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Mahasthangarh is the oldest known city site in Bangladesh, dating back to at least the 3rd century BC.
Located about 13 km north of Bogra town on the western bank of the Karatoya River, this ancient fortified city has been continuously occupied for over 2,500 years, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia.
The site was known as Pundranagara, the capital of the ancient Pundra Kingdom.
A famous Brahmi inscription found here — the oldest inscription ever discovered in Bangladesh — dates to the Maurya Empire period (3rd century BC) and mentions the storage of grain and coins, indicating a well-organized city administration even then.
Over the centuries, the city was ruled by Mauryas, Guptas, Palas, Senas, and eventually Muslim sultans.
The main citadel is a massive rectangular area (about 1,500 by 1,350 meters) raised above the surrounding plain.
Its high earthen ramparts still stand impressively after thousands of years.
Inside and around the citadel, archaeologists have uncovered temples, monasteries, palaces, drainage systems, and everyday objects that tell the story of civilizations rising and falling across two millennia.
Walking through Mahasthangarh, you will see the towering ramparts, excavated foundations of ancient buildings, and scattered ruins that hint at the city's former grandeur.
The site is dotted with several important smaller sites nearby including Gokul Medh, Vasu Vihara, and Khodai Pathar Mazar.
The Mahasthangarh Archaeological Museum at the entrance displays artifacts found during excavations.
BDT 20 for Bangladeshi citizens, BDT 200 for foreigners.
Children under 5 free.
Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (April-September), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October-March).
Thursday: Half day.
Closed on Friday and government holidays.
3 - 4 hours (including museum and nearby sites)
October to March (cool, dry winter).
The site is fully outdoor so avoid the hottest months (April-June).
The Poush Mela (winter fair) in January is a special time to visit.
BDT 20 entry + BDT 200-500 for guide + BDT 100-200 for local food.
Transport from Bogra town: BDT 50-150.
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Kherua Mosque is a beautifully preserved 16th-century [Mughal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_Empire)-era mosque located in Sherpur upazila of Bogra district. Built in 1582 AD during the reign of Emperor Akbar, it is one of the finest examples of early Mughal architecture in northern Bangladesh and is recognized as a protected national monument by the Department of Archaeology. **History** The mosque was built during the early years of Mughal rule in Bengal, when the empire was consolidating its power in the region. An inscription on the mosque dates it to 989 Hijri (1582 AD). The builder's name is mentioned in the inscription, connecting this small but important mosque to the larger story of Mughal expansion into rural Bengal. **Architecture** Kherua Mosque is a single-domed structure with thick brick walls covered in plaster. The design follows the classic Mughal style — a square prayer hall topped with a large dome on an octagonal drum. The mosque has three arched entrances on the east side and a mihrab (prayer niche) on the west wall pointing toward Mecca. The corners have decorative turrets, and the facade features ornamental panels. Despite being over 440 years old, the mosque retains much of its original form. **Visiting Today** The mosque stands in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by green fields. It is still used for prayer by the local community, making it a living monument that has served its original purpose for over four centuries. The Department of Archaeology has done conservation work to preserve the structure while keeping it functional.
Vasu Vihara is an ancient [Buddhist monastery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vihara) located in Shibganj upazila, about 6 km west of [Mahasthangarh](/tourist-places/mahasthangarh). Discovered during excavations in the 1960s-70s, this monastery dates back to the 8th-9th century AD and provides a remarkable window into Buddhist monastic life in ancient Bengal. **Discovery and Excavation** The site was buried under a large mound known locally as "Bihar Dhap" before archaeologists uncovered it. Systematic excavations revealed a well-planned monastery complex with monks' cells arranged around a central courtyard — the classic layout of Buddhist viharas found across South Asia. The excavations also uncovered terracotta plaques, bronze statues, coins, and other artifacts that are now displayed at the [Mahasthangarh Archaeological Museum](/tourist-places/mahasthangarh-archaeological-museum). **The Monastery Layout** The monastery follows a square plan with a large central courtyard surrounded by rows of small monks' cells (rooms) on all four sides. Each cell has a raised platform where monks would have slept and meditated. The main entrance faces north, and there is a central shrine or temple at the back of the courtyard. The brick walls and foundations are remarkably well-preserved, giving you a clear picture of the original layout. **Historical Context** Vasu Vihara flourished during the [Pala dynasty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pala_Empire) period, when Buddhist learning and culture reached its peak in Bengal. The Pala kings were great patrons of Buddhism, building monasteries and universities across the region. Vasu Vihara was likely connected to the larger Mahasthangarh urban center and served as both a place of worship and a center of learning.
The Mahasthangarh Archaeological Museum sits right at the entrance to [Mahasthangarh](/tourist-places/mahasthangarh), Bangladesh's oldest known archaeological site. This well-maintained museum is the perfect starting point for understanding the 2,500+ years of history before you step into the ruins. **The Collection** The museum houses artifacts recovered from excavations at Mahasthangarh and its surrounding sites including [Gokul Medh](/tourist-places/gokul-medh-behulas-bashor-ghor), [Vasu Vihara](/tourist-places/vasu-vihara), and other nearby locations. The collection spans multiple civilizations — from the [Maurya Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurya_Empire) (3rd century BC) through the Gupta, Pala, and Sena periods to the Muslim Sultanate era. **What You Will See** The exhibits include terracotta figurines, ornamental plaques, bronze and stone sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities, ancient coins, pottery, jewelry, iron tools, and inscriptions. One of the most important items is a replica of the famous Brahmi inscription — the oldest writing found in Bangladesh. The gallery is arranged chronologically so you can follow the timeline of civilizations that lived here. **Museum Layout** The single-story building has several well-organized galleries with glass display cases and information labels in both Bengali and English. Outside the main building, there is an open-air section with larger stone sculptures and architectural fragments that were too big for indoor display. The surrounding garden area is pleasant for a rest after exploring.
Khodai Pathar Mazar, also known as Khodar Pathar Bhita (God's Stone Mound), is a mysterious archaeological and religious site near [Mahasthangarh](/tourist-places/mahasthangarh). The site features massive black stone slabs that have puzzled visitors and scholars for centuries — how did these enormous stones arrive in a region where no such stone occurs naturally? **The Mystery of the Stones** The most striking feature of this site is the collection of large black basalt stone slabs. North Bengal is an alluvial plain with no natural source of such stone for hundreds of kilometers. Local legend says the stones were brought here by divine power, hence the name "Khodar Pathar" (God's Stone). Historians believe they were transported along ancient river trade routes, possibly from the hills of Assam or the Rajmahal Hills, for use in construction or religious purposes. **Religious Significance** Over the centuries, the site has taken on deep religious meaning. The stone slabs are now associated with a Muslim shrine (mazar), and devotees visit to pray and seek blessings. Red threads, flowers, and incense are often left on the stones as offerings. The blending of ancient archaeological remains with living religious practice makes this a uniquely layered site. **Archaeological Context** The stones are believed to have been part of ancient structures — possibly temples or monumental buildings — connected to the broader [Mahasthangarh](/tourist-places/mahasthangarh) urban complex. The site sits within the wider Mahasthangarh archaeological zone and adds another dimension to the rich history of this area.