Paharpur relics
M A H Nazim, University of Dhaka
Paharpur is a small village 5km west of Jamalganj in Naogaon district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas have been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court; measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure-walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. in height. With an elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South- East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. UNESCO declared it an International Heritage Site which enhanced its importance. The place, however, needs better maintenance and security as anti-social elements are active there.
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