Case studies Group A UNESCO Workshop July, 2013

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1 Case studies Group A UNESCO Workshop July, 2013 Roles of states, communities experts and NGO, in ICH safeguarding and mechanism of community involvement. (Mahasthan and its environs) Naheed Sultana Assistant Director Department of Archaeology Ministry of cultural affairs Government of Bangladesh

Introduction: Bangladesh is the largest delta in the world, stretching between the mighty Himalalayas on the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south.

2 Introduction: Bangladesh is the largest delta in the world, stretching between the mighty Himalalayas on the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south. It is, so to say, the gifts of the mightiest rivers like the Brahmaputra, Padma, Meghna and their numerous tributaries. The natural fertility of the soil of this region, its kind and generous climate, fabled riches attracted people from all over the world especially from the west. In one hand, the region is bestowed with alluvial plains stretching for miles and miles with bountiful crops of different kinds and hills and woods on the other have made the land extraordinary in the history of the world. The factors of climate and geography have profoundly influenced the extraordinary personality art and culture, architecture, dress, tradition and way of life of this region. Bangladesh is heir to a rich cultural legacy despite the various destructive attitudes of nature and man. If we look behind two thousand and five hundred years ago to the streams of the history, we find many splendid cities, magnificent palaces and buildings,

3 temples, stupas, mosques and mausoleum erected by various rulers and settlers of this country. There are thousands and thousands of archaeological objects, archaeological sites and antiquities, here and there throughout the country of 1,47,570 sq km. These archaeological remains of Bangladesh may be divided broadly into two categories, such as (1) the remains that were constructed during the Buddhist- Hindu - Buddhist regime (from 4 th century BC-12 th century AD) and (2) those constructed during the Muslim and British regime (13 th century AD -18 th century AD). Methodology: Local involvement is an essential element of successful archaeological site management as well as involvement with the intangible cultural heritage. Recognition of the role of the local community can make a great contribution in improving the present situation at Mahasthan archaeological site and its environs. As an archaeologist and Site Manager I have been participated in the archaeological excavations of Mahasthan and its hinterlands last 11 years. For this reason I could communicate with the local people and discussed with them. I talked to community people and mixed with them freely in various Mela (community congregations) and for years together I attended almost the religious get together held in this area of population. The religious and cultural festivals are largely attended by the community people and they gave me many important information from time to time not only about the archaeological sites and monuments but also covering all the intangible heritage thereof. These variable information may play a vital role in attracting the visitors and tourists. A short history of Mahasthangarh: The ancient Pundranagor is now lying underneath the Mahasthangarh. It is known from the archaeological accounts that this city grew up as a very rich and resourceful habitation from 4 th century B.C. to 15 th century A.D. A thrilling account of the ruins of the hidden city was at first written by Buchanan Hemilton in 1808A.D. But the credit and glory of

Mahasthangarh was not only the distinguished centre of administration of ancient period but also it gained world wide reputation as one of the resourceful centre of religion, industry, culture and

4 identifying Mahasthangarh as the ancient Pundranagor of Pre Muslim period undoubtedly goes to Sir Alexander Cunningham. He came to this most acceptable conclusion having gone through the elaborate accounts of the famous Chinese pilgrim Huen-Tsang, who visited Pundra Vardhana between 639 to 645A.D. Mahasthangarh was not only the distinguished centre of administration of ancient period but also it gained world wide reputation as one of the resourceful centre of religion, industry, culture and inter-provincial trade. Ancient Road, discovered from the Excavation, Mahasthan Mazar Area Mahasthan is heir to a rich cultural legacy despite the various destructive attitudes of nature and man. The extensive city ruins of Mahasthan spreading along western bank of Karatoa is situated 15 km due to north of the Bogra town. It consists of a massively fortified oblong enclosure measuring 1.5km long by 1km breadth and rises to an average height of 5m from the surrounding crop fields. On its south, west and north, it appears to have been encircled by a deep moat and river Karatoa graded it eastern part. Besides, the fortified citadel, other ancient ruins and mounds fan out about 10km semicircle which testify to the existence of extensive suburbs. If we look behind two thousand and five hundred years ago to the streams

But most of these have now been perished

5 of the history, we find the splendid city, monasteries, temples, Stupas, mosques and mausoleums erected by various rulers and settlers of Bengal. But most of these have now been perished with the passage of time and tide. Brahmi inscription Gupta Brahmi inscription (3 rd C. BC) 3 rd -5 th C. AD Sunga plaques (1 st C.BC)

Significance of this area: Mahasthan Garh: The extensive ruins of Mahasthan Garh situated on the western Bank of River Karatoa in the district of Bogra have been identified as the earliest city-site

Beyond a fortified area, other ancient ruins cover an extensive area of 15 ksm radius deemed to be the suburbs of the ancient city of Pundranagar familiar in Mauryan, Gupta, Pala and Sena literary

6 Significance of this area: Mahasthan Garh: The extensive ruins of Mahasthan Garh situated on the western Bank of River Karatoa in the district of Bogra have been identified as the earliest city-site in Bengal. Beyond a fortified area, other ancient ruins cover an extensive area of 15 ksm radius deemed to be the suburbs of the ancient city of Pundranagar familiar in Mauryan, Gupta, Pala and Sena literary and other epigraphic records in and around this citadel, many other important establishments have been discovered by Bangladesh and foreign archaeologists through many a consecutive excavations from 1928 till to-day, those sites are: Khodarpathar Vita, Mankalir Kunda, Jiyat Kunda, Bairagir Vita, Parshu Ram s Palace, Gobinda Vita, Yogineer Dhap, Sur dighir Dhap, Vasu Bihar, Bihar Dhap, Khulnar Dhap, Godaibari Dhap and several other mounds under private occupation. Gupta Image (5 th c.ad) Suriya (5 th C.AD)

Khodar Pathor Vita: The south-east gateway of citadel, by a curve road 10 feet wide, to the shrine of Shah Sultan, but immediately opposite the openings the great mound on which lies the massive

Both Hindu and Muslims take of their shoes before they approach it.

7 Khodar Pathor Vita: The south-east gateway of citadel, by a curve road 10 feet wide, to the shrine of Shah Sultan, but immediately opposite the openings the great mound on which lies the massive doorsill of a Hindu temple, which is now worshiped under the name of Khuda-ka-Pathoror God s stone. It is 3.35m long and 88cm broad and must weight nearly 3 tons and a half. Both Hindu and Muslims take of their shoes before they approach it. Dudh Pathor (milk stone) Mankalir Kundu: About 56m to the north from Khodar Pathor Vita another large mound, known as Man-kali-ka-kundi. The kund refers to a deep tank at its foot. It is forms an oblong brick rune lying from east to west and it is no doubt the remains of a temple which faced the east. Again a mosque has been built in the same place and same orientation. Porshuram Raja s Palace: 366m still further to the north is another brick mound known as Parasuramka Bari, or raja Parashuram s Palace. It is similar in appearance to the mankali mound. Jiyut Kund: This Jiyut Kund, or the water of life. With which the Raja resuscitated his soldiers as fast as they were killed by the Muhammedan Invaders. Bihar Dhap: The Buddhist archaeological site of Bihar Dhap is a village of Shibgonj upozila in the northern district of Bogra in Bangladesh. The famous Chinese pilgrim Huen-Tsang, while traveling in Bengal,

Two Buddhist monasteries (Sangharama) and two temples were unveiled conducting excavations to the west side of the archaeological site of Bihar Dhap.

8 visited a vast Sangharam (Monastery) called Po-Shi-Po and he met 700 Buddhist Monks who took part in religious activities, he reported. Subsequently in the year Sir Alexander Cunningham during his archaeological survey of Bengal, he visited this spot and identified the Bihar to be the very ancient Po-Shi-Po. Two Buddhist monasteries (Sangharama) and two temples were unveiled conducting excavations to the west side of the archaeological site of Bihar Dhap. Bihar Dhap excavation (11 th 12 th C) Terracotta plaque (5 th C. AD) Bhasu Bihar: The Archaeological site of Bhasu Bihar which was once the heart of the Buddhist culture and education stands at a distance of 8km to the north-west of Mahasthangarh. Locally know as Noropatir Dhap, this ancient historical site of archaeology is located on the west bank of the River Nagor which is a tributary of the River Karatoya. The accounts of Bashu Bihar and Pundronagor as described and visited by Chinese pilgrim Huen-Tsang in the 7 th century AD. obviously reminds us of the then prosperity and high excellence of cultural life. It may, therefore, be said that Bashu Bihar, the great seat of Buddhist education and culture as described by Huen-Tsang did not grew up in a day or two. Probably rather almost surely it

may be said that in the 7 th habitation grew up here.

