Heritage of Rajshahi
Historical places of Rajshahi division.
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Topic submitted by & submitted for:
Rumana Afroze
Lecturer,
Dept. of BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Stamford University Bangladesh
Submitted by:
1. Anwarul Islam Sifat I.D: EEE 04006460
2. Hanzala Ahmed (Shuvo) I.D: EEE 04006452
3. KH. Shahriya Zaman I.D: EEE 03906393
4. MD. Mesbahul Haque I.D: EEE 04006469
5. Ferdous Zaman Dolllar I.D: EEE 04006455
Stamford University Bangladesh
Date of Submission: 2/12/2010
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Acknowledgement
First, we thank our course teacher for giving an opportunity to know our
country by giving this assignment. Her guidance made possible, this task to
complete successfully. It was quiet a lesson for us that our country is full of
amazing thing, we would miss if this task was not given. Handful helps of our
seniors also mentionable thanks to them. Their advice shows us the exact way to
gather all information & presented in a disciplined way.
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2/12/2010
To
The Course Teacher
Stamford University
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Subject: Submission of assignment.
Madam,
It is an honor for us that you give us this assignment. With the kind help of
yours & seniors, we have completed this task successfully. During edition,
there might be some mistakes. We have tried our best to fix those mistakes.
We, therefore, pray & hope that you would make our hard work meaningful by
consider those mistakes.
Yours most obedient pupils,
Anwarul Islam Sifat
Hanzala Ahmed (Shuvo)
KH. Shahriya Zaman
MD. Mesbahul Haque
Ferdous Zaman Dollar
Batch: 40; Group: A
Dept. of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
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Topic List
1. Introduction
Location
Major places
Education
Tourism
Crops
2. Varendra research museum
Collection
3. Bagha Mosque
4. Chalan Bil
5. Dighapatia Rajbari
6. Ghoramara Island
7. Hardinge Bridge
Construction
Brief History
8. Puthia Temple Complex
The Pancha Gobinda Temple
Shiva Temple
Jagannath Temple
9. Kushumba Mosque
10. Mahasthangarh
Etymology
Geography
Discovery
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Citadel
Suburb of the citadel
Excavated mounds
Major unexcavated mounds
Excavations
Movable antiquities
Highlights of some excavated sites
Anecdote
Some antiquity comparisons
Gallery
11. Paharpur Buddist Vihar
12. Satyapir Bihar
13. Somapura Mahavihara
Architecture
Gallery
History
Excavation & UNESCO designation
Travel
14. Choto Sona Mosque
15. Conclusion
16. References
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Introduction
Rajshahi Division is one of the six administrative divisions of
Bangladesh. It has a population of almost 30 million and area of about 34513
km². Rajshahi division is consists of 16 districts, 128 Upazillas (the next lower
administrative tier) and 1,092 Unions (the lowest administrative tier). Its cheap
labor force characterizes this division. It has an excellent rail and road
communication infrastructure. The divisional city Rajshahi is only four hours
road journey away from Dhaka, the capital city. Besides, the two airports in this
division take only 30-40 minutes to communicate with Dhaka.
Location
Rajshahi division is in the north western corner of Bangladesh. The
famous river Padma borders Rajshahi division on the south and another famous
river, Jamuna, lies across the eastern border. In the North and West, Rajshahi
division shares a border with India.
Major places
The major cities of Rajshahi division are Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sirajgonj,
Bogra, Pabna and Dinajpur. Rajshahi and the city of Saidpur have airports, with
daily flights to Dhaka.
Education
The major educational institutes in Rajshahi are University of Rajshahi
(RU), Rajshahi University of Engineering And Technology (RUET), Rajshahi
Medical College (RMC), Rajshahi College (Under National University).
University of Rajshahi (Estd.1953) is the second largest university of
Bangladesh with around 50 disciplines and 6 institutes. RUET is only
engineering institute in northern part of Bangladesh. It was founded in 1964 as a
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faculty of Engineering under the University of Rajshahi providing four year
bachelor degree in Civil, Electrical & Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering.
In July 1986, it was converted into an institution named Bangladesh Institute of
Technology, Rajshahi (BITR). Finally, parliament passed the University bil that
ultimately paved the way to commence the activities of Rajshahi University of
Engineering and Technology (RUET). Department of Computer Science and
Engineering first introduced in 1998. Department of Electronics and
Telecommunication Engineering and Industrial and Production Engineering
introduced in 2005.
Tourism
A major landmark in Rajshahi is the Kantajir Mondir, a Hindu temple
north of Dinajpur. The temple is covered entirely with thousands of terra cotta
tiles, each with a unique design.
Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi is one of the foremost museums,
specializing in history of ancient Bengal.
Other notable places include:
* Sompur Bihar, a large Buddhist monastery.
* Mohasthangar, home to archeological sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim
periods.
* Puthia Palaces, a palace of old Jamidars some Kilometers drive from Rajshahi
city.
* Bagha Mosque, in Bagha thana of Rajshahi District.
* Dighapatia, Palace of the famous Queen of Dighapatia which located in
Natore district.
* Kushumba Mosque,Naogaon.
* Shona Mosque, Chapai Nawabgonj.
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* Sopnopuri, a famous place and picnic spot near Phulbari, Rangpur.
* Chalan Bil, the largest water body in Bangladesh, spreading in Natore and
Pabna districts.
* Pairabondh, in Rangpur is the birth place of famous Muslim woman writer
Begum Rokeya.
Crops
Rajshahi is well-known for its fruit particularly for mangoes and lichies.
Rajshahi is popularly termed as the granary of Bangladesh. This division,
especially greater Dinajpur region, noted for aromatic and fine rice production.
Rajshahi produces many vegetables, too. More than 50 percent of the country's
potato production comes from Rajshahi division.
Rajshahi division is also famous for production of high quality beef and milk.
Rajshahi is still an unexplored area for the establishment of poultry hatchery
and fish grow-outs and fish processing.
Rajshahi division consists following 16 districts- Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore,
Nawabganj, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogra, Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon,
Panchagarh, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Lalmonirhat.
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Varendra research museum
Varendra Research Museum originated from varendra research society.
Kumar saratkumar ray and two of his close associate’s akshay kumar maitreya
and ramaprasad chanda spent much of their time and energy in establishing the
society and then the museum. Their lifelong effort was to unveil the glorious
past of Bengal in general, and of varendra in particular by lying bare the
monuments that still defied the ravages of man and nature.
Saratkumar led an exploratory tour accompanied by AK Maitreya, rakhaldas
bandyopadhyay and a few others to Deopara, Palpara, Malancha, Jugpur, Itahar,
Chabbishnagar, Mandoil, Kumarpur, Khetur and Vijaynagar in early April
1910. The party was able to collect 32 pieces of sculptures including the life-
size images of Chandi from Mandoil. On their return to the town, the leading
residents of Rajshahi gave the Kumar and his colleagues a reception and
emphasized on the preservation of the collections at Rajshahi, so out of
necessity, the Rajshahi Museum (later Varendra Research Museum) was born
and the Kumar undertook to contribute Rs 200/- per month for the maintenance
of the collections.
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The existence of the museum seriously threatened in the year 1911 when
the Indian museum at Calcutta demanded all rare and unique specimens
collected by the Varendra Research Museum. Lord Carmichael, the then
governor of Bengal visited Rajshahi in 1912 and impressed by the Society's
collection of relics. Soon after this, the governor of Bengal by a circular (No 11
dated 14 February 1913) guaranteed perfect freedom to the promoters of local
museums in matters of collection, preservation, and display of ancient
sculptures and their antiquities.
The Kumar constructed the museum building at his own cost on the land
donated by his elder brother, Raja Pramada Nath Ray of Dighapatiya. Lord
Carmichael laid its foundation stone on 13 November 1916 and the Kumar
made over the building, fully furnished, to the society for housing its museum
and library under a Deed of Trust executed on 27 November1919. Lord Ronald
shay, the governor of Bengal, opened it on the same day.
In order to collect sculptures, epigraphs, manuscripts, coins and other
objects of antiquarian value the Kumar and his associates organized a number of
exploratory tours to numerous sites in various districts of Bengal and
discovered, identified and collected quite a good number of relics. Encouraged
by the success of their exploration the Society excavated the Pradyumneshvar
Tank at Deopara and recovered from its bed as many as 64 pieces of sculpture
and three terracotta Manasa-ghatas. In 1911, some members of the society came
upon a high mound at Cossipur, 5 miles away from Balurghat in West Dinajpur
and laid bare to expose brick built walls, a brick built road approaching to the
mound and a number of sculptures. Thus, the associates to the Society
excavated the sites at mahisantosh in November 1916 and Kumarpur in
Rajshahi district and collected many antiquities.
