Bangladesh Heritage at Wari-Bateshwar

Dr. M. Emdadul Haq1

Abstract:
Important historical sites dot the archeological map of Bangladesh, some of them are
exposed, but the latest wonder at Wari-Bateshwar remained mostly unexplored as yet.
Discoveries from recent excavation indicate that these twin locations in Shibpur Upazila
of Narshingdi district could be originating from the early historic period. Recent
excavations include the collection of many pre-historic artifacts and tools from the Stone
Age. Findings in these establishments are considered to be the most ancient heritage in
the country followed by Harappa-Mohenjodaro of the Indus Valley civilization in the
present day Pakistan. Located in the heart of Bangladesh, the area has been referred to by
Alexandrian geographers as Shownagarai, the ancient capital of mighty Gangaridhi
kingdom that had existed until 4th century BC. Signs of ancient settlements are noticed in
almost 50 sites in the surrounding villages in Shibpur, Belabo, Kamartek, Kamrab areas
of Narshingdi district. Explorations already done by some educational institutions in
Bangladesh have revealed that the significant part of Wari-Bateshwar villages was a fort
area surrounded by bunkers. It was possibly the first urban center in the region that had
trade relations with many other cities by river port facilities of old Brahmaputra and
overland connectivity through the ancient Silk Route. As compared to many other ancient
civilizations of the world, the Brahmaputra civilization in Bangladesh holds a
magnificent and interesting socio-economic and cultural heritage from time immemorial.

The genesis of the region:

Every major civilization in the ancient world was established along the bank of rivers, be
it Egyptian civilization, Sumerian civilization, Indus-Valley civilization, or even
Brahmaputra civilization in present-day Bangladesh. Flown by major rivers ancient
Bengal had four sub-regions: (i) Pundravardhana and Varendra along the northern side of
Padma; (ii) Radha, Suhama and Gauda comprising the area along the west of Bhagirathi;
(iii) Vanga and Vangala that included the space between the Bhagirathi and the Padma;
and (iv) Samatata, Pattikera and Harikela along the eastern side of Meghna. Except for
the areas along the west of Bhagirathi, most of these ancient territories belonged to
independent Bangladesh today.
Besides Wari-Bateswar, other ancient locations in the country include Mohathan in
Bogora district, Pathorghata-Mohipur, and Paharpur in Rajshahi, and Lalmai-Mainamoti
in Comilla (Map 2). The massive ruins of Mahasthangarh in Shibganj Upazila of Bogra
District represent another glorious chapter in the country’s history that goes back to 3rd
century BC. Mahasthan holds the remains of an ancient city Pundranagara that belonged

1
Dr. M. Emdadul Haq is a Professor of Political Science and Chair, Department of History and
Philosophy at North South University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
to the territory of Pundravardhana. Spread over 25-30 cubic kilometers, Pathorghata-
Mohipur in Rajshahi is an additional emerging historical site in Bangladesh. Recent
findings in the area reveal the presence of an ancient city Ponchonogori that was referred
to as Pentapolis by Alexandrian geographer Claudius Ptolemy in 2nd century AD. Stone
made jokkho stature from the Krishan dynasty in the 1st and 2nd century AD was found
here. Also the ruins of the Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, Rajshahi suggests that it
was a renowned intellectual center in ancient Bangladesh from 7th to 12th century AD. It
was the most prominent Buddhist monastery in the entire South Asian region. The
second Pala King Dharmapala (770-810AD) constructed 50 monasteries including
Vikramshila Vihara and Sompura Vihara in Paharpur.

Furthermore, Mainamati-Lalmai in Comilla was known as Pattikera, the capital city of

Banga-Samata under the Palas. It was the home of one of the most significant Buddhist
archaeological sites in the region that included Salban Vihara, Kutila Mura, Itakhola
Mandir, Mainamati palace, etc. from 7th to 12th centuries AD. Among all the major
ancient historical sites Wari-Bateshwar dates back from the early historical period,
however, some might argue that the fortified citadel dates back to 450 B.C. and could
have been a stopping off point along an ancient trade route.