Cunningham that Here the pilgrim found a grand monastery, remarkable for the size and height of its tower and pavilion.

9 may be said that in the 7 th habitation grew up here. century or long before that, human Bhasu Bihar archaeological site We also come to know from the account of Alexander Cunningham that Here the pilgrim found a grand monastery, remarkable for the size and height of its tower and pavilion. It was occupied by no less than seven hundred monks, who studied the Mahayana; and men famous for their learning flocked here from the eastern districts. At a short distance from the monastery there is a Stupa built by Asoka, on the site where Buddha had explained his law to the Devas. Extremely calm and quite, desolate and away from din and bustle, the place was ideal one for worship, and religious culture. In the days of yore, the Buddhist religious institutions usually grew up in solitude away from human habitations. Two Monasteries and two temples have been exposed in this site. Bhasu Bihar excavation During excavation (Mahasthan Mazar Area): The old fortified city of Mahasthan stands on thre right or western bank of

5m in length from north to south by 1m in breadth. The ramparts generally are covered with brick wall and also are most of the brick mounds.

10 the Karatoa river, 18 km to the north from the Bogra town. The ruins of the old city of mahasthan, or Capital consist of an oblong mound of about 5m general elevation above the surface level, with rampart rising to 11m at the corner bastion. It is 1.5m in length from north to south by 1m in breadth. The ramparts generally are covered with brick wall and also are most of the brick mounds. It was originally by a broad ditch on the north south and west sides and was no doubt protected by the Karatoa River on the east, as the low lands come right up to the foot of the rampart. Many archaeological sites and mounds have been excavated inside the fortified city and ancient architecture and innumerable artifacts have been discovered from these sites. Excavation at Mazar area Mahasthan Museum: Upon reaching the Mahasthan Archaeological Museum, a keen visitor has to cross a concrete road on foot. Beyond awaits a world of exquisite and ancient art dating back to the Maurya, Shunga, Gupta, Pala and Muslim dynasties. With a view to educate the young about our ancient culture and exhibit artifacts, the then Pakistan Government established the museum in the year The museum is located at the archaeological site of Mahasthangarh under Shibganj upazila in Bogra district.

There are many artifacts in the museum, including unreadable letters.

displayed. A clay oven, dating back to 400 BC is one of the most important artifacts at the museum.

The exquisite design on black stone is sure to captivate the visitors.

11 There are many artifacts in the museum, including unreadable letters. Extensively decorated Shunga plaques, punched marked coin, Gupta image, precious beads, stone images, along with other artifacts are also on displayed. A clay oven, dating back to 400 BC is one of the most important artifacts at the museum. A huge number of ancient images and relics are collecting dust in a storeroom. There are samples of indigenous art featured on ancient clay pots. The exquisite design on black stone is sure to captivate the visitors. A small sculpture called "Benu Gopala," (12th-13th century) made of black stone, is one of the highlights. There is a chain made of clay, with over 1,000 year-old terracotta beads. Rare collections of Northern Black Polish Ware (NBPW), and Red and Black Ware (RBW) are also on displayed at the museum.` Kanya kumary Chamor dhariny Vishnu

Religious and cultural activities at Mahasthan Garh: From the very ancient time Pundrabardhan Vukti was very prominent for various kinds of cultural celebrations.

