Archaeologists have discovered a terracotta figurine of a dancer in Pakistan.

Recent archaeological discoveries at the Bair Mound monument shed new light on the religious and cultural diversity of the region in the 3rd century BC. Among the most significant finds are a terracotta figurine of a dancing woman and a processed quartz artifact dating from the late period of the Mauryan dynasty and the beginning of Indo-Greek rule. This was reported on January 19 by Arkeonews magazine.

The statue was found during systematic excavations led by the Department of Archaeology of Punjab. She is decorated with earrings and bracelets, and her posture and facial expression convey joy and movement. The height of the artifact is about 12-13 cm. According to the deputy director of the department, Aasim Dogar, the find reflects the local artistic tradition, which was formed under the influence of Mauryan art.

Bair Mound represents the earliest stage of settlement of Taxila - from the Achaemenid era to the Mauryan and early Indo—Greek periods. Archaeologists consider it to be one of the first planned cities in South Asia with narrow streets, residential areas and a primitive drainage system. According to expedition member Anmola Zahura, the monument is of key importance for understanding the political, economic and religious foundations of ancient Gandhara.

The researchers' special attention was drawn to the possible connection of the terracotta figurine with Jainism, an ancient Indian religious and philosophical tradition, the main principles of which include ahimsa (nonviolence), truthfulness, detachment and self—discipline.

Abdul Ghafoor Lon, a senior archaeologist and former curator of the Taxila Museum, explained that similar figurines found on other monuments are associated with early Jain communities.

From Seal to Joy: An ancient artifact has revealed the secret of the Babylonian Kingdom

The discovery of Russian scientists shifts the dating of human history

"Such artifacts are not isolated finds. Comparable examples have been found in well-known Jain centers across the subcontinent. Taken together, they strongly suggest that Jain followers lived in Taxila alongside Buddhists and adherents of other faiths," he said.

Jainism originated around the 6th century BC and is based on the principles of nonviolence, self-discipline and spiritual self-improvement. Although it is traditionally associated with asceticism, the discovery of the dancing figurine suggests that art and celebration could coexist with religious practice.

Scientists emphasize that Taxila was not only a Buddhist center of learning, but also a multinational and multi-religious city. Archaeologist Hanifullah noted that the shape of the figurine indicates organized production. This increases the likelihood of new similar findings.

The quartz artifact found next to the figurine was intentionally processed and embedded in a well-defined cultural layer, which, according to expedition participant Anam Aziz, may indicate its ritual significance. Both items have been transferred for conservation and scientific analysis, after which they are planned to be exhibited at the Taxila Museum.

The researchers believe that further excavations at Bair Mound may provide new data on the early coexistence of Jainism, Buddhism and other religious traditions, adding to the picture of the history of one of the most important cities in ancient South Asia.

On January 16, Arkeonews reported the discovery of a Roman Empire military camp in eastern Germany. According to the publication, these are the first confirmed hiking camps in Saxony-Anhalt. The scientists emphasized that these findings open up new horizons for studying Rome's strategy on the eastern border.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.