Mahasthangarh, Bogra, Bangladesh
Documentary of Historical Places in Bangladesh
Mahasthangarh, Shibganj, Bogra, Bangladesh
Mahasthangarh, Shibganj, Bogra, Bangladesh
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| Mahasthangarh, Shibganj, Bogra, Bangladesh |
History of Mahasthangarh :-
Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড় Môhasthangôṛ) is one of the earliest urban archaeological sites so far discovered in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana 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 medieval ruins, the mazhar (holy tomb) of Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar built at the 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.
Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড় Môhasthangôṛ) is one of the earliest urban archaeological sites so far discovered in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana 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 medieval ruins, the mazhar (holy tomb) of Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar built at the 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.
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| Mahasthangarh, Shibganj, Bogra, Bangladesh |
Etymology of Mahasthangarh :-
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 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 of Mahasthangarh :-
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 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.
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| Portion of the ramparts of Mahasthangarh |
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 metres (118 ft) above sea level, whereas Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is around 6 metres (20 ft) above sea level. Another reason for choosing this place was the position and size of the Karatoya, which as recently as in the 13th century was three times wider than Ganges. 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 of Mahasthangarh :-
Several personalities contributed to the discovery and identification of the ruins at Mahasthangarh. Francis Buchanan Hamilton was the first to locate and visit Mahasthangarh in 1808, C.J.O'Donnell, E.V.Westmacott, and Beveridge followed. Alexander Cunningham was the first to identify the place as the capital of Pundravardhana. He visited the site in 1879.
Several personalities contributed to the discovery and identification of the ruins at Mahasthangarh. Francis Buchanan Hamilton was the first to locate and visit Mahasthangarh in 1808, C.J.O'Donnell, E.V.Westmacott, and Beveridge followed. Alexander Cunningham was the first to identify the place as the capital of Pundravardhana. He visited the site in 1879.
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| Ramparts of Mahasthangarh |
Citadel of Mahasthangarh :-
The citadel (see map alongside), the fortified heart of the ancient city, is rectangular in plan, measuring roughly 1.523 kilometres (0.946 mi) long from north to south, and 1.371 kilometres (0.852 mi) from east to west, with high and wide ramparts in all its wings. Area of the citadel is approximately 185 ha. 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 (36–43 ft) 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 which, according to legends, has 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.
Suburb of the citadel of Mahasthangarh :-
The citadel (see map alongside), the fortified heart of the ancient city, is rectangular in plan, measuring roughly 1.523 kilometres (0.946 mi) long from north to south, and 1.371 kilometres (0.852 mi) from east to west, with high and wide ramparts in all its wings. Area of the citadel is approximately 185 ha. 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 (36–43 ft) 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 which, according to legends, has 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.
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| Karatoya River by the Mahasthangarh |
Besides the fortified area, there are around a hundred mounds spread over an area with a radius of 9 km.
Excavated Mounds :
- Gobhindo Bhita, a temple close to the north-eastern corner of the citadel.
- Khulnar Dhap, a temple 1 km north of the citadel.
- Mangalkot, a temple 400m south of Khulnar Dhap.
- Godaibari Dhap, a temple 1 km south of Khulnar Dhap.
- Totaram Panditer Dhap, a monastery 4 km north-west of the citadel.
- Noropotir Dhap (Vashu Bihara), a group of monasteries 1 km north-west of Totaram Ponditer Dhap (said to be the place where Po-shi-po Bihara mentioned by Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang) was located).
- Gokul Medh (Lokhindorer Bashor Ghor), a temple 3 km south of the citadel.
- Shkonder Dhap, a temple 2 km south-east of Gokul Medh.
Major unexcavated Mounds :
- Shiladebir Ghat.
- Chunoru Dighi Dhap.
- Kaibilki Dhap.
- Juraintala.
- Poroshuramer Shobhabati.
- Balai Dhap.
- Prochir Dhibi.
- Kanchir Hari Dhibi.
- Lohonar Dhap.
- Khujar Dhap.
- Doshatina Dhap.
- Dhoniker Dhap.
- Mondirir Dorgah.
- Bishmordana Dhibi.
- Malinar Dhap.
- Malpukuria Dhap.
- Jogir Dhap.
- Podmobhatir Dhap.
- Kanai Dhap.
- Dulu Mojhir Bhita.
- Podda Debhir Bhita.
- Rastala Dhap.
- Shoshitola Dhap.
- Dhonbandhor Dhap.
- Chader Dhap.
- Shindinath Dhap.
- Shalibahon Rajar Kacharibari Dhipi.
- Kacher Angina.
- Mongolnather Dhap.
- ChhoutoTengra/ Babur Dhap/ Kethar Dhap.
- Boro Tengra/ Shonyashir Dhap.
Excavations of Mahasthangarh :-
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.
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.
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| Gokul Medh of The Mahasthangarh |
Movable Antiquities of Mahasthangarh :-
The excavations have led to the recovery of a large number of items, a few of which are listed here.
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, 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.
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, 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 :-
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
Mankalir Dhap :
terracotta plaques, bronze Ganesha, bronze Garuda etc. were discovered. Base ruins of a 15-domed mosque
(15th–16th century) was revealed.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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.
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| The Museum of Mahasthangarh |
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, 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 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 billed 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 the
enclose 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. 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 bill 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.
Threats to Mahasthangarh :-
In a 2010 report titled Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, Global Heritage Fund identified Mahasthangarh as one of 12 worldwide sites most "On the Verge" of irreparable loss and damage, citing insufficient management (poor water drainage in particular) and looting as primary causes.
Anecdote of Mahasthangarh :-
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 2000 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.
In a 2010 report titled Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, Global Heritage Fund identified Mahasthangarh as one of 12 worldwide sites most "On the Verge" of irreparable loss and damage, citing insufficient management (poor water drainage in particular) and looting as primary causes.
Anecdote of Mahasthangarh :-
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 2000 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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