Tuesday, May 7, 2013

STRIKING DISCOVERY IN DINAJPUR



1000-year-old water reservoir remains of the around a thousand-year-old brick-built water reservoir discovered by archaeologists at Gopalganj village in Ghoraghatupazila of Dinajpur district on Thursday. The structure dating back to the Pala era is the first of its kind to be found in Bangladesh.
Photo Source: Star

 Archaeological excavators on Thursday detected a thousand-year-old brick-built water reservoir at Gopalpur village in Ghoraghatupazila under the district.The unique archaeological site is at a place surrounded by moats in a two kilometre radius area, said SwadhinSen, associate professor of the Department of Archaeology of Jahagirnagar University, and head of the 40-member excavation team.
 “The structure of the water reservoir was built between 10th to 11th centuries. Such a reservoir of that period has been fond first time in Bangladesh. The area was part of Bharendra region and under the rule of Pala dynasty,” he said.
The water-reservoir measures 33 X 28 meters and the remains of the ghat (landing stage) measures 6.5 × 6.8 meter.
Malai Kumar Sain, a pottery expert and researcher of Calcutta University, also a member of the excavation team, said after analyzing the brick structure said the structure was built between 10th to 11th centuries.
“Such water architectures are not uncommon in India. Julia Hegewold, a Professor of University of Bonn, has carried out survey on different water architectures of South Asia and found different kinds of water reservoirs like ponds, kundis and stepped wells. Other forms of water architectures were also detected in Karnataka, Mathura, Chandraketugarh, Maharastra and undivided Bengal,” the chief of the team said.
The brick walls of the ancient reservoir were badly damaged as locals took away bricks from there at different times.
According to the locals, a few sculptures found at the site were earlier handed over to Mahasthan Museum.
“It is a rare discovery. The structure is a unique one in Bangladesh,” said Afroza Khan Mita, assistant director of the Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, during her visit to the site.
On March 27 this year, the 40-member-team led by Prof SwadhinSen started excavation at Belwa and Gopalpur village of Ghoraghatupazila. It is scheduled to end on May 10.
Earlier in 2011, a team led by Prof Dr Syed Mohammad KamrulAhsan of archaeology department of Jahangirnagar University conducted a survey in Ghoraghatupazila and found 52 archaeological sites there, said SyfurRahmanPolin, a researcher of the team.
Source: The Daily Star
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/1000-year-old-water-reservoir/

No comments:

Post a Comment