A BRIEF STUDY OF TAXILA REGION AND DESCRIPTION OF TAXILA AS AN ANCIENT PLACE OF EDUCATION

Abstract

Taxila, an ancient city located in the Rawalpindi district of Punjab, Pakistan, is a significant archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Known as Takshasila in Sanskrit, the city has a rich history spanning nearly three millennia, with its origins tracing back to the Neolithic age. Taxila served as a prominent center of education and culture, particularly during the 5th century BCE to the 5th century CE, and is often regarded as one of the world's earliest universities. The city's name, derived from the Sanskrit words "Taksha" (serpent) and "Sila" (hill), reflects its mythological and historical significance. Taxila was a hub for higher education, attracting students from across the ancient world, and offered a diverse curriculum including sciences, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and military arts. The article explores Taxila's historical evolution, its role as an educational center, and its contributions to ancient knowledge systems, highlighting its importance in the cultural and intellectual history of South Asia.

Keywords: Taxila, Takshasila, Ancient Education, Archaeological Heritage, Gandhara, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buddhist Monasteries, Ancient Universities, Higher Education, Cultural History