Evidence of the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in Bengal from the 7th century
onwards, Somapura Mahavira, or the Great Monastery, was a renowned
intellectual centre until the 12th century. Its layout perfectly adapted
to its religious function, this monastery-city represents a unique
artistic achievement. With its simple, harmonious lines and its
profusion of carved decoration, it influenced Buddhist architecture as
far away as Cambodia.
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| Paharpur |
Geographically located to the north-west of Bangladesh in the district
of Naogaon, the heart-land of ancient “Varendra”, close to the village
of Paharpur the extensive ruins of the Buddhist monastic complex are the
most spectacular and important pre-Islamic monument in Bangladesh.
The first builder of the monastery was Dharmapala Vikramshila
(770-810AD), the king of Varendri-Magadha, as inscribed
