Another significant archaeological discovery has emerged in the Lalmai Hills of Cumilla, as excavation teams uncover what appears to be an ancient site in Balagazi Mura, located in the village of Bara Dharmapur—approximately 12 kilometers from the well-known Shalban Bihar.
The site was identified in an area known as Charabari, adjacent to the Cumilla-Noakhali regional highway. On-site excavation, currently led by the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology, has revealed a section of an ancient wall approximately six feet wide, constructed from large historic bricks. Officials and workers were seen actively engaged at the location yesterday afternoon.
Preliminary assessments by the archaeological team suggest that the structure may date back to the same period as other prominent Buddhist monastic complexes in the region, including Shalban Bihar, Ananda Bihar, Bhoj Bihar, Itakhola, and Rupban Mura.
Dr. Nahid Sultana, Regional Director of the Department of Archaeology for Chittagong and Sylhet, noted the historical relevance of the site. “Balagazi Mura was declared a protected archaeological site about 80 years ago due to its heritage value. This year’s excavation is part of our routine exploration program,” she stated.
With formal excavation now underway, researchers hope the site will yield further insights into the religious, cultural, and architectural history of early Bengal civilization, particularly during the Pala period.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
