Administrative Building and Archaeological Research Centre

The Department of Archaeology holds that the Buddhist architecture, sculpture and materials recovered long ago from Paharpur in Rajshahi district are of the same tradition as, and contemporary with, those found here at Lalmai-Mainamati. These monasteries were built between the 8th and 12th centuries under the patronage of powerful royal dynasties of this country.

Further research and study are needed to reveal the many unknown events and facts about this ruined sangharama of Samatata. With its education, culture and heritage, and the learned travellers who came here thirsting for spiritual knowledge, ancient Kamalanka, today’s Cumilla, was without doubt the capital of the Samatata kingdom, or at least one of its principal centres. Many mounds, stupas, temples, chaityas and viharas have been found in the Lalmai-Mainamati hill range, which runs about 11 miles from north to south and 1.5 miles from east to west. Of the nearly 50 ruins found there, only a few have been excavated, first by the Government of Pakistan and then by the Government of Bangladesh.

Plans have been made to establish an archaeological research centre in the region under the Bangladesh Buddhist Cultural Academy. Its aim is to bring the ancient Buddhist civilisation and culture of the Cumilla area, long faded into the annals of time, back to the world stage through research. The centre will help scholars from home and abroad restore that lost glory through their work and publications.