In 1923 the excavation of paharpur started by the Society in collaboration
with the Calcutta University under the direction of DR Bhandarkar. The Kumar
promised to the university authorities an annual contribution of Rs 2000/- for
five years but the university abandoned the project at the close of the first
season. The work conducted thereafter by the Department of Archaeology and
Curator of the Varendra Research Museum was actively associated with it. The
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museum received as its share from the Archaeological Survey of India 265
items unearthed at Paharpur.
According to a Government Notification dated 6 November 1937 a
Committee of Management was set up and the Varendra Research Society
surrendered its rights over the present building and the entire collection of
antiquities, manuscripts, printed books, and furniture to the committee. The list
included 760 stone sculptures, 47 metal sculptures, and 2 wooden sculptures. 4
clay sculptures, 4 cannons, 211 carved bricks, 42 molded plaques (terracotta),
29 glazed tiles, 17 stone inscriptions, 23 terracotta inscriptions, 4 documents
(paper), 101 ritual utensils (metal), 10 pieces of ornaments, 434 gold coins and
4 garments. The Society also made over to the committee 1832 printed books,
2530 Sanskrit, and 1223 Bengali manuscripts.
The Museum Endowment and Publication Fund and the Savita Ray
Memorial Fund (established by the Kumar for publication of Sanskrit works)
brought under the control of the Museum. The provincial government restored
the original grant, though reduced by 20%, since 1932. The Kumar continued to
supplement the government grant with generous donations from time to time for
publication and exploratory tours.
The death of AK Maitreya in 1930 and of Kumar Saratkumar Ray in
1945 caused irreparable loss to the museum. The Partition in August 1947 was
another severe blow, which jeopardized its existence. The museum converted
into a Medical School in 1949. The School kept under its occupation northern
half of the museum premises until 1961.
The museum strove hard since the Partition to maintain its activities.
However, a growing institution like the museum cannot continue indefinitely on
occasional government grants. The Government of Pakistan refused to approve
the scheme submitted in 1961 for development of the museum unless the
institution handed over to the provincial government. The Management
Committee, however, ignored the central government's directive because they
regarded the transfer of the institution to the government as a betrayal of the
objectives of the museum.
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The Rajshahi University authorities and the Rajshahi District Administration
succeeded in impressing upon the provincial government to hand over the
museum to the university. The deed of transfer duly signed and the formal
transfer took place on 10 October 1964. The university assumed full financial
responsibility of the museum.
The Varendra Research Museum collection consists of stone and metal
sculptures, epigraphs, coins, pottery and plaques in terracotta, weapons, Arabic
and Persian documents, paintings, books and periodicals, Sanskrit and Bangla
manuscripts.
The museum library built up a collection of books and periodicals, right
from the beginning, essential for research and higher studies in ancient and
medieval history and art and archaeology of Bengal. The number of Sanskrit
manuscripts traced so far is 2,530. An idea of their subject matter can be formed
from the descriptive catalogue of 840 manuscripts prepared and already
published (1979), 89 Puranas, 106 Smrti, 98 Grammar, 24 Lexicons, 71 Poetry,
10 Drama, 5 Rhetoric, 62 Vasisnava literature, 75 Vedanta (Nyaya), 37
Ayurveda, 37 Astrology, 2 History, 3 Buddhist literatures, 12 Miscellaneous.
The museum at present with 10,147 volumes, reasonably feel proud of its
library.
Collection
Gallery 1 has collections from the Indus Valley Civilization, and some of its
265 items from Sompur. It also contains old Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian
scripts.
Gallery Two has Buddhist and Hindu stone sculptures and modern wood
sculptures.
Gallery Three and Gallery 4 display stone sculptures of Hindu gods and
goddesses.
Gallery Five offers mostly Buddhist sculpture.
Gallery Six shows Arabic. Persian, Sanskrit, and old Bangla stone
inscriptions and sculptured stones of the Muslim period.
A recent gallery has added displaying the indigenous and tribal culture of
Rajshahi region.
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Bagha Mosque
Bagha Mosque situated at Bagha, about 25 miles southeast of Rajshahi
town, survives in a good state of preservation. The mosque built on the western
bank of a large tank within a brick-walled compound, 48.77m square. The
mosque compound could be entered by two old arched gateways - one on the
north and the main one on the south comprising a simple oblong curved
structure with a turret on either side. This brick-built mosque, now a protected
monument of the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh, is an oblong
structure measuring externally about 23.16m by 12.80m.
The four exterior
angles of the building
emphasized with
octagonal towers,
divided into sections
by molded bands and
topped over with
polygonal solid
cupolas. The cornice
of the building gently
curved in the Bengali
fashion.
Bagha Mosque, Rajshahi
There are five arched openings in the east and two on either of the south
and north sides. Inside the mosque there are three mihrabs at the western end of
the three southern bays, a paneled design in the 4th and a smaller mihrab in the
raised gallery in the northwestern corner. The interior of the mosque is divided
into two longitudinal aisles and five bays by a row of four stone pillars. The
mosque has therefore ten independent square divisions, each being covered by
an inverted cup-shaped dome. The Department of Archaeology has
reconstructed the present domed roof, as the original roof had collapsed in the
earthquake of 1897. The domes are carried on intersecting arches springing
from stone pillars and engaged stone pilasters. It is important to note that the
stone blocks in the form of a lintel at the springing point of the doorway arches
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run all round the building, which gives the mosque a two-storied appearance
from outside.
The mosque is noteworthy for its exquisite terracotta ornamentation.
Although much of the ornamentation has already disappeared, quite a bit still
exists both in the interior and exterior of the building. All the archways and
mihrabs are set within decorated rectangular frames, while the spaces around
the mihrabs and archways are enriched with highly ornate rectangular panels,
one above the other. One such panel in the eastern facade is encircled by a
frame of tendrils and contains an exuberant engrailed and floret arch. From the
apex of this arch hangs a conventionalized chain motif, which ultimately
evolves into a fantastic grape-cluster.
The mihrabs consist of deep recesses and are faced with beautiful
engrailed arches carried on decorated faceted pillars. The deep recesses are
divided by raised moldings into rows of rectangular small panels, each
embellished with cusped arches containing varieties of designs. The spandrels
of the mihrab arches are enriched with flower vases, out of which rise vine-like
scrolls and leaves intertwining boldly projected rosettes. The whole composition
is enclosed within a rectangular frame filled with a series of decorated
rectangular panels. A window grill of the building is marked with a fine design
of intersecting circles and diagonals. The faceted corner towers are also
enriched with varieties of terracotta designs.
It is interesting to note that the additional prayer chamber created by means of a
raised platform in the north-west corner within the building appears to have
been an exclusive gallery for the governor who ruled the area as a nominee of
the reigning sultan. This sort of special prayer chamber, noticed in some other
Bengal mosques, appears to have been meant as a substitute of maqsura - a
feature introduced in the mosque architecture of early Islam for the safety of the
caliphs. This particular feature of the Bagha mosque has given it the status of a
Jami mosque.
An inscription, which was originally fixed over the central archway of this
building (now in Karachi), records its construction by Sultan NUSRAT SHAH in
1523 AD.
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Chalan Bil
Chalan Bil one of the largest inland depressions of marshy character and
also one of the richest wetland areas of Bangladesh. It is the largest bil of the
country and comprises a series of depressions interconnected by various
channels to form more or less one continuous sheet of water in the rainy season
when it covers an area of about 368 sq km. The bil extends over four adjacent
districts, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj and Natore. The major parts of it cover an
extensive area of Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district and Chatmohar upazila of
Pabna district. It lies between Singra upazila (Natore district) and the north bank
of the river Gumani. The southeastern extremity of the bil is at Astamanisha in
Pabna district, close to Nunnagar, where the Gumani and the baral meet. Its
northern boundary in this district may be marked by a line drawn from the east
of Singra to the Bhadai River, which forms the boundary between Rajshahi,
Pabna and Bogra. The eastern boundary may be represented by a line drawn
north-south in Pabna and running through Tarash upazila east of the Bhadai.
The greatest breadth of the bil is about 13 km from Tarash at the northeast to
Narayanpur, near the north bank of the Gumani. Its greatest length is about 24
km from Singra to Kachikata on the Gumani.
