CULTURAL CONNECTIONS OF BAKRIA IN THE KUSHANO-SASANID PERIOD (ON THE MATERIALS OF THE CITY OF DABILKUR-GAN)

Abstract

This article analyzes the cultural relations of Bactria in the Kushan-Sasanian period of its history. At the turn of II-III centuries the country falls under the authority of Sassanian Iran, which sought not only to regain its former power, but also made quite successful attempts to revive the local culture. Nevertheless, the cultural relations of Bactria with other regions in this period of time continued their progressive development. During the archaeological study of the site of Dabilkurgan in the Pashhurd valley, materials testifying to the cultural links of the region with the Roman Empire and India were obtained. These include, in particular, the dining room of Tagore with a floral ornament, as well as nalapy on bowls in the form of faces of lions. These types of ceramics are well known in the ceramic complex of the Bactria of the Kushan-Sasanian period. They find a wide range of analogies in the pottery of various regions of the Roman Empire. An interesting find is a terracotta figurine. It represents a naked male character, standing full length with his arms that go down along the torso. The inner side of the left hand is turned outwards. Attention is drawn to the absence of any decorations and objects. The iconographic analysis of the character depicted on it shows that we are represented by one of the representatives of Jainism, a traditional Indian cult. In addition, the author comes to the conclusion that the Great Silk Road played a significant role in the exchange of cultural values, and one of its routes was apparently passed through the Pashhurd valley. This, in particular, contributed to its advantageous geographical position.