15 October 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

The Mysterious Horsemen of Pir Panjal: Secrets of an Ancient Legacy in Jammu and Kashmir

Deep within the rugged Pir Panjal range in Jammu and Kashmir, India, lies a captivating mystery known as the Mysterious Horsemen. These ancient stone figures, scattered across secluded sites, have puzzled historians and archaeologists for years, their origins and purpose shrouded in enigma. The craftsmanship displayed in these sculptures is remarkable, raising questions about their creators and the intentions behind their construction.

In the outskirts of Reasi district, specifically in the Gool tehsil, lies the infamous Gora Gali. A Russian expedition team, led by Natalia Polosmak, conducted a general survey of the area due to the presence of man-made and natural water ponds. To their surprise, they discovered an army of approximately 200 horsemen sculptures, arranged haphazardly over an area of 4-5 acres of inaccessible land in the woods. This remote area is uninhabited and difficult to reach from the main road, although a trail built by the army provides some access.

The locals believe that these sculptures were created during the period of the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas resided in the ancient town of Reasi and practiced stone engraving and sculpting. This belief has led to the development of a devta culture among the people, who worship these horsemen as local deities. However, further analysis of the sculptures reveals fewer Indic features and more foreign artistic forms. All these sculptures are believed to date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, a period during which the Gandhara school of art was emerging.

At the top of Ghora Gali, overlooking the scenic Gool area.
At the top of Ghora Gali, overlooking the scenic Gool area. Source

The horsemen exhibit striking similarities with the artistic features of the Gandhara school and Bactrian art forms. Their facial features resemble those found on Hephthalite coins, characterized by large facial structures, long straight noses, flat-cut necks, almond-shaped eyes, and round eyeballs. These features reflect the anthropological characteristics of the population at that time, influenced by Western art forms from Greece and Rome.

The way in which the horses are adorned indicates that ornamentation held significant importance. The horsemen are depicted wearing large round earrings and carrying unique weapons associated with the Hephthalites. Anthropologists suggest that one of the tribes of Hephthalites that settled in this region was the Dogras, the current residents of Jammu province. Moreover, the artistic forms used in these sculptures are polished and refined, showcasing a high level of skill.



📣 Our WhatsApp channel is now LIVE! Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates, just click here to follow us on WhatsApp and never miss a thing!!



A unique feature of these structures is that all the horses carry three soldiers on their backs, which can be observed in most of the sculptures. This detail may indicate the physical strength of the horses and suggest that they were of a pure breed. The remarkable craftsmanship involved in sculpting the stone deserves appreciation, as it reflects the artistic prowess of the creators.

The Horsemen are in different sizes and configurations.
The Horsemen are in different sizes and configurations.

The origins of the horsemen remain enigmatic, fueling speculation and scholarly debate. Various theories have been proposed, with connections to the White Huns (Hephthalites) and Mihirkula being central to these discussions. Some suggest that the horsemen may be linked to the White Huns, a Central Asian tribe that ruled the region between the 5th and 7th centuries. This timeframe aligns with the estimated period for the creation of the sculptures, providing a potential historical context for their existence. The cultural influences reflected in the sculptures may also hint at the interactions between different civilizations during this period.

Mihirkula, a feared leader of the White Huns, is often associated with the era of the sculptures, although definitive evidence of his involvement remains elusive. His reputation as a formidable leader adds a layer of intrigue to the mystery, suggesting a possible connection to the creation of these figures. However, the lack of concrete evidence highlights the challenges of reconstructing ancient history and understanding the true purpose of the horsemen. Theories abound, but the absence of definitive proof leaves much to the imagination.

The purpose of the horsemen remains unexplained, with no definitive answers emerging from ongoing research. Some scholars speculate that they may have served as memorials, commemorating significant events or individuals, while others propose that they could have had a religious or ceremonial function. The ambiguity surrounding their purpose only adds to their allure, inviting further investigation and research to unravel their secrets.

