Impact of Buddhism on Muslim Society in District Mansehra, Hazara, KP

Abstract

Mansehra is the district of Hazara Division and one of the most important regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.  As for the historical remains of Mansehra which have the most popular role in the Buddhism propagation and Gandharian trade. The geographical position of Mansehra is the gateway to Central Asian territories connecting through the Silk Route and it is the development of social, political, economic, cultural, and religious behavior. The present revitalization of the cultural road is in the shape of China Pakistan Economic Corridor which has historical importance. This was previously connected with Uttarapatha. 

Asoka embraced Buddhism after the war of Kalinga and disseminated different groups for religious propagation. At the same time, the group of Mahantika was sent via Salatora (Swabi) to Manserha after 261 BC. The doorway of Mansehra connects China, Korea, and Tibet along with many designated link routes. The role of Mansehra was that it was considered a hub of trade and Buddhist religious meetings. The influence of Greek, Roman, Persian, and indigenes on sculptures and architecture is prominently visible in Mansehra due to historical remains. The same architectural impact is famous in Muslim architecture, most notably in Mosques (motifs, styles, colors, etc), which transferred from the Buddhist Stupa.

The impacts on cultural and artistic behaviors can be noticed in the costumes and decorative scenes of Buddhist art – Buddhist creative designs are still very common and liked locally and globally (Khalka or Roman Touga, Swabi Chapple or pair of shoes, turban, etc).

The Myths can be commonly seen as a part that relates to religion (Black Hen, Crow, Dream, Horn to the Top of the House, etc). 

Folk and traditional games of Buddhist times are still observed in some areas (Archery or Mukha, Wrestling or Kushti, Horse riding, etc).

Some of the common teachings are i.e. not to hurt any living being, how to be good and be good for others, be devoted, humble, passionate, adequate, etc. 

The historical significance of Mansehra can also be judged through the Buddhist remains including rock inscriptions found in Mansehra and Oghi. These inscriptions of Asoka are called the Laws of Piety. The rock inscription technique was first introduced by Achaemenid. The area of Shatiayle has many rock coverings which are the witness of different religions' unity and social behaviors.

Mansehra area is the hub of Buddhist Civilization and impacts are still noticeable in the Muslim community in different shapes and need scholarly research.