Taxila in Focus: 100 years since Marshall

A sustained campaign of archaeological activities at Taxila was directed by Sir John Marshall, the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1902 for almost 30 years. The Oriental Museum is now home to a collection of almost 5000 of Marshall’s images from sites across South Asia, including Taxila. 

Flourishing for centuries as a cosmopolitan centre of trade and learning along the famed ancient Silk Roads, the cities and monuments of Taxila, Pakistan, are internationally recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.     

Created in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Pakistan, Taxila in Focus compares this historic imagery with contemporary photographs to document the site’s development since the early 1900s, as well as new discoveries and current issues.    

Focusing on photography from Marshall’s excavations at Taxila, the exhibition reveals early interpretations of the site and the developing practice of archaeology in early 20th century South Asia. 

The Director-General of the Government of Pakistan’s Department of Archaeology and Museums, Dr Abdul Azeem stated that: ‘Created around a century ago, Sir John Marshall’s Collection at Durham represents a very important international heritage resource, which can help us to enhance the protection of Taxila.’  

Professor Robin Coningham, UNESCO Chair in Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage at Durham University, added: ‘Heritage across South Asia is increasingly threatened by natural disasters and rapid developments. Using historic and modern photography side by side, we can enhance the protection and management of the region’s important archaeological sites, such as Taxila, in the present and for the future.’ 

Alongside the physical exhibition at the Oriental Museum, we have created online exhibitions in English and Urdu, allowing a wider international audience to view and enjoy the exhibition. The online exhibitions include additional content and offer the opportunity to enjoy the exhibitions from anywhere in the world. 

The Oriental Museum is currently offering free entry to visitors. Opening times are 10am-4pm, Wednesday to Friday and 12pm-4pm, Saturday to Sunday, remaining closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow staff to continue their university teaching commitments in a Covid-safe manner. Online pre-booking is required. 

For more information and how to book, please visit our website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum