SOME ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is a country of tropical climate which is characterized byhigh temperature, heavy precipitation, excessive humidity and fairly markedseasonal variations. This type of climate is not suitable for preservation ofancient brick-built structures, which constitute almost 100% of our heritage.Besides the climatic factors, certain cultural factors are also responsible for Deteriorating the tangible cultural heritage of the country. Sometimes culturalfactors are stronger than the natural factors. For instance, vandalism in theCultural mounds by the owners of the concerned lands and their associates inrecent times in Mahasthan and its environs is so strong and vibrant that if itcontinues in its present pace, after five years or so those mounds will entirelydisappear. So it is most urgent that some measures must be taken right at themonument to stop this vandalism. Moreover, new settlements have beendeveloped over many mounds. Many cultural properties are being graduallysqueezed due to encroachment. Illicit trafficking of movable cultural propertiesis a common phenomenon in a third world country like Bangladesh. So inmany ways we are loosing our glorious heritage day by day. Water logging,salinity, biological growth in brick-built monuments etc. are also causing thedegradation of these cultural properties.
Apart from these, values of the heritage sites are not preserved properlyin course of conservation works. The country also lacks a national heritagemanagement plan. So it imperative that the problems should be identifiedproperly and suggestive measures must be undertaken for effectiveconservation and management of all the heritage sites.The sulptures found with our hard excavation and exploration works are unbelievably rich and complex heritage of Bangladesh. Benefiting from recent archaeological research helps us to show works from the Maurya period and go on until the 19th century. And thus we will retrace history whilst emphasising on a certain number of major sites. As a matter of fact, one of the characteristics of this heritage is that a lot of the pieces are well documented and enable us to situate the same in their precise historical and artistic context. The four great religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Islam that determine the history of Bangladesh will be duly represented.Sculptures of a impressive dimension have been recently unearthed: a bronze Buddha measuring 1,3 metres in Paharpur in 1982, a Gupta Buddha (from Sarnath) sculpted on both sides at Mahasthan in 1992, a bronze Vajrasattva, 1,40 metres in height, at Mainamati in 1995, and finally an Avalokitesvara found on the same site of the same material and size. These pieces are the real proud of Bangladesh Archaeology.I AM REALLY FORTUNATE TO LEAD THIS EXCAVATIONATION MAINAMATI,COMILLA

SOME ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is a country of tropical climate which is characterized byhigh temperature, heavy precipitation, excessive humidity and fairly markedseasonal variations. This type of climate is not suitable for preservation ofancient brick-built structures, which constitute almost 100% of our heritage.Besides the climatic factors, certain cultural factors are also responsible for Deteriorating the tangible cultural heritage of the country. Sometimes culturalfactors are stronger than the natural factors. For instance, vandalism in theCultural mounds by the owners of the concerned lands and their associates inrecent times in Mahasthan and its environs is so strong and vibrant that if itcontinues in its present pace, after five years or so those mounds will entirelydisappear. So it is most urgent that some measures must be taken right at themonument to stop this vandalism. Moreover, new settlements have beendeveloped over many mounds. Many cultural properties are being graduallysqueezed due to encroachment. Illicit trafficking of movable cultural propertiesis a common phenomenon in a third world country like Bangladesh. So inmany ways we are loosing our glorious heritage day by day. Water logging,salinity, biological growth in brick-built monuments etc. are also causing thedegradation of these cultural properties.
Apart from these, values of the heritage sites are not preserved properlyin course of conservation works. The country also lacks a national heritagemanagement plan. So it imperative that the problems should be identifiedproperly and suggestive measures must be undertaken for effectiveconservation and management of all the heritage sites.The sulptures found with our hard excavation and exploration works are unbelievably rich and complex heritage of Bangladesh. Benefiting from recent archaeological research helps us to show works from the Maurya period and go on until the 19th century. And thus we will retrace history whilst emphasising on a certain number of major sites. As a matter of fact, one of the characteristics of this heritage is that a lot of the pieces are well documented and enable us to situate the same in their precise historical and artistic context. The four great religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Islam that determine the history of Bangladesh will be duly represented.Sculptures of a impressive dimension have been recently unearthed: a bronze Buddha measuring 1,3 metres in Paharpur in 1982, a Gupta Buddha (from Sarnath) sculpted on both sides at Mahasthan in 1992, a bronze Vajrasattva, 1,40 metres in height, at Mainamati in 1995, and finally an Avalokitesvara found on the same site of the same material and size. These pieces are the real proud of Bangladesh Archaeology.I AM REALLY FORTUNATE TO LEAD THIS EXCAVATIONATION MAINAMATI,COMILLA

