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Rupban Mura: Echoes of Ancient Bengal

Explore the ancient Buddhist ruins of Rupban Mura in Comilla, Bangladesh, and discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

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Explore Rupban Mura, an ancient Buddhist archaeological site in Kotbari, Bangladesh, dating back to the 7th-12th centuries AD. Discover the remains of a cruciform shrine, monastery, and stupa, offering insights into the region's rich Buddhist heritage.

A brief summary to Rupban Mura

  • C4PH+GQG, Kotbari, BD

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking around the ruins.
  • Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for the best experience.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there may not be facilities available on-site.
  • Respect the site by avoiding climbing on or touching the ruins.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Kotbari area, Rupban Mura is easily accessible by foot. From the Kotbari bus stand or BARD (Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development), it's a short walk south towards Kali Bazar market. The site is located on a hillock just south of the Comilla-Kalirbazar road.

  • Public Transport

    From Comilla city, take a local bus or CNG (auto-rickshaw) towards Kotbari. Buses are a budget-friendly option. Ask the driver to drop you off near BARD in Kotbari. From the Kotbari bus stand or BARD, it's a short walk south towards Kali Bazar market. CNG fare from Comilla to Kotbari typically costs between 80-120 BDT.

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Discover more about Rupban Mura

Rupban Mura, located in Kotbari, Comilla, is an intriguing archaeological site that unveils a significant chapter in the region's early history. This ancient Buddhist settlement, dating back to the 7th to 12th centuries AD, offers a glimpse into the religious, architectural, and artistic achievements of a bygone era. Excavations have revealed a complex of structures, including a cruciform shrine, a monastery, and an octagonal stupa. The cruciform shrine, originally built as a solid stupa on a square base, was later transformed into a semi-cruciform shrine, showcasing a unique architectural style. The monastery, though small, features a prominent gateway complex and once housed monks dedicated to study and religious practice. The site's history is marked by three distinct periods of construction, repair, and rebuilding, with the earliest structures dating back to the 6th-7th centuries AD. One of the most remarkable features of Rupban Mura is its cruciform shrine, distinguished by a unique design element. Instead of a single chapel in each arm of the cross, a group of three long, narrow chapels was built on the eastern side of the shrine. It was within the middle chapel that the colossal stone Buddha, now exhibited in the Mainamati Museum, was discovered. The monastery at Rupban Mura, built separately from the cruciform stupa, follows a square plan with a gateway complex projecting outwards from the northern wing. Rupban Mura's architectural style reflects the influence of the Gupta period. The site was a pivotal center for Buddhist learning and practice in Bengal. The monastery and stupa attracted pilgrims and served as a hub for religious and educational activities. Artifacts and inscriptions found at Rupban Mura offer invaluable insights into the religious practices, social structure, and daily life of its inhabitants. Key discoveries include terracotta plaques from the Jataka tales, illustrating the previous lives of the Buddha.

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