14/07/2025
𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚’𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫
By Kingshuk Partha
At Comilla’s Kotbari area, just a few kilometers west of the bustling city, lies a site that whispers stories of ancient wisdom and spiritual devotion- Shalban Bihar. Amid the rustling of Sal trees and the rhythmic chirping of birds, this historical treasure quietly stands as a testament to Bengal’s Buddhist past. More than just an archaeological site, Shalban Bihar is a window into a civilization that once flourished with intellect, faith, and beyond.
𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭
Shalban Bihar, believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century CE, was once a major centre for Mahayana Buddhist learning. According to historians, the Bihar was part of the ancient Samatata kingdom — a powerful coastal polity in southeastern Bengal. Excavations carried out by the Department of Archaeology since the 1950s have unearthed a massive square-shaped monastery complex built around a central courtyard, surrounded by 115 monks' cells and featuring a prominent central shrine.
Dr. Enamul Haque, the renowned archaeologist who led much of the early exploration, once remarked that Shalban Bihar’s architectural design closely resembles other famous Buddhist monastic complexes like Nalanda and Paharpur, albeit on a smaller scale. This connection underscores Bengal’s vital role in the broader network of Buddhist scholarship across South Asia.
𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐮𝐛
More than just a residence for monks, Shalban Bihar functioned as a vibrant intellectual hub where monks studied philosophy, practiced meditation, and produced sacred texts. Archaeologists have discovered terracotta seals and inscriptions in ancient scripts, suggesting that this was also a site of scholarly communication and possibly even international exchange.
Walking through the weather-worn corridors of the Bihar, one can almost sense the quiet footsteps of monks moving between their quarters and the central shrine. The symmetry of the layout speaks of order and discipline, characteristics essential to monastic life.
Preservation and Public Engagement
Today, the site is preserved under the protection of the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology, and the adjacent Mainamati Museum offers a fascinating array of relics recovered from the site — including bronze statues of the Buddha, ornamental bricks, coins, and everyday utensils used by monks over a millennium ago.
The museum and Bihar together form an educational and tourism hotspot, drawing local school groups, archaeology enthusiasts, and even international visitors. Yet challenges remain. Uncontrolled urban expansion, lack of trained guides, and the seasonal neglect of facilities can threaten the dignity of this cultural gem.
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧
To many, Shalban Bihar is not just a relic of the past — it is a living symbol of Bangladesh’s pluralistic and intellectual heritage. Despite the region being predominantly Muslim today, the respectful preservation of Buddhist landmarks like Shalban Bihar reflects the country’s commitment to honoring its diverse past.
Moreover, the peaceful ambiance of the site continues to attract visitors not only for historical curiosity but for a moment of reflection and escape from modern chaos. As dusk descends and the red bricks glow under the amber light of the setting sun, one can’t help but feel humbled by the thought that for over a thousand years, these same grounds offered shelter, sanctuary, and purpose to those seeking enlightenment.
Shalban Bihar, therefore, is more than an archaeological site. It reminds us of the timeless human search for knowledge, peace, and meaning.
