Documentary illuminates Taxila’s cultural heritage

Islamabad:Faculty members of Lahore School of Economics, Naeema Archad, and Shiza Nisar, unveiled their collaborative documentary, "Gandharan Artisans: The Untold Story," at the Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan (GRCP) in Taxila to showcase the meticulous art crafted by those who remained neglected in this part of the world. This documentary illustrates the prevailing conditions of artisans like Ilyas Khattak who has been facing innumerable difficulties in preserving and promoting this art.

This documentary aspires to revive the ancient Gandhara art style of Taxila and establish a platform for local artisans to showcase their remarkable skills, contributing to preserving their cultural heritage.

With its rich historical tapestry, Gandhara has been a cradle of artistic expression, mainly through its distinctive art style that flourished from the 1st to 7th centuries CE. Recognizing the challenges this unique artistic tradition faces over time, the ‘Gandhara Artisans: The Untold Story’ documentary aims to bring to light the often-overlooked narratives of the talented artisans who are the torchbearers of Gandhara's artistic legacy.

The northwest region of Pakistan, especially in Taxila, has a long and rich history of stone carving. The unique Gandhara art style is highly sought-after globally. However, the artisans who produce these masterpieces face challenges such as a lack of government support and inadequate health and safety measures.

This project aims to restore the Gandhara art style of Taxila and create a platform for the artisans to showcase their skills and preserve their cultural heritage. This project will highlight the unique art style and techniques the artisans use to create functional products and artefacts.

The revival of Gandhara art in Taxila is essential to preserve the region's cultural legacy and provide an avenue for the artisans to exhibit their talents. The project intends to increase appreciation for local crafts and artisans, providing insight into the human experience and a reminder of our shared history. Finally, the project emphasizes the importance of government support for the artisans, which is crucial for maintaining the art style and ensuring the well-being of the artisans.

Assistant Professor Naeema Archad and Senior Teaching Fellow Shiza Nisar, faculty members of Lahore School of Economics, committed advocates of cultural preservation, have joined forces to craft an immersive experience that transports visitors into the heart of Gandhara's artistic heritage.