Sehri-Bahlol

Infobox World Heritage Site
WHS = Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol


State Party = PAK
Type = Cultural
Criteria = iv
ID = 140
Region = Asia-Pacific
Year = 1980
Session = 4th
Link = http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/140

Sehri-Bahlol (also written Sahr-i-Bahlol) is located near Takht Bhai, Takht Bhai, about 70 kilometres north-west of Peshawar, North West Frontier Province, Pakistan.

History

Sehri-Bahlol is an historical place and it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. It contains the remains of Buddha, which have not been properly excavated. Antiques such as statues, coins, utensils and jewellery are commonly found. The word "Sehri-Bahlol" has been explained by various people in different ways. The local people, however, explain that this is a word of the Hindko Language and means "Sir Bahlol", a prominent political and religious leader of the area. However, the name is not as old as the village Sehri-Bahlol.

The village is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green fields where the local people practice agriculture. Economically, people are poor with a low level of literacy. The local people continue illegal excavation in their homes and land, damaging the historical monuments. Some of the local dealers of antiques misguide the local population and instigate them to involve them in illegal excavation. It requires national and international attention in order to reserve the remnants at Sehri-Bahlol.