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Dharmarajika Stupa (built 2nd century A.D.)

Dharmarajika Stupa is the earliest Buddhist monument in Pakistan. It was one of eight shrines constructed in the 3rd century B. C. during the reign of Emperor Asoka of the Mauryan dynasty to house relics of the Buddha. Over time the shrine was continually expanded, reaching its largest size in the 2nd century A.D. Now a ruin, the stupa was once coated with lime plaster and gilding, though these have fallen away along with a seven-tier umbrella stone that once crowned the top.

Near the stupa are the remains of vast monasteries that are barely distinguishable but for the foundation stones.

Location

The approximate location of the stupa is 33.744461' N, 72.842217' E (WGS 84 map datum).