Hindus who come here for holy bath in the river Karatoa believe that Sheela Devi, sister of a Hindu king Porshuram in the 1300 AD, jumped in the Karatoa river during a Muslim invasion and she swam

12 Religious and cultural activities at Mahasthan Garh: From the very ancient time Pundrabardhan Vukti was very prominent for various kinds of cultural celebrations. The continuation of these cultural programs is still running. These are as follows:- Holly bath at Karatoa River: At this site local Hindus celebrate Paus-Narayani bath annually. Hindus who come here for holy bath in the river Karatoa believe that Sheela Devi, sister of a Hindu king Porshuram in the 1300 AD, jumped in the Karatoa river during a Muslim invasion and she swam under water for five miles in one breath. A fair is held on the occasion. Local community arranges a very big fair. Innumerable numbers of people flock in this traditional celebration. Holy bath in the Karota River The annual extravaganza, a crowd-puller, is held every last Thursday of the Bangla month of Boishakh and draws both male and female pot connoisseurs with plaited hair. Thousands of people seeking spiritual ecstasy from across the country as well as from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan have started pouring in the old Mahastangarh to celebrate a three-day festival. In a tradition introduced more than 100 years ago by Hindu Sadhus (saints), as many as three lakhs people are likely to converge on the area these three days.

Those sit in shades with tridents will draw religious devotees who call them 'Baba'. Devotees will seek blessings of the Baba and in return, give those chickens and other homage.

13 Those sit in shades with tridents will draw religious devotees who call them 'Baba'. Devotees will seek blessings of the Baba and in return, give those chickens and other homage. Local people throw up at least 5,000 makeshift shops to cash in on this festival and other religious activities. Many have erected temporary living quarters for the visitors on the archaeological site. Some of them will be dismantled, but some will stay as part of a systematic process of encroachment. A fair of the end of the Baishakh: Harvest and dedicate it in Mahasthan mazar: As in many other regions of Bangladesh has a history of folk festivals that originated from rites and celebrations that were held to keep the Gods happy. Human sacrifices have not taken place in centuries, but some festivals have survived the ages and are still celebrated, such as agricultural festivals for fertility of livestock and for a good crop. These festivals appeal to Gods for rain, sun and fruitful crops. One of the ancient festivals that used to take place at Mahasthan Mazar. It is still celebrated today. A number of people come (both Hindu and Muslim, farmers and their family members) to the Mazar for their bestowal. They stay holyday long and travel at museum, Gobinda vita, Gokul medh and another archaeological sites and buy many food and souvenirs for their beloved one.

Arranged local mela (fair) by the community Local potters of this area: From the very beginning of our ancient Bengali

The artisans' works include making clay-pots, earthen ware, toys of clay and different idols of Gods and Goddesses have

But it is now regrettable that in recent time, especially in the last decade potters have been in distress.

for burning raw pots, and dearth of capital have affected the industry adversely.

14 Arranged local mela (fair) by the community Local potters of this area: From the very beginning of our ancient Bengali culture, pottery has represented our identity and lifestyle. The artisans' works include making clay-pots, earthen ware, toys of clay and different idols of Gods and Goddesses have been the tradition of our culture. But it is now regrettable that in recent time, especially in the last decade potters have been in distress. Because of these unavoidable factors like clay, lack of capital, unsatisfactory selling of clay pots, lack of fuel wood for burning raw pots, and dearth of capital have affected the industry adversely. Besides, the demand for pottery products has fallen in the local markets due to availability of stainless steel and aluminum products to a considerable extent. With the passage of time it is apprehend that the artisan community will have no other alternative but to adopt other jobs for their survival. The daily life of the potter s

15 Recommendations: Mahastangarh draws huge visitors annually especially because of its religious values. In its history of more than 2,500 years, different saints of the Hindus, Buddhist and Muslims have stayed in this ancient city -- making it a shrine of all religions of the region. Muslim devotees come to this place to pay homage to Shah Sufi, a holy man who stayed here nearly a thousand years ago. The Buddhist devotees believe that great king Ashoka came here and built a meditation ground, which remains to be unearthed, in homage of Goutama Buddha. During October- April, hundreds of thousands of people of different religions both indigenous and foreigners gather here as part of their recreation, religious and traditional activities and now these sort of religious and cultural celebrity events (intangible heritage) are completely involved with (tangible heritage) Mahasthan and its nearby archaeological sites. So I suppose and suggest if the community people may be given proper training in this regards, both tangible and intangible heritage of the Mahasthan and its surrounding area may allure people worldwide. If proper steps cab taken by not only the Government but also the international organizations, I believe the traditional loss of tangible and intangible heritage every year may be saved and the people of the community will be pleased to get opportunity to earn their livelihood.

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