Igniting the light:

Heartfelt missions by some individuals and support extended by financial and scholarly
institutions in the country resulted in the collection of many pre-historic and bronze-age
artifacts and tools from remote corners of Wari and Bateshwar. Among the earliest torch
bearers, a local schoolteacher, Md Hanif Pathan had first noticed the archaeological
significance of Wari and brought it to public attention in the 1930s. Later his son Md
Habibullah Pathan, an amateur archaeologist, took the initiative to collect antiquities for
digging into the ancient origin of the location. Some of these objects came out during
agricultural farming, digging ponds and other domestic activities and during the rainy
season when rainwater washed away the topsoil. From the year 2000, Dr. Sufi Mustafizur
Rahman of Jahangirnagar University took further steps for systematic excavation in the
area. Among others, Captain Imam Anwar Hossain also supported the mission for
making it a success.

Subsequently, the Department of Geography at Dhaka University, Department of Metal

and Object Science at the Bangladesh University of Engineering, Bangladesh Soil
Research Directorate, Department of Archeology at Asia Pacific University, Department
of Geography and Environmental Science at Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh
Nuclear Research Centre, etc. took part in multiple research projects. At some point, the
Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
came forward with a small amount of money for the archeological research in this area.
Besides, scholarly supports were also extended by institutions like the Bengal
International Fine Arts, the Daily Star and Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. During 2006-
07, some financial institutions in the country, for example, Grameen Phone, Prime Bank
Ltd., Progoti Insurance Ltd., etc. came forward to extend financial help for excavation.
During the recent visit by the current author, it was found that all the excavated sites have

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been temporarily halting for better management of these sites as well as raising funds to
cover the colossal costs.

Garrison City:
Explorations already done primarily by the Department of Archeology at Jahangirnagar
University during 2009-11 have revealed that the major part of Wari-Bateshwar villages
was a fortified area surrounded by deep bunkers. Located in the hub of Bangladesh Wari-
Bateswar was the capital of the 16 Mahajanapada immediately before the foundation of
the Maghada Kingdom by Haryankas in 545 BC. It is speculated that Wari-Batteswar was
the ancient capital Shownagara of the mighty Gangaridhi kingdom what the Greek
invader Alexander got to know during his expedition in northern India in the 4th century
BC. Known as the Oshom Rajar Gor to the locals, the 5.8.km long security wall and
adjacent canal signifies the strategic importance of the area. A six-meter width
connecting road has been found nearby the fort; having another 160 meters long and 2.5-
meter width road recognized. There could be some entry points maintained to the
fortified city connected by link roads. Besides enjoying natural protection by old
Brahmaputra River; bunkers were used for defensive purposes in this protected area. The
collection of a significant number of iron made weapons and lethal objects evidenced by
the powerful defense system maintained in this area.
It is speculated that after the blood-spattered Kalinga War of 260 BC, most of
Bangladesh was run by Asoka’s army, but became independent subsequently after his
death in 132 BC. One stone made locket sizing 52 X 52 MM found at Wari-Batteswar is
inscribed with Asoka’s armored image holding a wheel (i.e., the symbol of righteousness
after embracing Buddhism) in his left arm and sword in the right arm. The locket also
indicates Emperor Asoka being greeted by a man and women from two sides after
adopting his new policy of Dharmabijoya. Archeologists have rightly pointed out that
this finest locket came from 3rd or 2nd century BC but wrongly identified the image as the
Hindu Goddess Vishnupatta or Ghat Devi. The recent discovery of a similar statue in
Andhra Pradesh, India, Asoka placing his right hand over the wheel and left hand
touching the heart and being greeted by two ladies from both sides would suffice the
current speculation. This statue resembles Asoka’s embracing Buddhism and pursuance
of non-violent policy following the brutalities of the Kalinga War.

