The oldest and largest Buddhist complex of Dharmarajika stupa or locally known as Chir Tope, is located on an eastern route along the Tamra stream, south of Hathial, about three kilometers from Taxila Museum. The origin of the name Dharmarajika lies in the fact that the stupa was erected over the body relics of Gautama Buddha, the true Dharmaraja. Taxila was one of the many cities in the Maurya Empire which received a share of the holy relics from Ashoka. The Dharmarajika Stupa was erected by Ashoka himself to enshrine the relics share.
The Dharmarajika complex covers almost the entire period of the history of Buddhism in Taxila from 3rd century BCE to 7th century CE. The main stupa was constructed during the Mauryan period but suffered after an earthquake in 40 CE. It was rebuilt twice in the Kushana period. The whole complex at the Dharmarajika falls into two parts; the first part comprises a medley of constructions of several types and is called the stupa area; and the second part, which is located to its north, is called the monastic area.
The main stupa is built in a circular plan, with a 131 feet wide diameter and a 45 feet high drum. The stupa is constructed in solid masonry and has a raised terrace around its base which was ascended by four flights of steps. The structure is surrounded by an open paved passage, which served in ancient days as a procession path. The courtyard of the stupa area is further bordered by numerous other chapels and several votive stupas, erected by the pilgrims and visitors, dating from 1st century BCE to 1st century CE and from 3rd to 5th century CE, respectively. These stupas were decorated with Buddha images and figurines. To the north of the great stupa lie the monastic area which formed the living quarters and workspaces for monks.
Several objects have been excavated from Dharmarajika Stupa, all of which have been preserved and displayed at Taxila Museum. Among these the most remarkable finding was that of a reliquary in one of the side chapels containing a silver scroll, which records the enshrinement of Buddha relics at Dharmarajika Stupa. In 1917 a casket was found here which contained the relics of Lord Buddha. This was presented by the then viceroy of British India to the Buddhists Community of Ceylon and has since been enshrined in the Temple of Tooth at Kandy city in Sri Lanka.
Dharmarajika was excavated in 1912 - 1916 by Mr. Ghulam Qadir under the directions of Sir John Marshall and in 1934 - 1936 by Mr. A.D. Siddiqui. In 1980, it was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance.