Amluk Dara Stupa, A Treasure Hunt in Swat
Amluk Dara Stupa stands gracefully in the picturesque valley of Amlokdara, about 2 kilometers north of Nawagai village in Swat, Pakistan. Positioned along the main road to Buner, reaching this enchanting site involves a delightful 1-kilometer walk through the charming village.
The stupa commands attention with its elevated position, naturally protected by the imposing Mount Elum. A splendid square plinth adorned with torus and Scotia pattern base molding, boasting a diameter of 34 meters and a height of approximately 4 meters, accentuates its majestic presence.
Rising from the square plinth is a striking three-tiered cylindrical drum, soaring 9 meters high and encircled by an inviting 5-meter-wide ambulatory. Atop the drum stands an impressive hemispherical dome, reaching an elevation of 7 meters. Notably, the drum’s diameter spans 21 meters, making it one of the largest in the Ilam valley. Divided by bold cornices with supporting brackets, the drum exhibits a fascinating architectural intricacy, and a projecting cornice enhances the beauty of the dome’s base.
From the ground level to the dome’s pinnacle, the stupa’s total height measures an imposing 20 meters. Access to the ambulatory passage on top of the plinth is facilitated by a broad ascending step, 4.26 meters wide, located on the northern side. This step connects to the pradakshina patha on the ground level. An additional 3.65-meter-wide step leads to the third pradakishna patha, where a 4.57-meter-deep hole was thoughtfully dug into the drum to reveal the hidden relic chamber.
On the eastern and northern sides of the main stupa, a captivating array of ruins, including a monastery, stupas, and other structures, lie as testament to the site’s historical significance. Regrettably, these remains have endured disruptions from illegal digging over time. Notably, various coins, spanning from the Kushana to the Turki Shahi eras (2nd to 7th century A.D.), have been discovered here by archaeologists.
Amluk Dara held spiritual importance for the Hindus of lower Swat, who embarked on an annual pilgrimage to the revered Mount Elum. In antiquity, this mountain held sacred significance for Buddhists as well, and its mystical legends continue to resonate to this day.
Amluk Dara Stupa stands as an outstanding testament to Swat’s stupa architecture, showcasing its distinct components of socle, podium, drum, and dome in a harmonious blend of history and beauty.
