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  • NOVEMBER 09, 2024

The Machgram shrine of Kumarkhali, an ancient relic


  • Country
  • Bangladesh News Desk
  • Published: 28 Mar 2021, 01:59 PM

The Machgram shrine of Kumarkhali located in Shilaidaha union of the upazila, stands as a relic of ancient Bengal.

It is difficult to say exactly how many years ago the Machgram shrine, a Buddhist monastery, was built. History has turned its back on it. However, as far as is known from the history of ancient Bengal, the "Maurya" dynasty and the Gupta dynasty were followed by the "Pal" dynasty. Gopal was the first king of the Pal dynasty. He was a follower of Buddhism. After Gopal's death, his son "Dharmapala" took charge of the state. Dharmapala built many institutions for the development of Buddhism and education, including the expansion of the kingdom. Like his father, he was a follower of Buddhism.

Dharmapala (781-621 AD) ruled for about 40 years. During this time he built more than 50 monasteries, where Buddhism was taught. The period of the Pal dynasty is about 400 years. Madan Pal, the last king of the Pal dynasty, ascended the throne in about 1143-1161 AD. Then the Pal dynasty came to an end in the second half of the 12th century.

It is also conceivable from history that this shrine at Machgram in Kumarkhali was built at some point during the reign of the Pal dynasty. According to estimates, the age of this shrine is about 12-13 hundred years.

This old monument, 5 km north of the Upazila Sadar, has somehow become a witness of the times. Maybe after a while it will not be able to bear the burden of his age and will break down. The shrine, which has been a memory for a long time, can no longer be seen. This shrine of Machgram, the witness of tomorrow, will be exhausted due to negligence. History-conscious people hope that the authorities will take steps to reform and protect the old monument.

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