The reliefs of Horsemen can also be seen on the base
The reliefs of Horsemen can also be seen on the base

As an ancient puzzle, the Mysterious Horsemen continue to captivate the imagination of those who encounter them. The combination of their scale, detail, and isolation creates a captivating sight, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit these remarkable stone figures. The ongoing exploration of their origins and significance not only enriches our understanding of the region’s history but also highlights the enduring mysteries that ancient cultures have left behind.

Kalsotra, A. (2023). The mysterious horsemen of the Pir Panjal.

Behrendt, K. A. (2007). The art of Gandhara in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan museum of art.

Cover Image Credit: Travel Himalayas

Related Articles

The Lord’s Prayer Carved in Stone with Scandinavian Runes and a Picture of a Boat Discovered in Ontario, Canada

17 June 2025

17 June 2025

Hidden deep in the northern Ontario wilderness, an extraordinary archeological discovery has puzzled researchers and captured the imagination of history...

Archaeologists found 5 unique sculptures representing the Kakatiya art style in Siddipet

19 July 2021

19 July 2021

13th-century statues were found near a temple tank in the Siddipet district in the northern province of Telangana, India. On...

Researchers excavating the burial site along Caleta Vítor Bay in northern Chile found an Inka Tunic or unku

15 February 2023

15 February 2023

A recently published study, co-authored by a research professor at George Washington University, looks at the Inka Empire’s (also known...

Ancient ‘Cancer-Treating’ Magical Amulet Discovered in Türkiye’s Antioch of Pisidia

30 December 2024

30 December 2024

An intriguing artifact was discovered during excavations in the ancient city of Pisidia Antioch in Isparta province in western Türkiye:...

In the ancient city of Syedra: a unique mosaic with the 12 labors of Heracles depicted on a single panel found

25 July 2022

25 July 2022

During the excavations in the ancient city of Syedra in the Alanya district of Antalya, approximately 164 square meters of...

Some interesting facts regarding its use the Galata Tower in Istanbul

10 July 2021

10 July 2021

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks, and its bright lights can be seen from all across...

Archaeologists Unearth Monumental Relief Depicting Assyrian King and Major Deities in Ancient Nineveh

15 May 2025

15 May 2025

A team of archaeologists from Heidelberg University has made an extraordinary discovery in the ancient city of Nineveh, near modern-day...

Archaeologists found a noble woman buried beside her ‘husband’ 1,000 years ago with the top of her face hollowed out

4 November 2023

4 November 2023

Archaeologists unearthed the 1,000-year-old remains of a woman with her face and head hollowed out buried next to her husband...

Ukrainian Stonehenge

6 July 2021

6 July 2021

It has almost become a tradition to compare the structures surrounded by stones to the Stonehenge monument. This ancient cemetery,...

A 2,000-year-old monumental Roman villa Found Under a Seaside May Be Pliny the Elder’s house

23 January 2024

23 January 2024

Researchers have discovered the remnants of a massive Roman villa thought to have ties to Pliny the Elder while working...

A rural necropolis from Late Antiquity discovered in northeastern France

5 November 2022

5 November 2022

Inrap archaeologists have unearthed a small rural necropolis from the late 5th century (Late Antiquity) at Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes in northeastern France....

An Anthropologist’s life work uncovers the first ancient DNA from the Swahili Civilization

2 April 2023

2 April 2023

Chapurukha Kusimba, an anthropologist at the University of South Florida, has uncovered the first ancient DNA from the Swahili Civilization,...

Archaeologists have uncovered the first human representations of the people of mythical Tartessos

19 April 2023

19 April 2023

Archaeologists representing Spain’s National Research Council (CSIS) excavating at the site of Casas del Turunuelo have uncovered the first human...

Climate has influenced the growth of our bodies and our brain

8 July 2021

8 July 2021

Over 300 fossils from the genus Homo have been measured for body and brain size by an interdisciplinary team of...

Ancient Fish Traps in Denmark Challenge the Neolithic Revolution Narrative and Rewrite Stone Age History

1 July 2025

1 July 2025

A stunning archaeological discovery on the Danish island of Lolland is transforming our understanding of the Neolithic transition. Researchers from...