Buddhas of Bamiyan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Buddhas of Bamiyan

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Taller Buddha of Bamyan before 2001
Location	Bamyan, Afghanistan
Part of	Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamyan Valley
Criteria	Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv, vi.
Inscription	2003 (27th Session)
Endangered	2003-present
Area	105 ha
Buffer zone	225.25 ha

The Buddhas of Bamiyan (Persian: بت‌های باميان – but hay-e bamiyan) were two giant statues of Buddha. They were carved into the side of a cliff in the 6th century. These amazing statues were located in the Bamyan valley in central Afghanistan.

Sadly, the statues were destroyed in March 2001 by a group called the Taliban. Countries like Japan and Switzerland have offered to help rebuild these important historical artworks.

The taller Buddha in 1963 and after it was destroyed in 2008

The smaller Buddha in 1977

What Were the Buddhas of Bamiyan?

The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two very large statues. They were carved directly into a sandstone cliff. One statue was about 55 meters (180 feet) tall. The other was about 38 meters (125 feet) tall. They showed Buddha standing upright.

These statues were a big part of the ancient Buddhist culture in the region. They were built a long, long time ago, around the 6th century. The Bamiyan valley was an important stop on the Silk Road. This was a famous trade route connecting the East and West. Many travelers and traders passed through here.

Why Were They Important?

The Buddhas of Bamiyan were more than just big statues. They were important pieces of art and history. They showed how different cultures mixed in this area. The statues were a blend of Indian, Greek, and Central Asian art styles. This style is called Gandharan art.

The cliff face around the statues also had many caves. These caves were homes for monks and places for worship. Some caves had beautiful paintings on their walls. These paintings told stories and showed religious scenes. The whole area was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it was recognized as very important to the world's history and culture.

The Destruction of the Buddhas

In March 2001, the Taliban decided to destroy the Buddhas. They used dynamite to blow up the statues. This act caused a lot of sadness around the world. Many people saw it as a loss of global heritage.

The Taliban believed that the statues were idols. Their beliefs led them to destroy these ancient works of art. This event highlighted the dangers faced by historical sites during conflicts.

Efforts to Rebuild and Remember

After the destruction, there was a lot of discussion about what to do. Some people wanted to rebuild the statues. Others thought it was better to preserve the site as it was. They wanted it to be a reminder of what happened.

Today, the empty niches where the Buddhas once stood are still there. They serve as a powerful symbol. They remind us of the importance of protecting cultural heritage. Many groups are working to preserve the Bamiyan valley. They are also trying to protect the remaining caves and paintings.

Images for kids

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  Panorama of the northern cliff of the Valley of Bamyan, with the Western and Eastern Buddhas at each end (before destruction), surrounded by many Buddhist caves.

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  A map showing the smaller Eastern Buddha and its surrounding caves.

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  Paintings on the ceiling of the smaller Buddha's niche, which have now disappeared.

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  The site being destroyed by the Taliban.

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  The site of the larger statue after it was destroyed.

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  The site of the smaller statue in 2005.

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  A grotto painting in 2008.

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  A caution sign at the site in 2017.

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  A replica of the Bamyan Buddha at the Arkady Fiedler Museum.

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  An engraving of the Buddhas, as seen by Alexander Burnes in 1832.

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  Local men standing near the larger "Salsal" Buddha statue, around 1940.

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  Photographed by Françoise Foliot.

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  A possible idea of how the Western Buddha might have looked originally.

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  A mural of the Sun God riding his golden chariot, found above the smaller Buddha.

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  A painting of a probable King of Bamyan, found in the niche of the 38-meter Buddha.

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  Paintings of probable rulers from the Hepthalite empire, found near the Sun God mural.

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  Paintings of celestial beings in the niche of the 55-meter large Buddha.

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  The ceiling of the Western Buddha's niche, east section.

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  A painting of a devotee in a special robe, on the left wall of the Western Buddha's niche.

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  Buddhas under archways, in the niche of the Western Buddha.

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  A reconstructed mural from Cave G in Bamyan.

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  A detailed painting of a devotee in a special robe, next to the Buddha in Cave G.

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  A mural of a Buddha wearing a crown and an Iranian cape.

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  A painting of a Buddha wearing a crown and a chamail cape, from the 7th century AD.

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  The taller Buddha, after its destruction.

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  The smaller Buddha, after its destruction.

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  A view of the rock where monasteries and Buddhas were carved.

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  The landscape of the archaeological remains of the Bamyan Valley.

See also

In Spanish: Budas de Bāmiyān para niños