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The main constituent bils of Chalan bil are, from west to east: (1) Purba
Maddhanagar, (2) Piprul, (3) Dangapara, (4) Laror, (5) Tajpur, (6) Niala, (7)
Chalan, (8) Majhagaon, (9) Briasho, (10) Chonmohan, (11) Satail, (12)
Khardaha, (13) Darikushi, (14) Kajipara, (15) Gajna, (16) Bara, (17) Sonapatila,
(18) Ghugudaha, (19) Kuralia, (20) Chiral, (21) Dikshi and (22) Gurka. The big-
size depressions (ie bils) are mostly in Pabna district. They are: Gajna, Bara,
Sonapatila, Ghugudaha, Chiral and Gurka. Gajna bil comprises an area of 123
sq km, and is located to the south of Dulai. Bara bil covers an area of 31 sq km.
Sonapatila bil lies in the northern part of Pabna and has an area of 35 sq km.
Kuralia and Dikshi bils cover areas of 18 and 15 sq km respectively; both are in
Chatmohar upazila. Chiral and Gurka bils cover an area of 8 sq km each and
Ghugudaha bil is 4 sq km in size.
Chalan bil was formed when the old brahmaputra diverted its water into
the new channel of the jamuna. Chalan bil was probably a backswamp before it
was greatly expanded with the inclusion of abandoned courses of the karatoya
and the atrai and became a vast lake. The formation of the Chalan bil is
historically linked with the demise of the Atrai and the Baral. The Atrai or the
Gur was the principal feeder channel of Chalan bil, which used to drain the
districts of Dinajpur and northern Rajshahi. The Baral worked as an outlet of the
bil and eventually found its way into the Jamuna. It was about 1,088 sq km in
area at the time it was formed.
The southern edge of the bil is skirted by the Gumani, which carries the
water of the bil into Bara bil, which in turn carries the water into the Jamuna.
During the rainy season the Gumani overflows its banks and pours its water into
the bil. When the Jamuna is flooded, the water of the Baral is held up until the
Jamuna falls again. During the dry season, the greater part of the bil dries up,
leaving a water basin of about 25.9 to 31.08 sq km, which may be called its
'core'. However, the core is not covered with an uninterrupted expanse of water.
It remains a collection of shallow sheets of water connected with each other by
very tortuous channels. Round the core, there are two concentric irregular
shaped oval areas growing rice of the long-stemmed variety, usually known as
floating rice. The first 'ring', rather narrow towards the southwest, is covered
with 1.53 to 1.83m of water during the rainy season. The west of Chalan bil
may be included in the 'outer ring', where water in the rainy season is, much less
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than other parts of the bil. Both the rings dry up entirely between December and
June.
Chalan bil is rapidly silting up. During the last century and a half, it has shrunk
at least 19.32 km from the southern side due to annual deposits of silt from the
ganges. Its other feeder rivers like the Gur and the Baral are also major
contributory factors in reducing the size of the bil.
A survey carried out in 1909 by the Public Works Department into drainage and
silting up of the bil found that the previous area of about 1,088 sq km have been
reduced to about 368 sq km. The remaining area had been reclaimed either for
cultivation or settlement. Even in this reduced area, only 86 sq km was found
under water all the year round. It was estimated that the Feeder Rivers had
brought 6.3 million cu m of silt a year of which 1.5 million cu m were washed
away by different drainage channels coming out of the bil. The remaining 4.8
million cu m had been deposited annually. If distributed uniformly over the
whole of 368 sq km, it would have raised the level at the rate of 1.27 cm a year.
Another inquiry was made in 1910 to further ascertain the condition of the bil
during the dry season. It too found that the area had been further reduced. A
third investigation carried out in 1913, ascertained that only 31 to 39 sq km
remained under water throughout the year. The banks around the core area were
under cultivation and the bil proper had 2.75 to 5.49m of water in April. In the
1950s, various reclamation works reduced the bil to about 25.9 sq km. In 1987,
it appeared completely dry except for some small man-made ponds.
Land in Chalan bil is being reclaimed and new villages are springing up
alongside. In the dry season, all the smaller and larger bils dry up except their
deeper centre. The outlying marginal lands are cultivated with boro and HYV
(High Yield Variety) rice in the dry season. In the wet season, the shallow
peripheries are cultivated for deep-water aman rice and jute.
The banks of the bil are covered with dense stands of kash, babla, nol,
dhol kolmi, simul, and date palm. Seven species of frogs and one species of
toad represent the amphibian fauna. Chalan Bil has a total of 34 species of
reptiles include ten turtles and tortoises, nine lizards and various snake species.
There are 27 species of mammals from 12 families.
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Dighapatia Rajbari
Dighapatia Rajbari was originally the residence of the Maharajas of
Dighapatia. At present, it is used as the Uttara Ganabhavan or the Government
House in the northern region. A short feeder road branching off the Natore-
Bogra highway, about 2.40 km from the Natore town, provides access to the
palace area.
Dayaram Roy constructed the main fabric of the palace along with a few
accessory wings around but Pramada Nath Roy rebuilt the whole palace
complex from the debris after the devastating earthquake of 1897 had wrecked
it. The extensive palace area occupies about 43 acres of land, enclosed within a
moat and a high perimeter wall.
It is approached from the east
through an imposing four-storied
pyramidal gateway gradually
receding upward and terminating
in a clock tower. It is further
variegated with a series of arched
openings on three storey’s and
two circlets flanking the clock on
the top storey.
Dighapatia Rajbari, Natore
The main east facing single storied palace block presents a 100 feet long
facade, laid out in the shape of an 'E' with a prominently projecting porch in the
centre and two slightly projecting wings on either ends. The whole facade is
relived with floral decoration in plasterwork. A series of pointed trefoil arched
openings provide access to the building across a running balcony in front. The
parapet on the roof is decorated with melons. The hemispherical dome with a
sharp finial atop covers the central foyer. On either side of the broad entrance
staircase there are two elegant life-size cast-iron neo-classical Greek female
statues, each holding a lamp above its head.
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This palace block accommodates nine sleeping chambers, a reception hall, one
dining hall and a conference hall. The roof of the reception hall is about 25 feet
from the floor and much higher than the flanking apartments. Its ceiling is
tastefully decorated with painted floral motif in wood set in bays. In spite of the
plundering of its costly belongings there are still some beautiful pieces of relics
such as the neo-classical bronze Greek statues, flower vases, chandeliers, carved
wooden bedstead and furniture.
The southern wing of the block is similarly planned in the form of an 'E'.
There is an attractive garden in front with a fountain and a few life-size marble
female sculptures located at the four corner porticoes. A broad verandah in front
leads to a large foyer and beyond, to a series of apartments. The roof of the
verandah is carried on semi-Corinthian columns alternated by trefoil arches. A
serpentine rear verandah on the western end of the block overlooks a part of the
moat.
The 'Kumar Palace' located on the southeast, close to the main palace
block is an elegant two-storied building accommodating four main bedrooms
and a dressing room on the upper floor and a series of apartments on the ground
floor. The small 'treasury building' stands behind the Kumar Palace. The single-
storied manager's office is located close to the gateway on the north. Other
accessory buildings, such as the single storied 'Rani Mahal' to the south of the
main block, originally occupied the vast fortified area of the palace. The
guesthouse, stable, the attendants' quarters etc. have all disappeared with the
passage of time and at the wake of the great earthquake of 1897.
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Ghoramara Island
Ghoramara Island is an island located 150 km south of Kolkata, India in
the in the Sundarbans Delta complex of the Bay of Bengal. The island is small,
roughly five square kilometers in area, and is quickly disappearing due to
erosion and sea level rise.
Shrinking of island
Global warming has caused the rivers that pour down from the Himalayas
and empty into the Bay of
Bengal to swell and shift in
recent decades, placing these
islands, known as the
Sundarbans, in danger, four
islands are already
completely underwater and
another 10 in the area are at
risk.
A recent study by Sugata
Hazra, an oceanographer at
Jadavpur University in
nearby Kolkata, found that
during the last 30 years,
roughly 80 square kilometers, or 31 square miles, of the Sundarbans has
disappeared. More than 600 families have been displaced, according to the local
government authorities. Ghoramara alone has shrunk to under five square
kilometers, about half its size in 1969, Hazra's study concluded.
Population
The 2001 Government of India census still showed a population of 5,000
in Ghoramara though this population is believed to have shrunk as families are
displaced by the islands sinking.
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Hardinge Bridge
Hardinge Bridge is a steel railway bridge over the river Padma located in
western Bangladesh. It is named after Lord Hardinge, who was the Viceroy of
India from 1910 to 1916. The bridge is 1.8 kilometers (1.1 mi) long.
