Let’s step forward to North Bengal: Explore some Stories about Mohasthangarh
Mohasthangarh - the place which was a capital of ancient Bengal once up on a time in history. Among many other archeological and historical sites, Mohasthangarh was one of the most ancient and cultural spots of the Bengal. It is situated in the Rajshahi division, just 13 km away from another important city, Bogura and under the area of Shibgong Thana and at the bank of the famous river Karotoa. It was a part of the Ancient Bengal, named “Pundrobordhon”.
Among many other settlements, the most prosperous one was this “Pundrobordhon”. It was an important city of ancient Mauryan Empire in India (Timeline: 321 B.C. to 185 B.C.). The capital of Pundrobardhon was the Pundranagar and afterwards the name became “ Mohasthangarh”. Our exploration of today is about it.
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Gate way to Archeoloogical Meuseum, Mohasthangarh |
Famous Tale about Mohasthangarh:
This
garh/ fort remained unprotected during the reign of Lakshman Sen, the last king
of the Sen dynasty. At that time, Nala was the king of Mahasthangarh. But he
had a dispute with his brother. At that time, a Brahman came to this place. He
came here from Srikhetra in the Deccan of India to atone for his sins. He was
accused of killing his mother with an axe. He tactfully became the king himself
in the name of resolving the dispute between the two brothers. In history, he
was known as Parashurama, but his real name was Rama.
But
after becoming king, he emerged as a tyrannical ruler. When the people of the
area became angry with his tyranny, a saint with spiritual power came here. His
name was Hazrat Shah Sultan Mahmud Balkhi (Rh.)
According
to legend, he came to Mahasthangarh in a fish-shaped boat (according to other
accounts, on the back of a fish), crossing the then-massive Karatoa River. That
is why his other name is Mahisawar, which means one who climbs on the back of a
fish. He came from the city of Balkhi in present-day Afghanistan. He was able
to make many followers in the area.
When
he came to Mahasthangarh and started preaching Islam, he had a dispute with the
local king Parashuram for his preaching Islam and the people conversion into
Islam which enraged him. King Parasurama couldn’t take it easy that all his
people would be converted into Islam. This escalated his fear more when he had
found that his own official Harapal had converted himself into Islam and
welcomed and accepted Balkhi’s Islamic missionary. Parashurama became vengeful
to Balkhi. Therefore, to stop it, at some point of that time (BC.1205-1220 CE),
a war broke out between them and Parashurama was defeated and killed in the
battle.
Mohasthan Garh’s familiarity with ancient history:
Erected
by 2500 years, Mohasthangarh was actually famous education center for the
Buddhists learners. There are two words in Mohasthangarh- (Mohasthan+Garh).
Mohasthan denotes a place of purity and Garh means fort. It was a place of
secured purity. Many Chinese and Tibetic Buddhist monks and nun used to come
here to get the knowledge and spread themselves for the preaching activities. A
famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang described about Mohasthangarh in his travel
stories.
It
was an important region of Bengal during the time of the Maurya, Gupta, Pala
and Sena kings. It was also important during the Muslim rule. But now only the
ruins remain. However, the mahagathbandhan is still standing. It is currently
maintained by the Department of Archaeology. In the year 2016, It was announced
as the cultural capital of SAARC.
Also Read: Tours and travels destination: Have you ever Been there? If not, let's go and explore right now !
One
of the reasons for the development of the city here is that it is one of the
highest areas in Bangladesh. At an elevation of 36 meters above sea level, the
area is naturally flood-free.
A
wall surrounds the castle. Within the walled city there are archaeological
artifacts of various periods. The fort, located in the center of the city, is
rectangular from the top. It is 1.523 km north-south and 1.371 km east-west.The
fort wall is about 11to13 meters high from the surrounding area.
Mohasthangarh’s decaying and restoration history:
In
the fourteenth century, the importance of Mahasthangarh began to decline as
Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah, a historical reformer, and ruler; established a kingdom
called “Bangala” under his Sultanate dynasty comprising Gaur, Banga, Pundra,
Samatata and Harikela in a body. As a result, by the 15th century, the
population of Mahasthangarh decreased and it lost its former existence. Over
time, it becomes a ruin.
With
the passage of time and identity crisis along it, Mohasthangarh has been
unknown to the public for many years. It was first identified by Francis
Buchanan Hamilton- a Scottish Geographer and Zoologist in 1808. Later,
Alexander Cunningham, a British archaeologist, confirmed the ruins as the
ancient city of Pundranagar.
In
the year of 1928-29, the first archaeological excavation of Mahasthangarh began
under the supervision of prominent archeologist Kashinath Narayan Dixit, who
was then serving as the Director General
of the Archaeological Survey of India.
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Artefacts preserved in Museum. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Archaeological excavations in 1931 unearthed the Brahmi script, indicating that Emperor Ashoka helped the famine-stricken people. A little further north from Mahasthangarh you can see the Mahasthangarh Archaeological Museum.
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Artefacts preserved in Museum. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
It was established in 1967. Valuable things found during the excavation of Mahasthangarh are preserved here. These include idols of various Hindu and Buddhist deities, coins of different eras, memorabilia, earthenware, terracotta plaques, seals, inscriptions, self-defense weapons, precious ornaments, gold, silver, iron, bronze, copper and other precious metal items.
