Ancient Gandhari Buddhist manuscripts handed back for repatriation to Pakistan

A large collection of Gandhari Buddhist manuscripts which date back to the 1st century BC through to the 3rd century AD and originate from present-day Pakistan were handed back to the country during an official ceremony organised at The University of Sydney.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, High Commissioner for Pakistan to Australia; Kristen Andrews, Vice President, External Engagement of The University of Sydney; and Professor Adrian Vickers, Deputy Head of School (Education) and Chair of Asian Studies.

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The Gandhari manuscripts, which are among the oldest Buddhist manuscripts yet discovered, are of inestimable value.

These manuscripts will be repatriated to Pakistan under a Collaboration Agreement between the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Pakistan and The University of Sydney.

The Agreement is a part of the Gandhari Manuscripts Project of Sydney University’s School of Languages and Cultures. The manuscripts will be housed at the Islamabad Museum.

Talking about the rich Buddhist heritage of Pakistan, the High Commissioner stated that present-day Pakistan was the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism and renowned Buddhist mystics and philosophers including Asanga, Vasubandhu, Guru Rinpoche and Monk Marananta.

He added that Pakistan was also home to some of the most sacred Buddhist sites. It had a unique Buddhist artistic and architectural culture, he said.

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