Shalbon Bihar losing attraction due to lack of maintenance

COMILLA, Jan 4: The famous Shalbon Bihar and other ancient archeological sites spread over Lalmai Mainamati hills in Comilla district are losing visitors due to lack of progress in excavation, development and proper maintenance of these sites, reports BSS.

Though more than half a century has passed since the discovery of these sites only few of them have been excavated, that also, partially so far.

During the second world war, 50 archeological sites were identified in the 11 kilometre long Lalmai Mainamati hills situated at five kilometres west of Comilla town.

After the war, a government survey identified 40 archeological sites. Later, the government took decision to preserve 20 of these sites. But due to lack of finance, only eight sites have so far been excavated partially.

The sites under excavation are five Buddha Bihars and three Buddhist Monuments. The Bihars are Shalban Sihar, Rupban Mura Bihar, Itakhola Mura Bihar, Ananda Rajar Bihar and Bhoje Rajar Bihar. The monuments were found at Kautillaya Mura, Charpatra Mura and Ranir Banglow.

Many archeological antiques dating back to the 6th, 7th and 8th century were recovered from excavation of these sites.

The antiques included books and booklets, seal, inscribed copper plates, earthen wares, utensils, gold, silver and materials of everyday use.

Three monuments were discovered at Kautillaya Mura, four cover plates from Charpatra Mura from which information could be gathered about the dynasty of Chandra.

Archeological relics of the 8th century were found in Ranir Banglow monument site. Ruins of Buddha Bihars and walls of burnt bricks were unearthed by excavating the hills. All the monuments are located about 60 feet above the hills.

Locals feel that there is an urgent need to build a new museum building as the existing building at the site of the famous Shalban Bihar is too small to accommodate the antiques. Besides, lack of proper security arrangement is also felt. Valuable antiques were stolen from this museum in 1972 and 1981.

The archeological sites are excavated, developed and maintained by the department of archeology under the ministry of cultural affairs.

The tourism corporation is not taking interest in developing and maintaining the natural view of the Lalmai Mainamati hills. Thousands of tourists visit the area every year, specially during the winter season. But the corporation is yet to build any residential facility for the tourists as yet. Besides, there is lack of security for the visitors, it is alleged.