<< The 1,800-year-old Vihara is situated 25 kilometres from Mingora. PHOTO: SHEHZAD KHAN/ EXPRESS

The 1,800-year-old Vihara or early Buddhist monastery, was discovered by British archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein. It had been constructed in the second century as a place of worship by Buddhists, when Buddhism was the dominant religion of Swat.

The main building has two domes, one right above the other which led to it being called the double-dome-structure.

Archaeologists have called the structure one of the ‘finest and most unique ancient buildings’ across Asia.

Though the structure remained unscathed during the period of militancy in Swat, its surrounding areas faced a lot of damage.

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The double-dome-structure did not lose its importance even during the Hindu-Shahi period, marking an end to Buddhism in Swat.  The structure then became the centre for Hindus where they would offer their rituals.

The locals in Swat called the structure ‘Vihara’ — a term the Buddhists pioneered and used for their monastery.

A resident of the village Arshad Ali said that besides the double-dome structure, many other similar buildings were made in the complex. But neglect has ruined them all.

“There were homes occupied by Buddhist followers and several other stupas erected for worship around the double-dome-structure,” Ali said adding that now, those other buildings had demolished over time and only the double-dome-structure was left alone.

The structure, he claimed, was built keeping in view the weather of Swat and also the fact that the area is earthquake prone.

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Tajdar Alam, another local resident of the Balo village, told The Express Tribune that prior to the militancy in 2007, Buddhists, especially from South-east Asia, would visit the site and offer their respects.

He added that though peace was restored in the area, only local visitors came to the site.

“Concrete measures are needed to attract Buddhist followers and international tourists to the site in Swat,” he added.

The ancient Vihara is now a protected site and maintained by the government’s  archaeology department, which was restored and rehabilitated by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat, active since 1956 in the area and has taken plenty of steps so far for the protection and research of the Swat archaeology.