Construction
Construction of the bridge began in 1910, though it was proposed at least
20 years earlier. It took almost 2 years for it to be completed, and trains started
moving on it in 1915.
Brief history
The construction of a railway Bridge over the Padma was proposed by the
Eastern Bengal Railway in 1889 for easier communication between Calcutta
and the then Eastern Bengal and Assam and discussed for more than twenty
years before it was finally sanctioned for construction in 1908. In 1902, Sir FJE
Spring prepared a detailed project on the bridge. A technical committee
appointed in 1908 reported that a bridge could be constructed at Sara crossing
the lower Ganges between Paksey and Bheramara Upazila stations on the broad
gauge railway from Khulna to Parbatipur Upazila. The construction of the
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bridge started in 1910 and finished in 1912. British engineer Sir Robert Giles
worked as the chief engineer of the construction. On 1 January 1915, the first
trial train crossed the bridge down track and on 25 February of the same year
the second trial train crossed the bridge up track. Finally on 4 March 1915 Lord
Hardinge inaugurated the bridge. A total of 24,000 people were employed for
constructing the bridge.
The Hardinge Bridge is 1.8 km long. There are 16 piers of cast ion type
made of concrete cubes with a portion of above water level made of steel. The
bridge comprises 15 steel trusses through spans each of 345 feet 11/2 inches
from centre to centre of bearing (308 feet 11/2 inches clear span) with 6 deck
type steel girders by approach spans (3 at each end), each of 75 feet (23 m)
centre to centre of bearings (66 feet clear span approximately). The main girders
are modified 'Petit' type.
The original steel of Hardinge Bridge is of mild steel type equivalent to
grade 43 of BS 4360 having yield stress of 20.8 tons/sq inch; ultimate tensile
strength of 30.6 tons/sq inch at an elongation of 23%. The original design
loading for the girders was Indian Railway broad gauge B of 1903+33% with an
impact allowance giving a total live load of 1927 tons on two tracks. The total
cost of construction of the bridge, including the main spans, land spans, training
work and approaches was 35,132,164. However, the most difficult task of the
operation was river control or to make the impetuous river flow permanently
under the bridge. For this, two guide banks of the 'Bell-bound' type named after
Mr. J.R.Bell were built on either side, each totaling 4,000' long extending 3,000'
above the bridge and 1,000' downstream. The ends of the river banks were
curved inward and heavily pitched with stoned boulders.
The Harding's Bridge was severely damaged during the Liberation War
of Bangladesh of 1971. It happened on the 13th December 1971, when the
Indian Air Force plane bombed on the 4th guarder from the Paksey side. As the
Pakistani army was on retreat towards Jessore (their last stronghold) the
Harding's bridge was strategically very important. The allied force damaged the
bridge. After the liberation, the bridge was reopened on 12 October 1972,
repaired by the joint venture of Bangladesh Railway and the Eastern India
Railway of India. The Japanese Government helped to reconstruct the bridge.
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Puthia Temple Complex
Puthia Temple Complex consists of a
cluster of notable old Hindu Temples in Puthia
Upazila, Rajshahi Division, and Bangladesh.
Located 23 km to the east of Rajshahi city it has
the largest number of Historic temples in
Bangladesh. The temples were built by Hindu
Zamindars Rajas of Puthia who were noted
philanthropists of Rajshahi. The temples have
been built in terracotta in a variety of styles
combining the typical Jor Bangla Architecture
with other influences. The Rajbari or Palace of the Raja of Puthia is part of the
complex. The temples are laid out around a lake with a sprawling lawn.
The Pancharatna Gobinda Temple
The grandest temple in Puthia, the Govinda Temple was erected in mid-
nineteenth century by the queen of Puthia. The temple is dedicated to Lord
Krishna, as the Puthians were converted to Vaishnavism by Radhamohana
Thakura. The temple has exquisite terracotta ornamentation depicting the divine
romance between Krishna and Radha. The temple's survival is threatened by the
newly-established college nearby and the lack of conservation efforts.
Shiva Temple
This temple, built in 1815 by the queen of Puthia and dedicated to the
Hindu God Shiva, is the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh. The corridors have
a touch of Jaipur architecture and in the sanctuary, lay very large black basalt
24 | P a g e
Shiva Linga, one of the largest in the country. The temple suffered damage in
the 1971 War of Liberation of Bangladesh. The destroyers attempted to displace
and break the Shiva Linga, but were unable to move it from its position. The
temple is now a protected monument.
Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple, predating the temple, is dedicated to the Hindu
God Jagannath, a form of Krishna. It is a fine example of Bangla architecture,
having intricate embellishments and terracotta reliefs, although it measures only
5m by 10m.
Kushumba Mosque
Kushumba Mosque, Rajshahi is a religious place among many other
mosques in the city. The place of worship is used by the Muslims as well as the
Hindus. The entire building of the mosque is built mainly from brick. Built
during the Suri rule, the famous mosque is one of the historical sites and tourist
attractions in Rajshahi. Kushumba Mosque, Rajshahi is attractively situated on
the banks of Atrai River.
The ancient mosque was built during the Afghan rule in Bengal under the reign
of Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah. The mosque features a rectangular shape with
six domes, two aisles, and three entrances. Bricks and stones have been used for
the entire construction of the exterior walls. The style of architecture in Muslim
period is different from the Buddhist and Hindu architecture and this mosque
25 | P a g e
resembles the contemporary kind of architecture. Rajshahi Kushumba Mosque
is one of the last important monuments in the Sultanate period.
Kushumba Mosque in Rajshahi is situated at the village of Kushumba after
which the monument had been named. The mosque features a brick building,
carved cornice, and the octagonal corner towers. The columns, platform, and
floors are made of stone. The stone carvings inside the mosque are decorated
and engraved with religious images. The edges of the platform are designed
with grape vine decorations and are supported with spandrels of the arches.
Sightseeing in the city should include the Kushumba Mosque. The
archaeologists and history researchers will definitely like the site for its
impressive structure and style of architecture.
The quaint village of Kushumba is located near the Atrai River in the Naogaon
District of the Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh. Here amidst village life and
picturesque landscapes, is one of the country’s most popular attractions that
bring many visitors to the village each year. The Kushumba Mosque was
constructed during the rule of the Afghan regime, during the years 1558 to
1559, and is an archeological wonder that is often referred to as Bengal’s Black
Pearl. Because the mosque is in viewable condition, especially after the
earthquake of 1897, it is an attraction that is marveled at and studied, due its
wonderful architectural style and elaborate decorations.
Walking up to the mosque, visitors will be greeted by a massive gateway, which
is the only entrance to the mosque that is protected by a surrounding wall. One
can almost imagine the guards outside, still protecting this breathtaking
building. The foundation and most of the building was constructed from bricks,
although the outer walls, some interior walls, side screens, and columns are of
stone. There are divisions in the mosque, as during its time of construction the
public was separated from officials and nobility. Other noteworthy features to
look out for include stone carved mihrabs, cusped arches, decorative motifs, and
extraordinarily beautiful carved pillars. Visitors will also realize that the
mosque was not built in the Suri style, as would be expected, but is rather a
great example of Bengal architecture. Due to the earthquake damage suffered by
the Kushumba Mosque, it is under the protection of the Department of
Archeology of Bangladesh, who work tirelessly to preserve the mosque and this
wonderful attraction, for the future.
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Mahasthangarh
Mahasthangarh is the earliest urban archaeological site so far
discovered in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganjthana of Bogra
District contains the remains of an ancient city which was called Pundranagara
or Paundravardhanapura in the territory of Pundravardhana. A limestone slab
bearing six lines in Prakrit in Brahmi script, discovered in 1931, dates
Mahasthangarh to at least the 3rd century BC. The fortified area was in use till
the 18th century AD.
Together with the ancient and mediaeval ruins, the mazhar (holy tomb) of Shah
Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar built at site of a Hindu temple is located at
Mahasthangarh. He was a dervish (holy person devoted to Islam) of royal
lineage who came to the Mahasthangarh area, with the objective of spreading
Islam among non-Muslims. He converted the people of the area to Islam and
settled there.
Etymology
Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh. It dates
back to 700 BC and was the ancient capital of the Pundra Kingdom.
Mahasthan means a place that has excellent sanctity and garh means fort.
