Excavations in the early 20th century uncovered a relic casket containing bone fragments attributed to the Buddha and inscribed in Kharosthi script.
The main stupa was originally encased in stone and embellished with hundreds of Buddha statues, many of which were looted or moved to museums.
The monastery associated with the stupa served as a residential center for Buddhist monks studying philosophy and religion.
The site was destroyed during the 5th-century invasions by the White Huns, leading to its eventual abandonment.
Remnants of ancient frescoes and terracotta decorative elements can still be identified in the monastic residential cells.
The Dharmarajika Stupa, also known as the Chir Tope, is the largest and most significant Buddhist complex in the Taxila Valley. Attributed to the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, it was built to house relics of the Buddha. The site consists of a main circular stupa surrounded by a large courtyard filled with smaller votive stupas and a monastery complex. Archaeological excavations revealed a gold casket containing relics, which is now preserved in the Taxila Museum. The complex demonstrates a transition from the original Mauryan design to later structural expansions during the Kushan period. It features a unique circular base with a paved circumambulatory path used by monks for ritualistic walking. The site is a core component of the Taxila UNESCO World Heritage property. It showcases various architectural phases including the use of diaper masonry and semi-ashlar construction techniques.
From the elevated western perimeter wall looking east toward the main stupa at sunrise.
Hire a certified guide at the entrance to help interpret the complex layout and identify specific architectural features.
Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as the site offers very little shade while walking among the ruins.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the uneven stone pathways and rubble surfaces.
Do not attempt to touch or lean on the fragile stone carvings and historical masonry.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; refrain from climbing on the loose stone walls or structural ruins.
