-| Harwan | -
Location: District. Srinagar (J & K ) - Lat 34º 11' N, Long
74º 53' E
This site, where Buddhist teacher Nagarjuna of the Kushan age (1st century AD)
was believed to have resided, lies about 12 kms. north – northeast of Srinagar.
The establishment on the slopes of hills, overlooking the Dal-lake, originated
probably during Kushan times and flourished for a few centuries thereafter.
The top of hill has a large structure with apsidal exterior. Internally, it
consists of a circular sanctum preceded by an oblong hall. The courtyard around
is unique for its spacious floor, paved with large moulded terracotta tiles,
which are now world famous for their stamped decoration in respect of the composition.
At the back of courtyard is a long platform. The facade of the apsidal structure
is presumed to have also been embellished with terracotta panels. On a lower
terrace, there is the square base, in three tiers of a stupa enclosed by a compound
wall, that also encloses few ruined structures. The area around the stupa produced
(besides these clay votive plaques) a large number of the limbs of terracotta
human figures with curly hairs showing Greek influence on human figures and
also on the heads of the images of Buddha.
The Harwan decorated tiles have been found throughout the valley of Srinagar.
The motifs of ducks etc. moulded in square or curved terracotta tiles are most
common features.
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