Religious Identity:
Long before Asoka’s invasion, the region was swept over by the teachings of Buddhism,
the enlightenment Siddhartha had achieved nearby Buddhagaya under a Bodhi tree at the
turn of 6th century BC. Excavations from 2009 to 2011 could trace one brick made
Buddhist Lotus Temple with the size of 11 X 11 cubic meters, including one 3.80 X 3.70
cubic meter depth chamber in the corner. In the premise of the temple there is a lotus
having eight petals made of red bricks probably symbolizing the ‘Eight Noble Paths’ of
Buddhism: (i) Right View, (ii) Right Intention, (iii) Right Speech, (iv) Right Action, (v)
Right Livelihood, (vi) Right Effort, (vii) Right Mindfulness and (viii) Right
Concentration. Amongst 7-8 lotus found in the premise of the temple at least one exists in

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one piece. The discovery of this Lotus Temple has added an important dimension about
the existence of Buddhist culture in ancient Wari-Batteswar. The thickness of the temple
wall is 90 CM and surrounding the temple; there is a walkway. The temple was probably
founded by Buddha’s sahamapati (associates) or Asoka’s followers long before their
eventual heirs Pala rulers during the 7th or 8th century AD. In Jankharteck archeological
site, the existence of another Buddhist temple has been recorded.
The time of the Buddha witnessed socio-economic change and expansion of trade at
Wari-Bateswar as bronze and iron tools were widely used by locals. In Pubertack of the
village Wari one bronze made Buddhist-Shiva offering plate has been discovered. Its
outer surface is 31.5 cm, width 10.2 cm, and height 1 cm. It bears the testimony of
excellent workmanship making a knob at the center and from there drawing gradually
three enlarged circles representing the forest and the ocean and connecting them with the
world view of the Buddhist faith. Archeologist Professor Ian Glover interpreted the knob
and the surrounding designs almost similar ways. Bordering those circles, however, on
the right-hand side standing Shiva’s image and on the left-hand side his career a boll’s
picture is inscribed. In the underneath of those two pictures, there is the image of
elephant head symbolizing Ganesha. All these inscriptions in one plate would suggest
prevailing religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism in the area. Another
identical earthen knobbed ware has been found in the area indicating it from the Buddhist
tradition. Besides India and South East Asia, this is the first earthen knobbed ware
offering plate that has been found in Bangladesh territory. One earthen Jokkho statue has
also been located in the area. Having established this evidence, it can be assumed that the
people in this region practiced both Buddhism and Hinduism in different times.

Urban Planning:
Evidence suggests that city life had developed at Wari-Bateswar, facilitating the ancient
people to lead a life with urban facilities and accumulation of wealth. Some of the
archeological findings in the area are comparable to the old Dravidian location in
Harappa-Mohenjodero in present-day Pakistan. Earliest historical evidence from the
Gandhara region shows the beginning of human civilization in southwest Asia at around
6500 BC. Indication of the earliest arts and crafts, progressive process and the use of
metal, beginning with copper and culminating in iron, along with the development of
township at Wari-Bateswar can be compared with the later Harappan civilization from
3100-1900 BC those who had build massive cities, and maintained sophistication in arts
and crafts, and had precision in weights and measurements. With limited information
available, we can speculate the ancient people at Wari-Bateswar had experienced better
governance coupled with their organized urban planning system. They could even
construct underground buildings, which were mathematically planned and designed.

