Mahansthangarh and its Environs

Date of Submission: 17/02/1999
Criteria: (ii)(iii)
Category: Cultural
Submitted by:
Department of Archeology
State, Province or Region:
8 miles north of the headquarters of Bogra District, Rajshahi Division, north-western Bangladesh, to the west of the River Jamuna
Ref.: 1208





The extensive archaeological remains of Mahansthangarth extend along the western bank of the River Karatya and consist of a massively fortified oblong enclosure, 5000 feet long by 4500 feet broad, with an average height of 15 feet above the surrounding agricultural land. The site, which has been identified with ancient Pudranagar, is protected by the river on the west and a deep moat on the south, west and part of the north. It dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and represents the earliest city state in Bengal. The site is the focus of a number of lesser monuments, situated within a 5-mile protected radius.