The Historical Influence of Buddhism on the Muslims of Hazara, KP

Abstract

The Hazara is a division among the most important regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. In essence, the historical remains found in Hazara are predominantly of Gandharan origin showing Buddhist culture and trading significance in its time due to its geographical position as the gateway to Central Asian territories that connect through the Silk Route (presently being vitalized as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) having historical significance due to its connection with Uttaranatha. The doorway of Hazara connected China, Korea, and Tibet along with many designated link-routes, having the major role as the hub of trade and religious Buddhist meetings. The influence of Greek, Roman, Persian, and indigenes is quite evidently visible on the historical remains found in Hazara. These cultural features can also be seen in the Muslim architecture that borrowed their style in Mosques which transformed from the Buddhist Stupa. Moreover, there are other cultural and artistic behaviors that can be noticed on the costumes and decorative scenes of Buddhist resemblance that are still liked throughout the globe. Even Myths are still used from their religious part like the black cat, crow, dream, horn to the top of the house, etc. Folk and traditional games of Buddhist era like Archery (Mukha), Wrestling (Kuhsti), and Horse riding are still observed in some areas. Relevantly, the historical significance of Hazara can be judged through the Buddhist remains and rock inscriptions in Mansehra and Oghi. These inscriptions of Asoka are called the Law of Piety. Hazara is the hub of Buddhist Civilization whose impacts are still noticeable on Muslim community in various shapes that require scholarly research. In a nutshell, this research intends to expose the subtle remnants of Buddhist culture that has now adapted into the current Hazara culture.