Ancient Buddhist stupa and Kushan-era coins discovered in Pakistan

Ancient Buddhist sculptures have been found in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during an excavation work, a media report said Saturday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa archaeology and museum director Abdul Samad said the sculptures and heads, dating back to second to fifth century BC, had been discovered during excavation at Bhamala Buddhist Complex in Haripur district, Dawn online reported.

He said during excavation, precious coins of Kushana period were also found around the stupa.

The official said the Bhamala archaeological site had been declared national and world heritage site located near Khanpur dam, located on the Haro river.

"The ruins are situated near Khanpur dam. The stupa is cross-shaped and looks like an Aztec Pyramid," he said, adding the Bhamala site was partially excavated in early 1930s.

First Published: Dec 27, 2014 16:41 IST