Situated between the Indian
subcontinent, Southeast Asia and southeastern China, the fertile plains of
Bengal have been the crossing point of traders and religious pilgrims for
centuries. Today Bangladesh presents an array of cultural traditions, with the remains
of Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic structures dotting a green and vibrant
landscape.
Bangladesh is among the best-known
Buddhist viharas in the Indian Subcontinent and Somapura Mahavihara is one of
the most important archaeological sites in the country. It was designated as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The
site was first noticed by Buchanon Hamilton in course of his survey in Eastern
India between 1807 and 1812. Westmacott next visited it. Sir Alexander
Cunningham visited the place in 1879. Cunningham intended to carry out an
extensive excavation in the mound. But he was prevented by zamindar of Balihar,
the owner of the land. So he had to be satisfied with limited excavation in a
small part of the monastic area and top of the central mound. In the latter area,
he 'discovered the ruins of a square tower of 6.70m (22 ft) side with a
projection in the middle of each side'. The site was declared to be protected
by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1919 under the Ancient Monuments
Preservation Act of 1904.
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