A joint team of archaeologists from Bangladesh and China has unearthed an ancient Buddhist temple with unique architectural features at Nateshwar of Tongibari upazila in Munshiganj.
They believe this discovery will offer interesting glimpses into the early life of Atish Dipankar, one of the most venerated Buddhist saint and scholar in Asia, who was born in this area over a thousand years ago.
"This is one of the oldest archaeological sites in our country. We have collected a number of samples from here. After conducting carbon dating on them, we will be able to gather more information about the time when these structures were built," said Professor Sufi Mustafizur Rahman, research director of the project in the Nateswar area, at a press conference at the site yesterday.
Discoveries of two roads and a 2.75-metre wide wall to the site's southeast side speak of a rich urban area of a bygone era. Besides, other important relics including ash pits and pottery items have also been recovered from the site, they added.
Archaeologists from both the countries expressed hope that these finds would reveal many hitherto unrevealed sides of the saint's life as well as shedding light on the advent and decline of Buddhism in this region.
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/
