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Harwan Buddhist Ruins Kashmir

Harwan Buddhist Ruins date back to 300 AD ,as recorded in the chronicles, and is situated in North-West of Kashmir from eastern side of Shalimar Mughal  Garden. The ruins are famous for Kushan period civilization. These ruins were discovered after excavation in the first quarter of 20th Century, i.e. between 1919-1929 AD, by the Archaeological Department. The position of the excavated site reveals that the settlement structures in steps. These ruins are not only unique in India but whole of the World where the habitat and living conditions of Kushan period people are seen. Henrich, an European writer, has stated that Nag Arjun the Budhist was born in the era of Kanshik who had stationed at Harwan and was all powerful..

The ancient name of Harwan was Shadarahadwan meaning woods of six saints. On the tiles discovered from the site the remnants of early civilization are evident. Properly shaped and backed tiles depict the images of such people which look similar to the people of Yarkand or Kashgar and some people are seen wearing Turkish caps and trousers. Two springs are seen closeby which would have been used for drinking water purpose. The artefacts discovered, tiles & stones etc, have been kept in the Ram Nagar Palaces Museum (Udampur-Jammu) by the Archaeological Survey of India.