Travel with Abhra

Moghalmari (মোগলমারি)

Moghalmari, situated at Dantan under the Kharagpur Sub-Division, is an important archaeological site first identified through excavations led by Prof. Ashok Dutta of Calcutta University. Preliminary findings suggested the existence of a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 6th–7th century CE. A more extensive excavation was undertaken in November 2013 by the State Archaeological Directorate, which resulted in the recovery of numerous artifacts, including six inscribed tablets. These discoveries substantiate the presence of Buddhist vihars in the region, corroborating accounts by the Chinese pilgrims Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang, who had documented such monastic establishments during their travels through ancient Bengal.

This site is accessible by road and one can even plan to visit – Kurumbera Fort which is about 28 kilometers away from this location.

Visitors to the Moghalmari excavation site should not expect adequate dining facilities in the immediate vicinity; it is advisable to carry personal provisions, including food and water. Within the site, a modest club has been established that exhibits a curated selection of artifacts and archival photographs documenting the excavation process. The club has also published several informative volumes that offer detailed insights into the historical and archaeological significance of the site.