By Shakil Ahmad
Baltistan is not only famous for its high mountains, beautiful valleys, and lakes. It is also a land of ancient history, religions, cultures, art, and traditions. Many historical places in this region tell us about the civilizations that lived here centuries ago. Manthal Buddha Rock is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Baltistan.
Manthal Buddha Rock is located in Manthal village near Sadpara Dam. It is a large rock on which a big image of Buddha has been carved. Two important figures are shown on both sides of Buddha, while around twenty disciples are also carved around him. There are also some ancient inscriptions in the Balti language at the bottom of the rock.
According to a local Balti elder who could read and understand the old inscriptions, the words “Lonchay Skesa la sperbi ott” are related to lighting a fire or light at the birthplace of Raja Lonchay. According to local tradition, there was once a palace in front of the rock where Raja Lonchay was born. The palace was later destroyed by floods. The Hargisa River still flows through the area.
It is also believed that Manthal Buddha Rock was carved during the time of Raja Lonchay. According to Buddhist tradition, when a baby was born, a light or fire was lit in the evening to celebrate the birth. A small platform can still be seen on the top of the rock, which is locally connected with this tradition.
According to some experts, the rock is also called “Mandala,” meaning a gathering or assembly place of Buddhas. The carvings on the rock are very old. Some experts believe that they were made around the 8th century, when Buddhism and the Bon religion had a strong influence in Baltistan. However, some inscriptions may be even older.
Richard A. Engelhardt, former UNESCO Regional Adviser for Culture in Asia and the Pacific, suggested that some of the inscriptions could date back to around the second or third century AD. They may represent some of the early teachings and traditions of Buddhism.
Historical accounts also mention that Gorkha soldiers destroyed or damaged some Buddhist religious books and writings in the Sadpara area before 1913. Despite this, Manthal Buddha Rock still preserves many ancient images, carvings, and Balti and Tibetan inscriptions.
There is also a platform on the eastern side of the rock that was used for religious activities and prayers. The back side of the rock is also believed to have been used by Lamas and traditional doctors, known as Amchis, for medical treatment.
Buddhism became widespread in Baltistan and Kashmir by around the 4th century AD. Later, its influence reached Ladakh and Tibet. During the Palola Shahi period, several Buddhist monasteries and places of worship were built in Baltistan. These included Chaqchan Gompa in Khaplu, Skyurlung Gompa in Shigar, and Gompa in Skardu.
These places were considered sacred by followers of Buddhism. Skardu was also an important center during that period, and Manthal Buddha Rock was used as a place of worship. This tradition continued until around the 13th century.
The famous researcher A. H. Francke, in his book History of Western Tibet, published in 1907, described the people of this region as “people of rock art.” This shows the importance of rock carvings in the history and culture of Baltistan.
Manthal Buddha Rock is not simply a tourist attraction. It is an important symbol of the ancient history, religion, art, and culture of Baltistan. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism, art, and culture from the 8th to the 12th centuries can still be seen in different parts of the region.
Three Important Steps for the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan
- Protect Historical Sites During Development Projects
The government should make sure that large development projects, including dams such as Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Dasu Dam, do not damage ancient historical sites.
Whenever ancient rock carvings, inscriptions, religious symbols, or other historical remains are found in an area, they should be properly identified and protected before construction begins. Development projects can continue, but they should be planned in a way that protects our historical heritage.
- Preserve Historical Sites Digitally
Gilgit-Baltistan has many ancient rock carvings and historical remains, especially in areas such as Diamer and Chilas. These sites are valuable records of our past, but they can be damaged by weather, human activities, and development projects.
The government should create a proper digital record of these sites. High-resolution photography, 3D scanning, digital mapping, and digital archives should be used to preserve them. This will ensure that even if a historical site is damaged in the future, we will still have a detailed digital record of it for researchers, students, and future generations.
- Make Strong Laws for Heritage Protection
The third and most important step is legislation. The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan should introduce proper laws to protect ancient rocks, inscriptions, religious sites, archaeological remains, and other cultural heritage.
There should be a clear system for identifying, documenting, protecting, and monitoring these sites. Before approving any major development project, the government should also ensure that it will not damage important historical and cultural sites.
We Must Protect Our Past While Building Our Future
Development does not only mean roads, dams, bridges, and buildings. True development also means protecting our history, culture, and identity.
Manthal Buddha Rock, the ancient rock art of Chilas, and other historical sites of Gilgit-Baltistan are a precious inheritance for future generations. Once these sites are destroyed, they cannot be brought back to their original form.
Therefore, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, archaeologists, historians, cultural experts, and local communities should work together to protect this valuable heritage.
Manthal Buddha Rock should be properly preserved and promoted as an important cultural and tourist site. It should also be given greater recognition at the national and international levels.
Our responsibility is to develop our region without destroying its history. If we protect our historical heritage today, future generations will not only inherit a developed Gilgit-Baltistan but also a strong connection with their history, culture, and identity.
Shakil Ahmad is from Gilgit-Baltistan. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad, and works as an Associate Producer at Pakistan TV.
