More features of post-Gupta period found in Panchagarh

The ongoing excavation by the teachers and students of the Department of General Education of the University of Liberal Arts has brought to light some interesting features of post Gupta period structures at Bhitargarh archaeological site in Panchagarh district. 

Remains of a 1300-year-old temple were found during excavation at Bhitargarh archaeological site in Panchagarh district recently [Credit: STAR]

A team of the department headed by Prof Dr Shahnaz Husne Jahan started an archaeological excavation in the country's largest fortified ancient city Bhitargarh in 2008 aiming at finding out the history of the protected archaeological site. 

The team earlier found a cruciform temple of post Gupta period along with other artefacts like copper and iron made objects and a black stone made statue of goddess 'Manasa', said Dr Shahnaz. 

Recently found brick built structures belong to a temple of 7th centaury AD but the construction technology was different from other fortified cities like Mohasthangarh in Bogra, said Dr Shahnaj. 

“We have found that the 25-square-kilometre city was independent and it was the part of 'Kamrup state' in India. The city was protected by four fortified walls, which is only one of its kind in the country," she said. 

"The people constructed three stone embankments on the Shalmara River in the city to irrigate. Our research findings show that they also developed themselves in engineering and technologically. 

The city people maintained good business relations with Mohasthangarh city as well as different places in India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and some other South Asian countries through rivers, she said. 

"The existing pond in the city is an exceptional one because of its brick built bank." 

The team will continue their excavation till April and it will start again in September this year, said Dr Shahnaz. 

Source: The Daily Star [March 13, 2012]