A team of archaeologists from Bangladesh’s Archaeology Department of Khulna and Barisal has unearthed a 1,200-year-old Buddhist monastic complex. The archaeologists began excavations at Dalijhara Dhibi of Gaurighona Union in the Kheshbpur Sub-district of Jessore District on 22 January, and have discovered two Buddhist temples and courtyards that are adjacent to 18 chambers within the complex. Experts have suggested that the structure dates to between the ninth and mid-11th centuries.

Afroza Khan Mita, regional director of the Archaeology Department of Khulna District and supervisor of the excavation, confirmed the discovery and noted that it was the first time a structure of this kind had been discovered in southwestern Bangladesh, and even in the southern region of West Bengal.

“This discovery in Jessore’s Kheshbpur is of vital importance to the archaeological history of Bangladesh. It is the second Buddhist monastery to be discovered in South Bengal after the one in Bharat Bhayana [an archaeological site known after the name of village Bharat Bhayana in Kheshbpur],” said renowned Indian archaeologist Dr. Arun Nag. (Dhaka Tribune)

“The ancient architecture has some unique features that have not been seen anywhere in Bangladesh before,” Nag added. “I think once the whole architecture is excavated, it will be a significant addition to Bangladesh’s archaeological history. (Dhaka Tribune)

Archaeologists have noted that some of the exceptional features found in the ruins of the monastery complex differ from other Buddhist sites in Bangladesh and in Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal in India. Researchers and experts are now trying to find out whether comparable features can be found at any other Buddhist ruins in South Asia.