Mohasthan Garh is an ancient settlement in Bangladesh that dates back to the 4th century. It is a hidden gem tucked away from modern life’s hustle and bustle.
This ancient city has a rich history that predates many surrounding civilizations and this can be seen by exploring it’s ruins.
Mahasthangarh.
The Ancient City of Mohasthan Garh, is an archaeological site with historical significance. The city was once a mighty fortress during the 4th century B.C.
It is believed to be the earliest known urban settlement in the Indian subcontinent. It served as the capital city of Pundravardhana, one of the 16 mahajanapadas that existed during ancient times.
Archaeologists have identified Mohasthan Garh as a place of great importance due to its strategic location between Bengal and Magadha in India which gave it control over valuable trade routes connecting both countries.
The ruins of this ancient city reveal several structures, including temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, residential buildings from multiple periods, and numerous artifacts from various cultures and civilizations.
History: Prehistoric Settlement.
The ancient city of Mohasthan Garh has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. It is believed that Mohasthan Garh served as an important military stronghold for the Mauryan Empire during their rule over this region.
Archaeological excavations have revealed several remains from the prehistoric period at Mohasthan Garh. These include various structures such as a citadel and fortress walls and evidence of several civilizations, including Greek coins, terracotta figurines, pottery shards, and other artifacts belonging to Buddhist stupa sites.
All of these provide clues about the lifestyle and culture of those who inhabited this settlement centuries ago.
Archaeological Discovery: 1984 Excavation.
In 1984, a remarkable archaeological discovery was made at the historical site of Mohasthan Garh. The excavation uncovered significant artifacts that date back to the 3rd century B.C.
These artifacts shed light on the rich history of this ancient site and provide valuable insight into its past inhabitants.
Mohasthan Garh is located in the Bogra district, near the Indian border. It was once a significant center for trade, with evidence found suggesting it was inhabited by various empires, including Maurya, Gupta, and Pala empires.
The artifacts discovered during excavations included coins bearing inscriptions from these dynasties, pottery, terracotta figurines, and jewelry, indicating an advanced level of craftsmanship prevailing at the time period.
Ancient Ruins: Uncovering Lost History.
The ancient ruins of Mohasthan Garh give us a unique opportunity to uncover an ancient civilization’s lost history and culture.
The remains of this fort city are believed to be from the 3rd century B.C. when the region was part of Pundravardhana. It is one of the earliest archaeological sites in Bangladesh, which shows evidence of urban planning and elaborate water management systems.
Excavations at Mohasthan Garh have uncovered many artifacts, including coins dating back to the 4th century B.C., terracotta plaques depicting religious scenes, pottery shards, jewelry pieces, and other items that provide insight into life during this era.
These discoveries offer valuable information about the craftsmanship and artistry used by people living here centuries ago.
Cultural Significance: Historical Influence.
Mohasthan Garh is a small town that has held an important cultural and historical significance since the 4th century. It is located in the Natore district of Rajshahi Division, on the western banks of the Atrai River.
The town has evidence of its ancient existence, including eight gateways and ten stupas believed to have been built during the Buddhist era by Emperor Ashoka from India.
The most remarkable feature of Mohasthan Garh is its astonishing archaeological structures, making it one of Bangladesh’s most significant tourist attractions today. The city covers an area of almost 2 km squared and still preserves many remains from its glorious past.
Among these are:
- Temple ruins.
- Tanks with steps leading down to them.
- Terracotta plaques depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, such as Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Modern Facilities: Preserving the Sites Heritage
Mohasthan Garh has fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect and damage caused by natural calamities so to preserve this important heritage site, the Bangladesh Archaeology Department has launched a five-year project to restore Mohasthan Garh to its former glory.
The project includes building modern facilities such as visitor centers, pathways, and gardens designed to showcase the archaeological finds from different periods of history at Mohasthan Garh.
Conservation efforts for existing structures have also been implemented to ensure the preservation of these sites for future generations.
Conclusion.
The ancient city of Mohasthan Garh, located in the present-day district of Bogra is an important archaeological site that provides insight into the past.
It is believed to have been one of the most prosperous cities in Bengal between 300 B.C. and 1200 A.D. The ruins of this once-flourishing city offer a glimpse into its glorious past and provide invaluable information about its history and culture.
The remains at Mohasthan Garh include several impressive structures such as temples, palaces, gates, fortifications, and other artifacts dating back centuries.
Excavations have revealed that there were three significant periods in which the city was inhabited – the Mauryan period (300 BC to 100 AD), the Gupta period (200 AD to 500 AD), and the Pala period (500 AD to 1200 AD).
Sources: THX News, Visit World Heritage & Wikipedia.
