Mahasthangarh

Mahasthangarh

Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh. It dates back to 700 BCE and was the ancient capital of the Pundra Kingdom. Mahasthangarh is the earliest urban archaeological site 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.

Paharpur

Paharpur

The Somapura Vihara is a Buddhist Monastery dating from the late 8th century. It is located in Paharpur, in the northwest of Bangladesh. It is said to be the second largest single Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas. It was made a WHS as a tribute to the Pala dynasty that ruled Bengal and Bihar for 3-5 centuries from the middle of the 8th century. Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. Anyone can go to Paharpur from Jaipur district. Its only 10 km from Jaipur. King Dhammapala established Paharpur Buddhist Monastery in 7th century. From the readings of the sealings we came to know that its original name was Sompura (the abode of the moon) Mahavihara (great monastery) which was built by Pal King Dhammapala in century 770-810 A.D. It was burnt and destroyed by the Patihari Intruders during the time of weak successors of King Devapala in century 810-855 A.D.

INTRODUCTION

Bangladesh was once rearing land of Buddhism. Its evidences are still found in various architectural remains of temples and monasteries with large number of Buddha images relics, copper and stood plates discovered from different places of this land.
In fact Buddhism was prevailed In Bangladesh during the time of Buddha himself. According to the descriptions of ancient Buddhist Literature like Anguttar Nikaya, Samjukta Nikaya, Divyabadan, Asokabadon and Avadankalpalata lord buddha come to the different parts of Bangladesh and stayed in Pundrabardhan ( today North Bengal ) Samatat (Presentday Chittagong, Noakhali and Sout-eastern Bengal ) and Karnasubarna (Now Murshidabad ) for several weeks with a view to propagating his noble religion. Moreover some of the closed disciples of Lord Buddha were the inhabitants of Bangladesh. Among them 'Bangla' and 'Bangantaputta' were prominent. They were named so as their birthplace was Bangalai . e. Bangladesh.
              According to 'Divvabadan' once buddha ame to Pundarabardan (now norhen Bangladesh) on an invitation of a pious lady named Sumagada, daughter of great millionaire Anathapindada of Sravasthi (now in Uttarpradesh) who was famous in the history of Buddhism for his benevolence. It may be mentioned herethat Sumagada was married to a rich merchant of Pundrabardan. A legendary says Lord Buddha has a short rest at Chakrasala, haidgaon, Chittagong while he was visiting the different places of ' Jambudwipa' (greater India) by his extraordinary super power (Riddhi) attained through meditation.