Mahasthangarh
মহাস্থানগড়
Bangladesh's oldest urban ruin, the ancient capital of Pundranagara. The walled citadel platform, enclosed by brick ramparts, has been inhabited for more than a thousand years.
Mahasthangarh lies on the western bank of the Karatoya River, about 13 km north of Bogra. It is the earliest known urban site in Bangladesh. A 3rd-century BCE Brahmi inscription shows that this was the city of Pundranagara in the Mauryan period. It was later ruled by the Gupta, Pala and Sena dynasties, and then by Muslim rulers. The citadel is rectangular, roughly 1.5 km from north to south and 1.4 km from east to west. Brick walls several metres high and gate remains still stand around it. Inside are the ruins of Parashuram's Palace, the sacrificial stone platform Khodar Pathar Bhita (Stone of the Gods), Jiyat Well and others. The site is open to free walking. A full circuit takes about 2 hours, and it is best to visit the archaeological museum first. From Bogra city, take a bus towards Gobindaganj or hire an electric rickshaw, which takes about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
Site open all day
Nearby sights
- Mahasthan Archaeological Museum
- Govinda Bhita
- Mazar of Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar
- Gokul Medh
- Vasu Vihara
- Bihar Dhap
- Mohammed Ali Palace Museum
- Jogir Bhaban