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Two decades since the demolition of Bamiyan Buddha, the Afghan Taliban are now convinced to restore it.

Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

About Bamiyan Buddha:

The Bamiyan Buddhas were located in the Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, about 130 km northwest of Kabul.
The Western Buddha (Salsal) stood 55 meters tall, and the Eastern Buddha (Shah Mama) stood 38 meters tall, making them two of the largest standing Buddha statues in the world before their destruction.
Construction:
- Built around 600 CE during the rule of the Hephthalites.
- Carved directly into sandstone cliffs with features made from mud and straw, and painted with bright colors, including carmine red for the larger Buddha.
- The style blends Greco-Buddhist art, Sasanian Persia, and Byzantine Empire influences.
Historical Significance:
- Represented Vairocana and Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha).
- Served as a major Buddhist religious centre along the Silk Road, hosting monasteries and playing a crucial role in religion, philosophy, and art.
- Survived invasions, including by Genghis Khan (1221) and Aurangzeb (17th Century).
In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the statues, following orders from Mullah Muhammad Omar. The Buddhas had previously survived multiple attacks.
The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense historical, religious, and cultural significance.

[UPSC 2014] Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only * (d) 1, 3 and 4 only