Mahasthan was first mentioned in a Sanskrit text of the 13th century entitled
Vallalcharita. It is also mentioned in an anonymous text Karatoya mahatmya,,
circumstantially placed in 12th-13th century. The same text also mentions two
more names to mean the same place – Pundrakshetra, land of the Pundras, and
Pundranagara, city of the Pundras. In 1685, an administrative decree mentioned
the place as Mastangarh, a mixture of Sanskrit and Persian meaning fortified
27 | P a g e
place of an auspicious personage. Subsequent discoveries have confirmed that
the earlier name was Pundranagara or Paundravardhanapura, and that the
present name of Mahasthangarh is of later origin.
Geography
Mahasthangarh, the ancient capital of Pundravardhana is located 11 km
(6.8 mi) north of Bogra on the Bogra-Rangpur highway, with a feeder road
(running along the eastern side of the ramparts of the citadel for 1.5 km) leading
to Jahajghata and site museum. Buses are available for Bogra from Dhaka and
take 4½ hours for the journey via Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge across the
Jamuna River. Buses are available from Bogra to Mahasthangarh. Rickshaws
are available for local movement. Hired transport is available at Dhaka/ Bogra.
Accommodation is available at Bogra. When travelling in a hired car, one can
return to Dhaka the same day, unless somebody has a plan to visit Somapura
Mahavihara at Paharpur in the district of Naogaon and other places, or engage
in a detailed study.
It is believed that the location for the city in the area was decided upon because
it is one of the highest areas in Bangladesh. The land in the region is almost 36
m above sea level, whereas Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is around 6 m
above sea level. Another reason for choosing this place was the position and
size of the Karatoya, which seemed to be as wide as the sea.
Mahasthangarh stands on the red soil of the Barind Tract which is slightly
elevated within the largely alluvium area. The elevation of 15 to 25 metres
above the surrounding areas makes it a relatively flood free physiographic unit.
Discovery
Several personalities contributed to the discovery and identification of the
ruins at Mahasthangarh. F. Buchanan Hamilton was the first to locate and visit
Mahasthangarh in 1808, C.J.O’Donnell, E.V.Westmacott, and Baveridge
followed. Alexander Cunningham was the first to identify the place as the
capital of Pundravardhana. He visited the site in 1889.
28 | P a g e
Citadel
The citadel (see map alongside), the fortified heart of the ancient city, is
rectangular in plan, measuring roughly 1.523 km long from north to south, and
1.371 km from east to west, with high and wide ramparts in all its wings. The
Karatoya, once a mighty river but now a small stream, flows on its east.
Till the 1920s, when excavations started, the inside of the citadel was higher
than the surrounding areas by over 4 metres and was dotted with several
straggling elevated pieces of land. The rampart looked like a jungle clad mud
rampart with forced openings at several points. The rampart was 11–13 metres
higher than the surrounding area. At its south-east corner stood a mazhar (holy
tomb). A later day mosque (built in 1718-19) was also there.
At present there are several mounds and structural vestiges inside the
fortifications. Of these a few of note are: Jiat Kunda (well possessing life giving
power), Mankalir Dhap (place consecrated to Mankali), Parasuramer Basgriha
(palace of a king named Parasuram), Bairagir Bhita (palace of a female
anchorite), Khodar Pathar Bhita (place of stone bestowed by God), and Munir
Ghon (a bastion). There are some gateways at different points: Kata Duar (in the
north), Dorab Shah Toran (in the east), Burir Fatak (in the south), and Tamra
Dawaza (in the west) at the north-eastern corner there is a flight of steps (a later
addition) that goes by the name of Jahajghata. A little beyond Jahajghata and on
the banks of the Karatoya is Govinda Bhita (a temple dedicated to Govinda). In
front of it is the site museum, displaying some of the representative findings.
Beside it is a rest house.
29 | P a g e
Suburb of the citadel
Besides the fortified area, there are around a hundred mounds spread over
an area with a radius of 9 km.
Excavated mounds
1. Govinda Bhita, a temple close to the north-eastern corner of the fortified area.
2. Khulnar Dhap, a temple 1 km to the west of the fortified area.
3. Mangalkot, a temple 400 m to the south of Khulnar Dhap.
4. Godaibari Dhap, a temple 1 km to the south of Khulnar Dhap.
5. Totaram Panditer Dhap, a vihara (monstery) 4 km to the north-west of the
fortified area.
6. Narapatir Dhap (Vasu Vihara), a group of monasteries 1 km to the north-west
of Totaram Panditer Dhap (said to be the place where Po-shipo Vihara
mentioned by Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang) was located).
7. Gokul Medh (Lakhindarer Basar Ghar), a temple 3 km to the south of the
fortified area (it is a small distance off the road from Bogra to Mahasthangarh).
8. Skander Dhap, a temple 2 km to the south-east of Gokul Medh.
Major unexcavated mounds
1. Siladevir Ghat. 2. Chunaru Dighi Dhap. 3. Kaibilki Dhap. 4. Juraintala. 5.
Parasuramer Sabhabati. 6. Balai Dhap. 7. Prachir Dhibi. 8. Kanchir Hari Dhibi.
9. Lahonar Dhap. 10. Khujar Dhap. 11. Dosatina Dhap. 12. Dhaniker Dhap. 13.
Madarir Dargah. 14. Bismardana Dhibi. 15. Malinar Dhap. 16. Malpukuria
Dhap. 17. Yogir Dhap. 18. Padmavatir Dhap. 19. Kanai Dhap. 20. Dulu Majhir
Bhita. 21. Padma Devir Bhita. 22. Rastala Dhap. 23. Sasitala Dhap. 24.
Dhanbandhar Dhap. 25. Chander Dhap. 26. Sindinath Dhap. 27. Salibahan Rajar
30 | P a g e
Kacharibari Dhipi. 28. Kancher Angina. 29. Mangalnather Dhap. 30.
ChhotoTengra/ Babur Dhap/ Kethar Dhap. 31. Baro Tengra/ Sanyasir Dhap.
Excavations
Systematic archaeological excavation of Mahasthangarh was first started
in 1928-29 under the guidance of K.N.Dikshit of the Archaeological Survey of
India. The areas around Jahajghata, Munir Ghon and Bairagir Bhita were
explored. Excavation was resumed in 1934-36 at Bairagir Bhita and Govinda
Bhita. Excavation was carried out in 1960s around the Mazhar, Parasuramer
Prasad, Mankalir Dhap, Jiat Kunda and in a part of the northern rampart. In the
next phase excavation was carried out sporadically in parts of the east and north
ramparts but the final report is yet to be published. In the period 1992-98
excavation was conducted in the area lying between Bairagir Bhita and the
gateway exposed in 1991 as a Bangla-Franco joint venture, which is now in its
second phase with excavation around the mazhar in the western side of the
citadel.
Movable antiquities
The excavations have led to the recovery of a large number of items, a
few of which are listed here.
Inscriptions: A 4.4 cm x 5.7 cm lime stone slab bearing six lines in Prakrit in
Brahmi script, discovered accidentally by a day labourer in 1931 was an
important find. The text appears to be a royal order of Magadh, possibly during
the rule of Asoka. It dates the antiquity of Mahasthangarh to 3rd century BC.
An Arabic inscriptional slab of 1300-1301 discovered in 1911-12 mentions the
erection of a tomb in honour of Numar Khan, who was a Meer-e-Vahar
(lieutenant of the naval fleet). A Persian inscriptional slab of 1718-19 records
the construction of a mosque during the reign of the Mughal emperor
Farrukhshiyar.
Coins: Silver punch marked coins are datable to a period between the 4th
century BC and the 1st-2nd century AD. Some uninscribed copper cast coins
have been found. Two Gupta period coins have been reported from a nearby
village named Vamanpara. A number of coins belonging to the sultans of 14th-
15th century and British East India Company have been found.
Ceramics: Mostly represented by a vast number of shards.
Sculpture: A 5th century Buddha stone sculpture recovered from Vasu Vihara,
a Lokesvara stone sculpture showing blending of Visnu and Avalokitsvara,
salvaged from neighbouring Namuja village, a number sand stone door-frames,
31 | P a g e
pillars and lintels (datable to 5th-12th century), numerous Buddha bronze
sculpture datable to 10th-11th century, a terracotta Surya discovered at Mankalir
Bhita, and numerous other pieces.
Terracotta Plaques: A number of terracotta plaques have been discovered.
Many of these are on display in the site museum, which is open Sunday
to Thursday summer:10 am to 6 pm, winter:9 am to 5 pm. Recess:1-2 pm,
Friday recess is from 12.30 to 2.30, opens at 9 am in summer, other timings
same. Summer timings, 1 April to 30 September, winter timings 1 October to 30
March. Books on Mahasthangarh and other archaeological sites in Bangladesh
(in Bengali and English) are available at the ticket counter for the site museum.