Let’s explore some famous spots in Mohasthangarh:
Hazrat Shah Sultan Mahmud Balkhi (Rh.)’s Mausoleum:
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Shah Sultan Mahmud Balkhi (Rh.) Mausoleum. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Situated at the south-east corner along of the fort-boundary. Many visitors visit the mausoleum for getting the mercy and salvations from almighty Allah. After visiting, many of them buy different kinds of sweetmeats from the nearer shops to celebrate their visits as it is normally available there. Flour made dry crispy items named “ Kotkoti” is famous item available there and visitors buy it hugely.
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Shah Sultan Mahmud Balkhi (Rh.) Mausoleum. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Porshurama’s Palace:
Porshurama’s
palace was anothermust visit attraction of Mohasthangarh. During Pala dynasty,
it is believed that the palace is built. But people called that building was
Porshurama’s palace. But whatever the truth, it is an important place to be
enjoyed. When you will visit it you must feel the intangible timelines of
Porshurama by your sixth sense!
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Raja Parashurama's ruined Palace.. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Gokul Medh or Behula-Lokkhindor’s nuptial chamber:
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Behula-Lokhindor's marriage Chamber in detail. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Shila devi’s ghat:
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Shila Devir Ghat. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Shila
devi was believed the daughter of emperor Porshurama. Shila devi used to go to
the ghat on the bank of Karatoa river. According to historian, it was said that
when Porshurama was defeated in the battle with Hazrat Shah Sultan Mahmud
Balkhi (Rh.), Shila devi, the daughter of Parshurama, slaughtered herself at
this ghat. Each year, many people from Hindu community take baths and worships
here as a devotion to her for their auspiciousness at this ghat. The ghat
(bathing place) is situated on the eastern side of the bank of the river-Karatoa.
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Shila Devir Ghat. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Veemer Jangal/ Veema’s causeway:
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Veemer Jangal. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
: It was actually an embankment Built by Emperor Veem. The embankment was also similar to see the Italian circular forts. It was believed that Emperor Veem built it to keep the city free from the outside enemies and to protect his city. According to another concept, it was said that this was built for protection from the flood water.
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Veemer Jangal. Courtesy: Vromon Guide |
Three
sides of Mohasthan garh is surrounded by this causeway and it is deployed on an
approximate area of 70 sq.km. of the north of district Bogura.
Vashu Vihara:
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Vashu Vihara. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Vashu Vihara is another attraction in this site. It is also called as Narapatir Dhap. It is constituted of five mounds. Three of which are large and other two are small. There were 6 rooms for monks there.
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Vashu Vihara. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
There
is an open space of the surroundinds of the Monk’s smallest room. Assumed that
there was an auditorium in the open space. Nearly 800 antics have been found
among which many precious statues, ornamental stones, clay lamps, vessel
fragments are remarkable. It actually gives a lost time’s new adventurous
exploring feelings.
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Vashu Vihara. Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Govinda Vita:
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Govinda Vita Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Its meaning is Lord Vishnu’s abode. It is located at the in front of the Mohasthangarh Musium. A temple is prevailing there. Many believe that there was a culture of Vaishnavism there. But it is not publicly accepted claim that vaisnavism was once traced there.
Khodar Pathor Vita:
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Khodar Pathor Vita Photo: www.exploringtoday.com |
Translated English name will be something like lord’s stone abode. Local People gave this usual name as at the top of the mound is a large granite plinth. It was found around 1970. During its excavation a temple revealed along with many minor archaeological artifacts. Among the carved stone blocks found here during excavation, three Buddha images sitting in the same row. Currently this is kept in the Varendra ResearchMuseum. Astonishing matter is that the majority remains of the structure are still buried under the ground and it requires still a long time to carefully identify the whole structure.
This
stone is a long smooth piece of stone. It is believed that king Porshurama used
it for the sacrifice purposes. Many Hindu women use it for bathing purpose
along with using milk and vermilion. Many people offer prayers while standing
on it and pouring milk on their feet.
Jiyot Kund/ Jointa Kuup:
It
is said that Parashuram's wounded soldiers used to recover by drinking water
from a well called Jiyat Kund. So Hazrat Shah Sultan Mahmud Balkhi (R. ) Throw
a piece of meat into this well through an eagle. And the water of the well has
lost its wonderful quality. As a result, Parashurama was defeated in the
battle.
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Jiyot Kup/ Jointa Kup Photo: www.exploringtoday.com
Guidelines
for reaching Mohasthangarh:
Guidelines
for reaching Mohasthangarh: If you want to start from the capital city Dhaka,
start your journey from Gabtoli bus stand or even from Abdullahpur bus stand.
Buy a bus ticket for Bogura District, a famous gateway for the North Bengal. It
will take 4.5 -5 hours for approx. 218 km. to reach depending upon traffic
condition on road. If you choose to travel by train from Kamalapur Railway
station, then buy a train ticket of Lalmony Express or or Rangpur Express.
After reaching Bogura’s “Haddipotti” or rail station you can easily reach Mohasthangarh
within 30-40 minutes either by a auto rickshaw or by local buses.
In
conclusion, I must inspire the travelers and explores to visit this famous
archeological and historical site to hear the whispers of the ancient saga.
Explore Mohasthangarh today as part of fulfilling your wanderlust. I hope it
must charm you to drive more explorations across the whole Bangladesh to find
out similar sites as Mohasthangarh..
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