Mahasthangarh
Type: History & Culture
Contributed By: Nayeem
Brief
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 inPrakrit 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.
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.
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.
How to go
At first Bogra is to be reached from Dhaka.
How To Reach: Bogra District
1. T.R Travels: Fast Trip-7.00 am/Last Trip-11.30 pm in every 30 minutes. Gabtoli -01191-494865, Mohakhali- 01191-494866
2. Shamoli Paribahan: 1st trip-6:00 am to Last trip-1:00 am Every 1 hour. Asadgate 02-9123471, Kalabagan 01711130862, Saydabad 01712-596940,
3. S.R travels: First trip – 7:30 am, last trip – 11:30 pm.After every 30 minutes. Gabtoli-02-8011226, Uttara-01552315318
4. Hanif Enterprise: Dhaka Bus Stand Phone: 051-60940, 60803, 01911-560882
Train No Name Off Day From Departure To Arrival
713 Karotoa Express No Bogra 5:09:00 PM Burimari 8:30:00 PM
714 Karotoa Express No Bogra 11:34:00 PM Santahar 12:30:00 AM
751 Lalmoni Express Friday Bogra 5:18:00 AM Lalmanirhat 8:20:00 AM
752 Lalmoni Express Friday Bogra 1:38:00 PM Dhaka 9:10:00 PM
767 Dolanchapa express No Bogra 2:25:00 PM Dinajpur 8:30:00 PM
768 Dolanchapa express No Bogra 11:23:00 AM Santahar 12:20:00 PM
771 Rangpur Express Sunday Bogra 3:45:00 PM Rangpur 7:00:00 PM
772 Rangpur Express Sunday Bogra 11:08:00 PM Dhaka 06.15 AM
Where to Stay
Accommodation facilities in Bogra are pretty good and one can find four star hotels in this part of Bangladesh. Here are some names of the renowned accommodation service available here:
1. Hotel Naz Garden– Shilimpur 051-62468
2. Hotel Akbaria– kazi Nazrul Islam Sorok 0171-617-9982
3. Parjatan Motel– Bonani Mor 051-66753Here are some details about hotel, click here
Name of Hotels in Bogra City:
1. Hotel Al Amin, Nawabbari Road
2. Motel North Way, Sherpur Road
3. Hotel Royal Palace, Uposhohor
4. Parjatan Motel, Banani, Bogra
5. Hotel Akbaria, Thana Road
6. Hotel Sunview, Sherpur Road
7. Hotel Safeway, Santahar Road
8. Hotel Raj Moni, Bogra Raza Bazar
9. Hotel Honey Day,Boro Mosjid Lane
10. Hotel Aziz, Kobi Nazrul Islam Road
Things to do
There are many sightseeing places there. Close the fortress there are many excavated and un excavated mounds there.
The excavated mounds inside the fortress area
Bairagir Bitha-The construction took place in 4 eras. The excavation have disclosed some base remains of temples. It was able to restore 2 sculptured sand stone pillars.
Khodarapathar Bitha- Stones engraved with the sublime Buddha and the followers in Anjali were restored.
Parsuramer Prasad-It contains remnants of 3 periods
1.8th Century findings has stone of Visnupatta during Pala period.
- 15-16th century contains some lustrous fragment of Muslim origin.
- Between 1835 and 1853 2 coins of British East India Company were found.
Mankalir Dip –Some remnants which were identified there are terracotta plaques, bronze Ganesh, bronze Garuda were identified base remnants of the 15 domed mosque.
The excavated mounds outside the fortress are
Govinda Bitha- It is situated on opposite of site museum. From 3rd to 15th century remnants of 2 temples have been disclosed.
Totaram Panditer Dhap-It is located in village of Paharpur. Architectural remnants of a destroyed monastery have been found.
Gokul Medh: People also know it as Behular Basar Ghar or Lakshindarer Medh. It is located 3km to south of Bogra-Rangpur Road in Village Gokul. It disclosed a terraced platform with 172 rectangular cells.
Skander Dhap: It is located on village Baghapur 3.5km to south of the fortress area on Rangpur Bogra Highway. A sandstone named Kartika was found there and a sandstone was exposed.
Khulnar Dhap: Named after Khullana spouse of Chand Sagar it is located in village Chengispur m west of north-west corner of the fortress area.
Bhimer Jangal: It stems from north east of Bogra and advances towards north to a place named Damukdharer bit. This place has more of a military feature that is protect the country from east.
Jogir Bhaban: It is located 3miles on west of khetlal road in Bagtahali. The holy places there are located in south east corner of an area.
Arora: It is located in Arora village and it stands on Masandighi.
Teghar: It is located in north of Chadina hat.
Rojakpur: While advancing west from Gokul to Haripur a traveler had to pass through west arm of the latter village. In Bogra khetlal road close to Chadnia hat, West Haripur and on south of Somrai Bil we can find the village of Rojakpur.
Mathura: Located on east Bumanpara it extends to the east garh. The village Mathura is located on the north.
Mahastangarh museum: It is small and well preserved museum inside Mahasthangarh. It consists of affluent surroundings. Statues of hindu gods, terracotta plaques and some well restored bronze images which are usually from Pala period. The gardens there are lucrative. It is closed on Sunday and Monday mornings and each day lunch break is from 12:30-2:30pm.The main entrance is close to the fortress area.
Eating Facilities
You can go to local restaurants or shops nearby if you feel hungry. It is recommended that you carry their own food.
