. The next phase includes installing benches, pathways, and improving the hiking trail leading to the top of Ghwandai,” he adds.
All eyes on Barikot
Barikot is fast becoming a must-see attraction in Swat. Just in the third week of January this year, a group of 40 researchers from institutions like Harvard, Munich, Hong Kong, Chicago, Venice, Beijing, Tokyo, and Boston visited Swat to explore this incredible site, further underscoring its global importance.
Over the past two years, the number of international tourists has grown—from Japan to China, South Korea, Europe, and the United States, as well as a fast-growing presence of local and national tourists from all over Pakistan.
A window to past and future
Ghwandai Top’s archaeological treasures are not just remnants of the past but also a beacon for the future. The site’s diverse histories reflect the resilience and adaptability of Swat Valley’s inhabitants over millennia. By investing in its preservation and promoting it as a global heritage destination, Pakistan has the opportunity to showcase its cultural richness on the world stage.
According to data issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department, a total of 283,220 international tourists visited the archaeological and heritage sites of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024. Of these, approximately 18,344 tourists visited the archaeological sites in Swat.
With the right resources and international collaboration, Ghwandai Top can emerge as a symbol of unity, offering visitors a profound connection to the spiritual and cultural fabric of South Asia. This enduring landmark is not only a testament to history but also a source of inspiration for future generations.