‘This discovery is of vital importance to the archaeological history of Bangladesh’

In a recent discovery, the Archaeology Department of Khulna and Barisal has discovered an ancient Buddhist Monastery Temple Complex in Gaurighona union under Keshabpur upazila in Jessore. Experts suggest that the structure dates back to between the 9th century and mid-11th century.

The structure includes two Buddhist temples and courtyards that are adjacent to a total of 18 rooms inside the complex where presumably the monks resided. 

Afroza Khan Mita, regional director of Archaeology Department (Khulna), confirmed these facts to Dhaka Tribune. She said it was the very first time a structure of this kind had been discovered in the south-western part of Bangladesh and even in the southern part of West Bengal.

According to various experts from home and abroad, the structure contains some unique and exceptional features that are quite different from other Buddhist monasteries previously discovered in the eastern parts of the Indian Subcontinent1.

Primary analysis of these archaeological and architectural features reveal that this ruin is different from other contemporary Buddhist monasteries in Bangladesh and in the Indian states of Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.

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  • 1. The renowned Indian archaeologist Dr Arun Nag said: "This discovery in Jessore’s Keshabpur is of vital importance to the archaeological history of Bangladesh. It is the second Buddhist monastery to be discovered in South Bengal after the one in Bharat Bhayana. The ancient architecture has some unique features that have not been seen anywhere in Bangladesh before. I think once the whole architecture is excavated, it will be a significant addition to Bangladesh’s archaeological history.”