Islamic Architectural Heritage In Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a long and rich Islamic background regarding thedevelopment of its arts, culture, music and architecture. The advent of Islam was made in the 13th century AD. in Bangladesh. Since thatadvent, the Muslim rulers continued their structural activities indifferent corners of the country. Of the major surviving relics aremosques. Besides there are examples of Mausoleum, Madrasah, Eidgah,Forts, bridges, hammam-khanas etc. Till today the Govt. has declared78 Mosques, 14 Mausoleums, 2 Katras, 1 Eidgah, 1 Madrasah, 3 HammamKhana, 4 Forts protected. The oldest Madrashah was built in theearliest 16th century AD. at Gaur. The earliast Eidgah is located incity of Dhaka. It is called Dhanmondi Eidgah. It was constructedduring the rule of Mughal prince Shah Suja in the 17th century AD.However among the oldest mosque mentions may be made of Sait GumbudMosque (Sixty domed Mosque) of Bagerhat (The early 15th century AD.),Chhota Sona Mosque (or small Golden Mosque) of Gaur, Bagha Mosque ofRajshahi, Kusumba Mosque of Naogaon, Lalbagh Fort Mosque of Dhaka cityand Goaldi Mosque of sonargaon. Of the surviving mausoleums the tombof bibi pari in Dhaka city, the tomb of bibi Marium in Narayangonj,the tomb of Giusuddin Azam shah and the tomb of Khan-e-Jahan inBagerhat are a few to note.The Muslim rulers also founded a number of towns since the verybeginging of this regime in Bangladesh. Of the towns special mentionsmay be made of sonargaon in Narayangong, Gaur in Chapai Nawabgong,Khalifatabad in Bagerhat and Jahangirnagar of Dhaka. All these townsare adorned with several kind of edifices i.e. – spring Garden, Katra,fort etc.The Muslim archaeological history of Bangladesh is divided into twomajor distinct period. One was the advent of the Muslims of SultanatePeriod (1204-1576 AD). This period experienced the introduction of newbuilding types such as mosques and mausoleums. The buildings however,assumed tangible expressions through adoration of regional forms,using the existing features and local materials.Next was the Mughal Period (1576-1757 AD). The Mughals were mightybuilders; their architectural accomplishments in Bengal were modest &articulated. Mughal Architecture was defined by their standard threedomed mosque and by panal decoration on plastered surfaces.Protections of Heritage:The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in itsarticles 24 stated that ‘The State shall adopt measures for theprotection against disfigurement, damage or removal of all monuments,objects or places or special artistic or historic importance orinterest’.In line with the Constitutional provision the Govt. enacted importantlaw namely ‘‘the Antiquities act. 1968’’ where conservation,preservation, protection of heritage monuments are the main contents.Protection of architectural heritage is predominantly important tosafeguard it from being damaged. Awareness in the community is a majorkey area that needs to be high lighted. The Department of Archaeologydeveloped school programme to sensitize the school children ofneighborhood about protection of sites. Archaeological Engineers asroutine Programme undertake activities to conserve and repair theHeritage site every year depending on the present situation of thebuildings and the resources available. The major problems they face isthe salinity on the walls, grounds, plasters, ceilings etc. Experts,specialists are trying hard to address this issue. UNESCO also hasbeen requested to explore experts from abroad to attend this problem.Tourism Potential:Architectural Heritage sites are considered very attractive spot fortourists of Home and Abroad. Its potentials are gradually increasing.To enhance this potential the Govt. has under taken a project ‘SouthAsian Tourism in fracture Development Project (Bangladesh Portion) withthe support of Asian Development Bank. This package included SaitGumbud Mosque (Sixty domed Mosque). In formulation of other projects,the Govt. considers Tourism potentials, and its requirments like safeConnectivity, Fooding, Lodging and law & Order situation as priority.We have in our country ‘Bangladesh porjoton corporation’ (BPC). ThatOrganization conducts all the tours in different Islamic heritagesites in the country.There are private tourism organizations too which facilitate journeyof the tourists, their logding and dinning. To strengthen the privatepartnership with Tour Operators an Event wise consultation are on.Citizens of Bangladesh are always happy to extend their hospitality tovisitors, in particular the foreign Tourists. Booklets, browshiors,folders are regularly being published from various dept. like Islamicfoundation, BPC, DOA etc. The Govt. has also given importance tointroduce light & sound display in various important Islamic Heritagesites. Meanwhile, in Lalbagh Fort specific activities are going on Bangladesh: The Tourism Destination, a document that contains all thesites, festivals with its present status is going to be published verysoon. It will help to understand, plan & develop the sites as a whole in near future.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKS IN BANGLADESH AND ITS FUTURE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKS IN BANGLADESH AND ITS FUTURE

