Into The Heart Of Buddhism In Bikrampur

Nateshwar holds prospect of emerging as a world heritage site

Nateshwar excavation site of Vikrampura Buddhist archaeological location has all the potentials to emerge as another world heritage site in Bangladesh.

It has got a unique combination of religious and culturally-important structures, a centerpiece of ancient Bengal and the very location of the site is close by to the country’s capital, say archaeologists emphasizing on proper preservation and development of the area.

At Nateshwar excavation site in Munshiganj’s Tongibari upazila, researchers and experts have discovered several archaeological evidences of a Buddhist city older than a thousand years. These include an entrance and walkway, prayer hall, mortar floor, octagonal stupas, pot shreds, baked clay materials, and burnt bricks.

The aesthetic of these stupas is unique in architectural style. A stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation.

During a visit to the site on January 3, archaeologists said an attractive tourist zone can be developed centering the archeological site by taking advantage of the location close to Dhaka, perfect for a daytrip outside the capital.

Though there is progress in terms of excavations, conservation seems a tough ask as Bangladesh lacks technical and technological expertise and proper funding, said the archeologists.