Bangladesh is a country with a rich and diverse history, culture, and heritage. It has witnessed the rise and fall of many civilizations, empires, and dynasties, as well as the struggle for independence and democracy. There are many historical places in Bangladesh that reflect its glorious past and present. Here are 10 of them:
Somapura Mahavira:
Somapura Mahavira is a historical Buddhist monastery in Bangladesh, which was built in the 8th century by the Pala kings. It is one of the largest and most impressive monasteries in South Asia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a major center of learning and art, and influenced Buddhist architecture throughout Asia. It has a distinctive pyramidal shape, with a central stupa surrounded by 177 cells for the monks. It is also decorated with terracotta plaques, stone sculptures, and inscriptions that reflect the religious and cultural diversity of the region. ¹²³
Somapura Mahavira is located in Paharpur, in the Naogaon District of Bangladesh. It is about 270 km northwest of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It is situated in a rural area, surrounded by fields and villages. The nearest town is Joypurhat, which is about 5 km away. ²⁶
If you want to visit Somapura Mahavira, you can use Google Maps to find the best route and directions. You can also see the satellite view of the site and its surroundings. Here is a link to the Google Maps destination for Somapura Mahavira: ⁷
(7) Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur – UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/322/.
Lalbagh Fort: This is a 17th century Mughal fort in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It was built by a Mughal prince and later emperor, but was never completed due to various reasons. It consists of several buildings, gardens, and a mosque, and is a popular tourist attraction².
Ahsan Manzil: This is a 19th century palace in Dhaka, built by a wealthy and influential family of Dhaka. It was the residence and seat of power of the Nawabs of Dhaka, who ruled over eastern Bengal under the British Raj. It is now a museum that showcases the lifestyle and history of the Nawabs³.
National Martyrs’ Memorial: This is a monument in Savar, near Dhaka, that commemorates the sacrifice of the millions of people who died in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. It is a symbol of the nation’s pride and identity, and a place of pilgrimage for the Bangladeshi people. It consists of seven triangular pillars that represent the seven phases of the war⁴.
Paharpur: This is another ancient Buddhist monastery in Bangladesh, dating back to the 8th century AD. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national heritage of Bangladesh. It was once a flourishing center of Buddhist culture and education, and has a distinctive pyramidal shape.
Mahasthangarh: This is the oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It was the capital of the Pundra Kingdom, one of the earliest urban settlements in the region. It has many ruins, relics, and monuments that testify to its rich history and civilization.
Shat Gombuj Mosque: This is another 15th century mosque in Bagerhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known as the Sixty Dome Mosque, but it actually has 81 domes, 77 pillars, and four towers. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, and a marvel of medieval Muslim architecture.
Source:
(1) 10 Historical Places In Bangladesh | Trip101.
(2) THE 10 BEST Bangladesh Sights & Historical Landmarks – Tripadvisor.
(3) The Top 15 Historical Places in Bangladesh – The Simple Travel.
(4) Top Eight Historic Places in Bangladesh (with Pictures).
