Vajirasthāna. Archaeology of the Barikot Hilltop (Swat, Pakistan)

The story of Vajirasthāna, a name synonymous with both mystique and historical intrigue, has been the object of extensive discussion, claim, and reclaim for centuries. However, much of the scholarship surrounding it has been based on literary evidence and has thus frequently been (re-)interpreted and revised. Only in recent decades, through the tireless work of Italian and Pakistani archaeological teams in Swat, has tangible evidence begun to shed light on this enigmatic place, offering a more comprehensive understanding of its significance. Among these efforts, the Italian Archaeological Mission’s work in Swat over the past seventy years stands as a monumental achievement—one that has significantly advanced our knowledge of the region and its role in the broader history of Buddhism. The roots of the Italian archaeological mission in Swat trace back to the pioneering scholar, Giuseppe Tucci, who initially had studied the origins of Tibetan Buddhism. Tucci’s journey led him, almost serendipitously, to Swat, a region that, unbeknownst to many, held crucial connections to the early spread of Buddhism, especially the Vajrayāna school. His work laid the foundation for what became a legacy of cross-cultural collaboration between Italy and Pakistan, a partnership that has flourished through the generations. What began as a focused study on Tibetan Buddhism now spans multiple fields, from archaeology to religious studies, and has enriched our understanding of the cultural and historical tapestry of Swat. In particular, the past decade has seen a surge of new archaeological findings in Swat, particularly from Barikot. Many of these directly correspond to the ancient Buddhist literature—revealing the deep historical layers of this once-thriving cultural hub. One of the most significant discoveries is the identification of Barikot with a site frequently mentioned in Tibetan literature as the ancient Vajirasthāna. Having saif this, the importance of Barikot extends beyond its association with Vajrayāna Buddhism; it was a centre of vibrant multiculturalism, serving as a crossroads for various dynasties, belief systems, and cultural influences. The layers of history evident in Barikot's archaeological remains reveal a rich tapestry of ancient civilizations that have long since faded but whose stories continue to resonate in the present. Yet among the many remarkable discoveries, one inscription found at Barikot is particularly noteworthy. This inscription, now housed in the Lahore Museum, is one of the key pieces of evidence that affirms Barikot’s role as the ancient Vajirasthāna, a place revered in Tibetan Buddhist literature as the birthplace of Vajrayāna Buddhism. Together with the recent excavations and conservation efforts on the Barikot hilltop, the inscription has provided invaluable insights into the region’s spiritual and cultural significance. This book, then, represents a significant step forward in the scholarly understanding of Vajirasthāna. It carefully and thoughtfully combines archaeological evidence with literary sources, offering a nuanced exploration of this ancient city and its profound influence on the development of Buddhism, particularly Vajrayāna Buddhism. By drawing on the rich history of archaeological research in Swat and the ever-growing body of discoveries, this work seeks to resolve the ambiguities and misconceptions that have surrounded the history of Vajirasthāna.