Archaeology is a fascinating modern science which is increasinglybecoming popular in the world for its un-limited scope ofRediscovering Civilizations and culture s long extinct. In advancedcountries many scientific methods are used to expand our knowledgedeeper into the past using infallible material evidences of man andhis environment. It extends the horizon of un- recorded history andPrehistory to an infinite range. In the absence of any Recordedhistory the only unerring source of piecing together man’s activitiesand progress on our planet is the material remains that he has leftbehind in the form of Monuments, arts and Crafts, various objects ofdaily use, Inscriptions, coins etc. which are known asAntiquities.Scientfic excavation and study of such antiquitiesfaithfully preserved by nature in stratified sites for centuries,reveal a fairly accurate picture of lost civilization and culture.
Archaeological Investigation in less than hundred years havesucceeded in unfolding astonishing details of PrehistoricCivilizations which flourished in Egypt,Mesopotamia,the Indus Valley,Crete and Mycenae to such an extent that the historical periods ofmany countries have failed to produce. Despite globalisation, the reality of each individual city is unique and complex.
There are no "urban models" of reference, only case studies. I hope that the architects,
urbanists and mayors who have kindly agreed to participate in this conference will demonstrate to us,
through such case studies, the ways in which each city's future can be anchored in its individual identity.
Let us all strive to protect and build an "urban heritage" as the basis for developing urban policies for the city of the future, the city of the new, democratic age.
In the over-populated cities of the developing South, other than in a few "museum towns", the demolition of entire historic urban sectors, the abandonment of unique historic buildings, and the construction of new buildings that are incongruous, to say the least, with the integrity of the historic urban fabric are combining to transform the cities' very identity. Furthermore, work to upgrade roads and improve mass transport systems, while necessary, may unfortunately be done without due regard to maintaining the integrity of historic centres.

If the essence of heritage protection is to preserve the ingenuity of the past for future generations, as well as to stimulate new creations, heritage must have a meaning in contemporary society. This is a fundamental precept of the World Heritage Convention, contained in Article 5. For heritage preservation that denies modernity, that obstructs development, that attempts to freeze time, would be counter-productive to the ultimate goal of human progress.

ArchaeologyOnline: Archaeological Information on the Web: New Jersey Archaeological ALERT! Petty's Run

ArchaeologyOnline: Archaeological Information on the Web: New Jersey Archaeological ALERT! Petty's Run: "Lt. Gov. Guadagno wants archaeological dig on [NJ] Statehouse lawn buried 11/27/2010 Tom Hester Sr. NewJerseyNewsroom.com Angry preservati..."

Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage : Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been the cradle of civilization and a centre of cultural diffusion since the dawn of history of humankind. In it’s over two thousand years of chequered history Bangladesh became the meeting ground of various peoples in different states of civilization, the most primitive as well as the most advanced. Each phase of the history of this land has its distinct characteristics and every race who came and settled here, left their individual, racial, religious or cultural evidence in the form of secular and religious establishments along with their associated movable cultural properties. Unfortunately most of these have now perished with the passage of time due to destructive activities of man and nature. Still whatever relics, precariously survive today and lying scattered all over the country, eloquently testify to their lost splendor.

In 3rd century B. C. northern region of the largest delta formed a part of the vast Mauryan empire then known as ‘Pundravardhana Bhukti.’ Since then upto the 12th century A. D. north-west part of the country was successively ruled by the great Buddhist Mauryan rulers (3rd century B. C), the Guptas (5th century A. D), the Palas (8th to 11th century A. D) and the Senas (12th century A. D). The Trans-Meghna region to the south-east, however, constituted the ancient Buddhist kingdom of \Samatata\ -- a significant name indicating a kingdom located on the littoral of the Bay of Bengal. The Khadgas, the Devas, the Chandras, and the Varmans successively ruled over here. The whole country, later on, was gradually supplemented by the Turko-Afghan Muslim rulers from the beginning of the 13th century A. D.

