Question

The gigantic statues of Buddha, destroyed in 2001 by Taliban, were located in:

• A. Afghanistan
• B. Pakistan
• C. Kazakhstan
• D. Uzbekistan

Hint:

Bamiyan Buddhas = Gandhara Art + Afghanistan + destroyed in 2001 by Taliban.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identifying the statues.
The gigantic statues of Buddha destroyed in 2001 were the Bamiyan Buddhas.
They were located in the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan and dated back to the 6th century CE.
Step 2: About Bamiyan Buddhas.
There were two colossal standing Buddha statues carved into the cliffs: one 55 meters tall and another 38 meters tall.
They were key examples of Gandhara art, showing Hellenistic influence on Buddhist sculpture.
Step 3: Destruction by Taliban.
In March 2001, the Taliban regime destroyed these statues with dynamite, calling them “idols,” despite international protests.
This was considered a huge loss to world heritage and cultural history.
Step 4: Option analysis.
- (A) Afghanistan: Correct, Bamiyan Buddhas were in Afghanistan.
- (B) Pakistan: While Gandhara art sites exist in Pakistan, the Bamiyan statues were not here.
- (C) Kazakhstan: Central Asia, not linked to Buddha statues.
- (D) Uzbekistan: Famous for Islamic monuments, not Buddhist statues.
Step 5: Conclusion.
The gigantic Buddha statues destroyed in 2001 were located in Afghanistan.