[4] According to Benjamin Rowland "These little shrines, densely packed with sculptured figures set off by gaily painted backgrounds, must have given the effect of a kind of religious peep-show, in which, as on a stage, the visitor obtained a glimpse of celestial realms".

[9] Charles Masson visited the area of the Ghorband Valley in 1836 and mentioned the presence of numerous ruins in his book Narratives of various journeys in Afghanistan, Baluchistan & the Punjab.

Various figures from the monastery show Central Asian influence, with dignitaries wearing double-lapel caftan, boots, armour and crown with lunar crescents.

[16] Dedications including coins of the Buddhist Turk Shahis (7-8th century CE) have been found under a statue of a royal couple in the monastery of Fondukistan, providing important insights in terms of datation.

[19][20] The royal couple consists of a princess in "Indian" dress, and a prince "wearing a rich caftan with double lapel and boots" characteristic of Central Asian clothing.