The Buddhist monastery was founded in the
1st century CE, and was in use until the 7th century. The complex is
regarded by archaeologists as being particularly representative of the architecture
of Buddhist monastic centers from its era. Takht-i-Bahi was listed as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The region was run-over by Huns in middle
of fifth century C.E. which ended the Kushan rule there. The
Hun Toramana and then his son Mihirakula unleashed genocide
of the populace of Gandhara and a wholesale destruction of Buddhist monastries.
The Buddhist monastery of Takht-i-Bahi seems to have been destroyed in the same
period of carnage by Huns. The complex nonetheless was in use until 7th century
CE.
The first modern historical reference to these ruins
was made in 1836 by the French Officer, the Buddhist remains are in a village
named Mazdoorabad. Explorations and excavations on this site began in
1864. A significant number of objects from the site can be found in
the British Museum. The site underwent a major restoration in the
1920s.