Highlights of some excavated sites
#inside the citadel
Bairagir Bhita: Constructed/ reconstructed in four periods: 4th-5th century
AD, 6th-7th century, 9th-10th century, and 11th century. Excavations have
revealed impoverished base ruins resembling temples. Two sculptured sand
stone pillars have been recovered.
Khodarpathar Bhita: Some pieces of stone carved with transcendent Buddha
along with devotees in anjali (kneeling with folded hands) recovered.
Parasuramer Prasad: Contains remains of three occupation periods - 8th
century AD findings include stone Visnupatta of Pala period, 15th- 16th century
findings include some glazed shreds of Muslim origin, and the third period has
revealed two coins of the British East India Company issued in 1835 and 1853.
Mankalir Dhap: terracotta plaques, bronze Ganesha, bronze Garuda etc. were
discovered. Base ruins of a 15-domed mosque (15th-16th century) was revealed.
Bangla-Franco joint venture: Excavations have revealed 18 archaeological
layers, ranging from 5th century BC to 12th century AD, till virgin soil at a
depth of around 17 m.
#outside the citadel
Govinda Bhita: Situated 185 m north-east of Jahajghata and opposite the site
museum. Remains dated from 3rd century BC to 15th century AD. Base
remains of two temples have been exposed.
32 | P a g e
Totaram Panditer Dhap: Situated in the village Vihara, about 6 km north-west
of the ciradel. Structural remains of a damaged monastery have been exposed.
Narapatir Dhap: Situated in the village Basu Vihara, 1.5 km north-west of
Totaram Panditer Dhap. Base remains of two monasteries and a temple have
been exposed. Cunningham identified this place as the one visited by Xuanzang
(Hiuen Tsang) in the 7th century AD.
Gokul Medh: Also known as Behular Basar Ghar or Lakshindarer Medh,
situated in the village Gokul, 3 km to the south of the citadel, off the Bogra-
Rangpur road, connected by a narrow motorable road about 1 km. Excavations
in 1934-36 revealed a terraced podium with 172 rectangular blind cells. It is
dated 6th-7th century. Local mythology associates it with legendary
Lakshmindara-Behula. The village Gokul also has several other mound Kansr
Dhap has been excavated.
Skandher Dhap: Situated in village Baghopara on the Bogra-Rangpur road,
3.5 km to the south of the citadel, a sandstone Kartika was found and structural
vestiges of a damaged building were revealed. It is believed to be the remains of
Skandha Mandira (temple consecrated to Kartika), mentioned in Karatoya
mahatmya, as well as Kalhan’s Rajatarangin, written in 1149-50. There also are
references to Skandhnagara as a suburb of Pundranagara. Baghopara village has
three other mounds.
Khulnar Dhap: Situated in village Chenghispur, 700 m west of the north-west
corner of the citadel has revealed remains of a temple. The mound is named
after Khullana, wife of Chand Sadagar.
From the present findings it can be deduced that there was a city called
Pundravardhana at Mahasthangarh with a vast suburb around it, on all sides
except the east, where the once mighty Karatoya used to flow. It is evident that
the suburbs of Pundravardhana extended at least to Baghopara on the south-
west, Gokul on the south, Vamanpara on the west, and Sekendrabad on the
north. However, the plan of the city and much of its history are still to be
revealed.
Bhimer Jangal: This well-known embankment starts from the north-east corner
of Bogra town and proceeds northwards for about 30 miles to a marshy place
called Damukdaher bit, under police station Govindaganj (Rangpur District) and
it is said, and goes oil to Ghoraghat. It is made of the red earth of the locality
and retains at places even now a height of 20 feet above the level of the country.
There is a break ill it of over three miles from Daulatpur (North West of
Mahasthan-garh) to Hazaradighi (south-west, of it). About a mile south of
33 | P a g e
Hazradighi.the stream Subil approaches the jangal and runs alongside it down to
Bogra town.
Some people think that the Subil is a moat formed by digging the earth for the
jangal but as there is no embankment on the northern reach of the Subil now
called the Ato nala. Which merges in the Kalidaha bil; north of Mahasthan-garh
O'Donnell was probably right in saying that the Subil represents the western of
the two branches into which the Karatoya divided above Mahasthan.
On the Bogra-Hazradighi section of thee jaligal, there are two cross
embankments running down to the Karatoya, about 2 miles and 4 miles
respectively north of Bogra town and there is a diagonal embankment
connecting these cross bonds and then running along the Karatoya until it meets
the main embankment near Bogra.
This jangal or embankment appears to have been of a military character, thrown
up to protect the country on its east. The break roar Mahasthan may be due to
the embankment having been washed away or to the existence of natural
protection by the bit.
The Bhima to whom the embankment is ascribed may be the Kaivarta chief of
the eleventh century who according to the Ramcharitam ruled over Varendra in
succession to his father Rudraka and uncle Divyoka, who had ousted king
Mahipala II of the Pala, dynasty. Bhima in his turn was defeated in battle and
biled by Ramapala. Mahipala's son.
Jogir Bhaban: South west of Bagtahali (beyond Chak Bariapara) and some 3
miles west of the khetlal road is a settlement of the Natha sect of Saiva
sannyasis, known as Yogir-bhavan, forming the eastern section of Arora village.
An account of this settlement is given by Beveridge, J.:1.S.T., 1878; p. 94. It
occupies about so, bighas of land and forms the headquarters of the sect. of
which there are branches at Yogigopha and Gorakh-kui, both in the Dinajpur
District, the.former in its south-west part some 5 miles west of Paharpur,
J.A.S.B.1875, p. 189, and the latter in its north-west part some 4 miles west of
Nekmardan.
The shrines at Yogir-bhavan are situated in the south-west corner of an
en¬closure or-math. One of them called Dharmma-dungi, bears a brick
inscription, reading scrvva-siddha sana 1148 Sri Suphala ... (the year =1741
A.D.). 'In front of it is another shrine called `Gadighar,' where a fire is kept burn
at all hours. Outside there are four temples, dedicated respectively to
Kalabhai¬rava, Sarvamangala Durga and Gorakshanatha. The Kalabhairava
temple contains a diva linga and bears a brick inscription reading Sri
Ramasiddha sana 1173 sala (=1766 A.D.) ample Sri Jayanatha Nara-Narayana.
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The Sarva¬mangala temple contains three images of Hara-Gauri, one of
Mahishamardini, a fragment of an Ashta-matrika slab, a fragment of a three-
faced female figure probably Ushnishavijava (Sadhanamala; II. pl.XIV) and a
four-armed female figure playing on a vina (evidently Sarasvati, but worshipped
here as Sarva¬ mangala). Over the entrance is a brick inscription reading 1089
Meher Natha sadaka sri Abhirama Mehetara (the year =1681 A.D.). In the
Durga temple is a stone image of Chamunda, and in the Gorakshanatha one, a
Siva lihga. There are three brick built samadhis near the latter temple.
Arora: South-west of the Dadhisugar and standing on the Masandighi, in Arora
village; is Salvan Rajar bari referred to under Baghahali. This Silvan may
possibly be the same as king Salavahan, son of Sahila-deva of the Chamba
inscription who won the title of Kari-ghata-varsha (= hunjara-ghata-varsha ?)
(R.C. Majumdar, vange kambojadhikara,' vanga-rani,Chaitara, 1330.B.S.p. 251,
ind.Ant,XVII.pp. 7–13). Beveridge refers to this mound in JA.S.B, 1878, p 95.
This name of Sahila seems, to occur again in Sahiladitya lakshmam in v. 10 of
the Silimpllr inscription (Ep. Ind,XIII, p. 291). If this identification is correct,
then the word kaunjanraghatacarshcna in the Bangarh stone inscription (Gauda-
raja-mala, p. 35) is really the title or virudha of the Gudapati of the Kumboja
family and not the date of the inscription.
Teghar: North of Chandnia hat the road skirts the bil and comes to Teghar
village which juts out into the bil 'near about here are several mounds; such as
Naras¬patir dhap. Kacher Angina (or glazed courtyard, a term applied to many
ruins in these parts) etc. The biggest of these mounds, Mangal-nather dhap,
(Fig. 6) is situated close to the point, from which a road branches off to Bihar. It
is said that terra-cotta plaques as well as stone images were found at this site,
but were all consigned to the neighbouring dighi.