The next Mughal rule from the 16th century to 18th century linked the Bengal region with the rest of India which resulted in a northern Indian cultural atmosphere along with Buddhist and Brahminical influences that prevailed in the country side by side with the tribal social ritualistic traditions. This socio-political fabric was further mingled with European cultures ushered in conquest of Bengal by the English in mid 18th century. Bengal remained under the British colonial rule for 190 years. Partition of India occurred in 1947 creating two countries, Pakistan and India. But the people of Bengal had to fight for democracy, equal right and economic parity within the new country. Cultural activist had significant role in all the struggle for freedom and economic emancipation. After 23 years of struggle against oppression. Bangladesh emerged as an independent state on 16 December, 1971. Under the leadership of the father of the nation Bangabhandu Sheikh Muzibur Rahman.

The cultural diffusion of Bangladesh took unique shape through its historical, geographical, religious and social context Specially scattered geographical location of gangetic delta and climatic diversity evolved emergence of scattered independent habitation of her population and from a singular, unique and diversified cultural tradition and history of modern Bangladesh.


02. Cultural heritage :
Cultural heritage is the bearing of past tradition of both tangible and intangible culture. The heritage are being maintained in the present which are to be carried down to the future generations. It retains and reflects the day to day life of the people and their activities. Basic components of culture are: knowledge, beliefs, ideology, education, language, ethics, laws and regulations, customs and many others, with the help of which a man identifies himself as a member of a particular society and a nation.



3.0. Bangladesh & Cultural Heritage:
Bangladesh has its own rich cultural heritage to glorify the image of the country in the world. It is possible to strengthen the image of the country as a nation through perfect development of culture and cultural heritage. Cultural activities can also be included with the economic development of the country. It is possible to develop a vibrant cultural economy through an interactive patronization among cultural activities, cultural traditions, tourism and trades.

3.1. Constitutional Commitments :
The importance of culture has been significantly underscored in postliberation days.

Bangladesh is committed for equal rights of people in every sphere of life. The urgency of protecting cultural heritage was strongly felt through the struggle for autonomy & independence. Immediately after independence state obligation was clearly envisaged in the new constitution of the country back in 1972.

Article-23 of our constitution says “The State shall adopt measures to conserve the cultural traditions and heritage of the people, and so to foster and improve the national language, literature and the arts that all sections of the people are afforded the opportunity to contribute towards and to participate in the enrichment of the national culture.”

Article-24 of the constitution envisaged: “The State shall adopt measures for the protection against disfigurement, damage or removal of all monuments, objects or places or special artistic or historic importance or interest”.

The highest legal instruments reflect commitment of the people and state in conserving cultural traditions & heritage and protection of archaeological & historical sites.

3.2. Law & other legal instruments :

For proper preservation and maintenance, flourishment and development of national culture and cultural traditions as in our National Policy of Culture was proclaimed in 2006 to uphold the traditional cultural heritages, beliefs and religious faiths of all the groups of people including all small ethnic groups inhabiting Bangladesh in accordance with the prevailing traditions of our country.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, established under the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Act, 1989 (Act No. 22 of 1989), implements the objectives of the Policy under its purview along with its own activities. Its main objective is to safeguarding and fostering the national cultures as well as Intangible cultural heritage in Bangladesh.

Bangla Academy implements, according to the Bangla Academy Ordinance, 1978 (Ordinance No. 21 of 1978) for development and promotion of Bangla language, literature and culture.

Nazrul Institute, established under Nazrul Institute Ordinance, 1984 (Act No. 39 in 1984), ensures proper tune of Nazrul's song as per its notation and arrangs to offer training on it and inspire the scholars from home and abroad to undertake research on Nazrul's works and to implement relevant objectives of the Policy.

Bangladesh Folk and Art Foundation, established under the Bangladesh Lok O Karushilpa Act, 1998 (Act No. 8 of 1998), makes necessary arrangements for preserving history and folk-arts and crafts, imparting training on it, setting up an Art Museum and developing folk-arts and crafts and implementing the aims and objectives under its purview.
Khadra Nrigosti Ain has recently been adapted to allow establishment of cultural institute of ethnic and indigenous peoples of the country.

To preserve & protect cultural heritage of indigenous people an act naming Khudra Nri-Ghosty Cultural Institute Act has been enacted to protect indigenous cultural heritage.

To protect intellectual property right the Copyright Act, 2000 (Act No. 28 of 2000) and rules has been framed. Copyright Office takes effective steps for protection of copyrights of literary works, dramas, music, films and other related publications and implements the aims and objectives of the Policy under its purview.

3.3. Institutional arrangements:

The area of culture in Bangladesh is wide and extensive. Along with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs are playing important roles in preserving, nourishing, fostering and flourishing the cultural heritage and traditions. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs playing the role of catalyst and coordinator through her following 17 organisations:

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FIRST FREEDOM FIGHTER OF NARAYANGANJ

FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF BANGLADESH