The Brazilian Ambassador to Pakistan, Alfredo Leoni accompanied by the Honorary Consul in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amer Faruque and Commercial Officer of the Embassy, Mohammad Yasin Butt visited the Peshawar Museum the other day. They were received by the Curator of the Peshawar Museum, Professor Nidaullah Sehrai who briefed them about the history of the Peshawar Museum and Buddhist civilisation of Gandhara.
Peshawar Museum which was established in 1906 has the most extensive collection of the Gandhara art in Pakistan and is famous all over the world for its beautiful collection of the Buddhist art. Nidaullah Sehrai gave them a guided tour of the main hall. There are 74 stories of the life of the Buddha i.e. from the time of his birth till death on display.
The prized collection of the museum is Kanishka relic casket which contained the bones of the cremated Buddha recovered from Shah-ji-Ki-Dheri on the outskirt of Peshawar. The Ambassador showed interest in the Gandhara architectural pieces. In Buddha gallery, Professor Nidaullah showed him the faces of the Buddha in different style and his various gestures of hands.
In the Islamic gallery, he was much impressed by the Arabic and Persian calligraphic specimens in various styles, miniature paintings and manuscripts. The Ambassador remarked in the visitor's book: "It has been an extraordinary and unforgettable experience to the Peshawar Museum and its world renowned collection of Gandhara and Muslim art".