Rojakpur: Proceeding westward along the road from Gokul to Haripur, we
pass into the western arm of the latter village, already referred to. and meet the
Bogra¬ Khetlal road near the Chandnia hat. West of Haripur and south of the
Somrai bil is the village of Rojakpur, into which, as already stated, the elevated
ground from Chandnia hat extends. On this ground are two mounds called
respectively Chandbhita. (Probably referring to the Manasa legend) and
Dhanbhandar. A little further west is another mound called Singhinath Dhap.
Mathura East of Bumanpara and extending up to the garh on the east and the
Kalidaha bil on the north, is the village of Mathura, in which there are several
tank and on a ridge overlooking the Gilatala moat, two mounds called
Parasuramer Sabhabati and Yogir Dhap.
35 | P a g e
Anecdote
There is a local legend that Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar arrived at
Pundravardhana in the garb of a fakir (mystic holy pedlar of Islamic
philosophy) riding a fish. (Mahisawar is Sanskrit-Persian word meaning a
person who rides a fish). He came from Balkh in Afghanistan with a retinue.
The period of his arrival is variably put at 5th century AD, 11th century AD and
17th century AD. At that time there was a king named Parasuram with his seat
and palace in Mahasthangarh. Mahisawar requested Parasuram for a piece of
land to spread his prayer mat on which he could pray. The request was granted
but the prayer mat started expanding as soon as it was laid on the ground. When
the prayer mat reached the area around the palace bewildered Parasuram
declared war. In the beginning the battle seemed to be favouring Parasuram. A
scavenger Harapala informed Mahisawar that it was difficult to defeat the royal
troops because of the pool called Jiat Kunda. A dead soldier bathed in the
waters of Jiat Kunda came back to life. On knowing this Mahisawar asked a kite
to drop a piece of beef in Jiat Kunda. When this was done, the pool lost its
powers. The royal troops were on the verge of defeat. The commander of the
royal troops, Chilhan, with a large number of his followers, went over to
Mahisawar. Thereafter Parasuram and many members of the royal family
committed suicide. There are many variations of this anecdote, some of which
are sold in Bengali booklets in and around Mahasthangarh/Pundravardhana.
Some antiquity comparisons
Mahasthangarh dates back to at least 3rd century BC and is
acknowledged as the earliest city-site so far discovered in Bangladesh.
Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur in Naogaon District was once the biggest
Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas. It dates from the 8th century AD.
Mainamati ruins in Comilla District date back to 6th-13th centuries AD. In
neighbouring West Bengal, the ruins of Pandu Rajar Dhibi on the banks of the
Ajay River in Bardhaman district date back to 2,000 BC. However, this recent
archaeological discovery has not yet been properly studied by outside experts
and specialists in this field, and as such the historical value of many of the
statements must be considered as uncertain. The ruins at Chandraketugarh in 24
Parganas South and Rajbadidanga in Murshidabad district date back to the early
years of the Christian era.
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Gallery
Ramparts of Jahajghata at Portion of A pillar on Ornamental
Mahasthangar Mahasthangar the ramparts display in the stone
h citadel h of site museum carving on
Mahasthang at display at
arh citadel Mahasthangar Mahasthang
h arh
Tourists at Govinda Bhita Mahasthang A portion of
Karatoya the ruins in
Mahasthangar just outside arh board River by the
h site museum the Mahasthang
Mahasthangar
Mahasthangar arh
h citadel
h citadel
Lakshindar Gokul Medh Gokul Medh Gokul Medh Gokul Medh
Behular Basar
Ghar at Gokul
Govinda Vita Govina Vita Govinda Mahasthangar Mahasthang
Vita h Museum arh Museum
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Paharpur Buddisht Vihar
Due to its geographical
situation the entire region of
Bengal, including the Paharpur
Buddhist Vihara, has been one of
the vital links between India and
Southeast Asia since ancient times.
With the flourishing of trade and
cultural exchange Buddhism
entered from India in the 5th
century and its religious influence gradually increased.
This region witnessed the ascendance of the Pala Dynasty in the 8th century,
whose rule continued until the 12th century. The first King Gopala of the Pala
Dynasty established a unified power in the Bengal region. Then the most
prominent political power in India at that time was achieved under the rule of
the succeeding second King Dharmapala. Later, in the period of the third King
Devapala, the region experienced the peak of its prosperity.
Buddhism attained its last major developments in India at that time under these
Pala Dynasty Kings, who embraced and protected the Buddhist ideals. The
successive kings established many Buddhist temples. The Vikrashiya temple in
the Bihar State of northern India and the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara were built
under the second King Dharmapala. It is said that when Buddhism was the
prevailing religion in the area, practicing Buddhist monks gathered in their
endeavours for enlightenment, but Buddhism itself was gradually being forced
out by the increasing influence of the Hinduism and it started to show signs of
decline.
Evidence of the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in Bengal from the 7th century
onwards, this monastery, known as Somapura Mahavira, the Great Monastery,
was a renowned intellectual centre until the 17th century. Its layout perfectly
adapted to its religious function, this monastery-city represents a unique artistic
achievement which influenced Buddhist architecture as far away as Cambodia,
with its simple and harmonious lines and its many carved decorations.
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The monastery is distinguished by its unique uniform style of architecture. The
terracotta plaques of musicians, snake charmers and animal, etc., decorating the
outer walls of the temple depict the life of common people who lived a thousand
years ago.
Then with the advancing influence of the Islam from the last part of the 12th
century to the 13th century, the Buddhism in this area reached its point of
devastation. The ruins of the Buddhist Vihara were discovered by Buchanan
Hamilton, who visited the site in the early 19th century whilst surveying this
area for the East India Company. After that Alexander Cunningham, the first
Director of the Archaeological Survey of India and often called "the father of
the Indian Archaeology", had a plan to excavate the Vihara in 1879, but the
landlord did not give him his permission.
In 1923 the excavation was started at last by the initiative of the Archaeological
Survey of India. This excavation continued until 1934 and the devoted work of
K. N. Dikshit, one of the senior officers of the Survey, and others achieved the
tremendous result to clarify the whole structure of the Vihara. Continued
excavation and conservation activities showed that the degradation was
becoming a problem, so the Government of Bangladesh started to request
assistance and contribution to such kinds of activities from international
resources. At the 21st UNESCO General Conference held in November 1980, a
resolution was adopted to take up the ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur
and the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat, Bangladesh, as target heritage sites
for the UNESCO's international campaign to safeguard the cultural heritage. In
accordance with this decision a UNESCO mission visited Bangladesh from
February through March 1982 with the support of the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP) and a master plan for the conservation of both
heritage sites was completed in 1983. The international safeguarding campaign
officially commenced in 1985 when Paharpur Buddhist Vihara was included in
the World Heritage List.
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Satyapir Bhita
Satyapir Bhita (near Paharpur) is situated at a distance of about 365m to
the east of the monastery at Paharpur, under Badalgachi upazila of Naogaon
district. The present name of Satyapir Bhita seems to have originated not earlier
than the 16th or 17th century AD. The Bhita contains the remains of the temple
of Tara and a vast number of votive stupas of different sizes and shapes. Its
identity has been established by the discovery of about 50 circular terracotta
plaques in different places in the courtyard of the temple with a figure of an
eight handed goddess and inscribed with the Buddhist creed in 11th century
script. This figure represents one of the forms of Tara, possibly Shitatapatra.
There appears to be
an enclosure wall
around the whole
group of monuments
excepting the north,
where it could not be
traced out. The site
looks like trapezoidal
in shape, as the
length is about 76m
to 91m and the width
43m to 57m. The
approach to the
whole area and also
to the main temple
was on the south. Satyapir Bhita, Paharpur
The outstanding structure in the compound is the main temple, 15m in
width and 24m in length. It is oblong and consisted of two main parts. The
sanctum is in the northern portion and a pillared hall on the south around which
there is the circumambulatory path. The internal arrangements of the hall are not
quite clear.
There are about 132 votive shrines in the temple complex. The existence
of such a vast number of votive structures of various sizes, designs, and
ornamentations around the temple testifies its fame and sanctity. Of all the
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stupas discovered in the compound, an ornamental square stupa in the
southeastern corner, measuring 3m each side, is lying in a conspicuous position
near the main temple. In this stupa a relic chamber, measuring Im square, has
been found, in which miniature votive clay stupas numbering several thousands
were deposited. It appears that the pilgrims when visiting the Tara temple must
have solemnly offered these miniature tokens of their reverence and deposited
them in the stupa.
The principal antiquities discovered at the Satyapir Bhita are terracotta plaques,
carved bricks and a quantity of semi-precious stone beads. In addition to these,
some Tara images, a bronze statuette of Jambhala have also been recovered
from the site.
In the beginning of the 12th century the temple, affected earlier by the invasion
of the Vanga army, was renovated by Vipulashrimitra of the Nalanda
inscription. A Muslim period brick structure in dilapidated condition was
noticed on the ruins of the temple.
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Somapura Mahavihara
Somapura Mahavihara in
Paharpur, Naogaon, Bangladesh
(25°1'51.83"N, 88°58'37.15"E) is among
the best known Buddhistviharas in the
Indian Subcontinent and is one of the
most important archeological sites in the
country. It was designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1985.
Architecture
The quadrangular structure
consists of 177 cells and a traditional Buddhist stupa in the center. The rooms
were used by the monks for accommodation and meditation. In addition to the
large number of stupas and shrines of various sizes and shapes, terracotta
plaques, stone sculptures, inscriptions, coins, ceramics etc. have been
discovered.
The site houses the architectural remains of a vast Buddhist monastery,
Somapura Mahavihara, covering 27 acres (110,000 m2). It was an important
intellectual centre for Dharmic Traditions such as Buddhists (Buddha Dharma),
Jains (Jaina Dharma), and Hindus (Sanatana Dharma) alike. The 21 acre
(85,000 m²) complex has 177 cells, viharas, numerous stupas, temples, and a
number of other ancillary buildings. The outside walls with ornamental
terracotta palques still display the influence of these three religions.
In terms of acreage, Somapura was the largest of the mahaviharas. It was
also quite unusual architecturally. As one scholar described, the complex was
dominated by a temple, which was not typical, and further, the temple had
"none of the characteristic features of Indian temple architecture, but is strongly
reminiscent of Buddhist temples of Burma, Java and Cambodia, reproducing the
cruciform basement, terraced structure with inset chambers and gradually
dwindling pyramid form . . During the age of the Palas some sort of intercourse
between eastern India and south-east Asia existed. . But how this temple type,
represented in India by this solitary example, became the standard of Buddhist
temple architecture is not known."Another commented, "there can be no doubt
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that this style of architecture has most profoundly influenced that of Burma,
Java and Cambodia. The nearest approximation to the plan and the
superstructure of the Paharpur temple is afforded by the temples known as
Chandi Loro Jongrang and Chandi Sevu of Prambanam in Central Java."
Gallery
Somapura Mahavihara Bottom of Central Shrine
First level plinth at Somapura Mahavihara.
Structures in Somapura Mahavihara complex
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History
A number of monasteries grew up during the Pāla period in ancient
Bengal and Magadha. According to Tibetan sources, five great Mahaviharas
stood out: Vikramashila, the premier university of the era; Nalanda, past its
prime but still illustrious, Somapura Mahavihara, Odantapurā, and Jaggadala.
The five monasteries formed a network; "all of them were under state
supervision" and their existed "a system of co-ordination among them . . . it
seems from the evidence that the different seats of Buddhist learning that
functioned in eastern India under the Pāla were regarded together as forming a
network, an interlinked group of institutions," and it was common for great
scholars to move easily from position to position among them.
The excavation at Paharpur, and the finding of seals bearing the
inscription Shri-Somapure-Shri-Dharmapaladeva-Mahavihariyarya-bhiksu-
sangghasya, has identified the Somapura Mahavihara as built by the second
Pala king Dharmapala (circa 781-821) of Pāla Dynasty. Some clay seals from
the ruins bear the inscription Shri-Somapure-Shri-Dharmapaladeva-
Mahavihariyarya-bhiksu-sangghasya. Tibetan sources, including Tibetan
translations of Dharmakayavidhi and Madhyamaka Ratnapradipa, Taranatha's
history and Pag-Sam-Jon-Zang, mention that Dharmapala's successor Devapala
(circa 810—850) built it after his conquest of Varendra. The Paharpur pillar
inscription bears the mention of 5th regnal year of Devapala's successor
Mahendrapala (circa 850—854) along with the name of Bhiksu Ajayagarbha.
Taranatha's Pag Sam Jon Zang records that the monastery was repaired and
renovated during the reign of Mahipala (circa 995—1043 AD).
The Nalanda inscription of Vipulashrimitra records that the monastery
was destroyed by fire, which also killed Vipulashrimitra's ancestor
Karunashrimitra, during a conquest by the Vanga army in the 11th century,
assumed to be an army of the Varman rulers. About a century later
Vipulashrimitra renovated the vihara and added a temple of Tara. The
restoration work was alluded to as jagatang netraika vishrama bhuh (a singular
feast to the eyes of the world).
Atisha Dipankar Srijnan stayed here for many years and translated the
Madhyamaka Ratnapradipa into Tibetan. Over time Atish's spiritual preceptor,
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Ratnakara Shanti served as a sthavira of the vihara, Mahapanditacharya
Bodhibhadra served as a resident monk, and several other scholars spent some
part of their lives at this monastery including Kalamahapada, Viryendra and
Karunashrimitra. Many Tibetan monks visited the Somapura between 9th and
12th centuries.
During the rule of the Sena dynasty, known as Karnatadeshatagata
Brahmaksatriya, in the second half of the 12th century the vihara started to
decline for the last time. It was finally abandoned during the 13th century, when
the area came under Muslim occupation. One scholar writes, "The ruins of the
temple and monasteries at Pāhāpur do not bear any evident marks of large-scale
destruction. The downfall of the establishment, by desertion or destruction,
must have been sometime in the midst of the widespread unrest and
displacement of population consequent on the Muslim invasion."
Excavation and UNESCO designation
Distant view of the Central shrine Somapura Mahavihara
Somapura was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Since then,
a series of UNESCO missions has regularly visited the site and helped with the
project. Moreover, the UN body also prepared a master plan, involving 5.6
million dollars.
Threats to the site
The various terracotta artworks within the site have suffered from serious
damage as a result of "lack of proper maintenance, shortage of manpower, fund
constraint, and heavy rainfall." Furthermore, poor water drainage in the site
accompanied by high levels of salinity in the soils has also contributed to decay
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the terracotta sculptures. Other threats include uncontrolled vegetation,
vandalism, climatic conditions, and public trespassing and encroachment.
Travel
Sompur Bihar at Paharpur is about 270 km by road from Dhaka and it
will take about 6 hours to reach Paharpur by bus/taxi/private car if no major
stoppage is made along the way. If one starts from Dhaka, the route shall be
Dhaka - Savar - Chandra - Tangail - Jamuna Bridge - Hatikamrul - Bogra -
Joypurhat - Paharpur. The best way to tour the site is to first reach Bogra visit
Mahasthangarh, stay at Parjatan Hotel at night, and then hire a taxi to go to
Paharpur via Joypurhat on the next day. Sompur Bihar is about 68 km from
Bogra via Joypurhat and it will take about two hours to reach the site by taxi.
Choto Sona Mosque
One of the most graceful monuments of the Sultanate period is the
Chhota Sona Masjid or Small Golden Mosque at Gaur in Rajshahi Built by
one Wali Muhammad during.
The reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493 -1519).
Originally it was roofed over with 15 gold-gilded domes including the 3
Chauchala domes in the middle row, from which it derives its curious name.
Conclusion
Amongst the division of Bangladesh Rajshahi is the most peaceful &
beautiful division. Many ancient cultural sign spread all over this division. This
region is an important part of golden era of this nation. An ancient seat of
learning Paharpur & the oldest archeological site Masthangarh proved that.
Rajshahi is the capital of the Rajshahi division, one of the six administrative
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divisions in Bangladesh. Rajshahi municipality established in 1876, one of the
first in Bangladesh. Rajshahi is located near many ancient capitals of Bengal,
notably 'Lakhnoiti' or 'Lokhnaboti' and 'Pundra'. Rajshahi is home to many
educational institutes, and often referred to in Bangladesh as 'education city'. It
is famous for pure silk, mango, and lichi. Attractive silk products are cheaper in
Rajshahi and are often referred to as the 'silk city'. There are also a number
ancient mosques, shrines, and temples in and around Rajshahi. The city of
Rajshahi was declared as the happiest city in the world by the World Happiness
Survey in 2006. The socio cultural history of this division attracts the historian
& tourist very much.
References:
http://www.banglapedia.org
http://www.virtualbangladesh.com
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.bengaliwiki.com
http://amardesh.com
http://www.bangladesh.com
http://travel.mapsofworld.com/bangladesh/rajshahi-tourist-
attractions
http://www.buddhanet.net
http://wikitravel.org/en/Rajshahi_Division
http://www.tourismbd.com
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