Archeological evidence at Wari-Bateswar signifies that the local people had sufficient
knowledge in urban planning, civil engineering, and governance system, including the
presence of architects and masons amongst them. Spread over a 600 X 600 cubic meter
area up until now signs of ancient settlements have been noticed in 50 sites as the nucleus
of this fortified city. The discovery of a 160 meter long and 5-meter width bricks and

4
lime mixed road including a 31 meter long and 2.5-meter width by lane and other
establishments in the surrounding areas suggest the organized urban planning system of
the ancient people of this region. Another brick made the structure of 10 X 5.5 cubic
meters, and 3.75 meter high indicates the unique architectural skills of the contemporary
people. In this reverse pyramid shape structure, a knob indicating the Buddhist symbol
has been noticed at the center. A part of the fallen mud-wall discovery is also significant
because it reveals the long tradition of mud-wall architecture in the region. This mud-wall
is possibly the earliest evidence of architecture in Bangladesh. Besides, brick structures
(brick size, 32 x 30 x 6 cm) are also found in the area.

Manufacturing Goods:
During a recent small-scale excavation at Wari, different kinds of ware, ceramics, chips,
flakes and countless semi-precious stone beads, melted pieces of iron, and signs of some
burning activity were traced. Hundreds and thousands of semi-precious stone and glass
objects, stone made pre-historic tools; etched bead and glass bead, amulet and pendant;
weighing units made by costly jasper, granite, and crystal stone; bronze and iron artifacts
traced in the region from time to time suggests the industrial account of the territory.

Finding a large number of iron artifacts, e.g., iron blooms, hand axes, spearheads, knives,
nails, and slugs, were reported from the excavation. In Bateshwar, a bronze made horse
of 7.6cm long and 4cm height has been found. Metal anklet was also produced for use by
the women. Although the boiler has not been found out in the small-scale excavation,
some signs of heating activity could be noticed. Burnt bricks like clay lumps, objects
produced by high-temperature burning were also discovered. Most likely, there was an
iron melting industry in and around the site. The discovery of innumerable chips and
flakes of semi-precious stones indicate the existence of those manufacturing factories at
Wari. The exotic discoveries at Wari-Bateshwar region bear silent but eloquent testimony
to the marvelous workmanship and artistic skill attained by the local people. The raw
materials are not available within present-day Bangladesh; possibly, it had to be collected
from outside.

Punched-Marked Coins:
Collection of ancient coins from Wari-Bateswar can be viewed as a phenomenal event
not only for Bangladesh but in the history of human civilization. Man is reported to have
first used coins in Asia Minor in the 6th century BC, while there had been no such
evidence in the ancient Sumerian, Egyptian or Indus Valley civilizations. In
contemporary Greece, a limited circulation of currency was in place, but in Sparta, it
didn’t exist for a long time. Romans started using money from the 3rd century BC.
Winning all the ancient records in those great civilizations, world’s earliest punch-
marked coins were found at Wari-Bateswar from 6th century BC. Bangladeshi
archeologists Sufi Mostafizur Rahman and Bulbul Ahmed in their paper in February 2011
maintained that the oldest coins in Bangladesh are from the Janapada settlement of the
pre-Mauryan timeframe. Most of these punch-marked Silver Coins date back from
Lauhitya Janapada Series weighing 1.6 to 1.9gm from 6th to 3rd century BC.

5
A large number of silver punch-marked coins found at Wari-Bateshwar and in surrounding
villages suggest that the area had maritime port connectivity haunted by merchants. The claim
seems to be more convincing because the number of coins found here is far greater than that are
obtained from similar coins in Bogra, Rajshahi and Mymensingh (Karim, 1991: 5). Most of these
coins were found between 1933 and 1999 in six spots at Wari, all of which are located on the
vicinity of wetland. The coins are mostly circular, oval, rectangular and square in shape but a few
are irregular. Various symbols such as sun, elephant, arrow, cow, tree, flower, deer, owl, lobster,
boat, wheel, 'trishul', six armed devices, mountain, mountain surmounted by a crescent, tortoise,
fish, bird etc. Among these boat, fish and lobster seen on some of these coins indicte maritime
connectivity of the local people.

From 1930 onwards punch-marked silver coins were found at Wari-Bateswar, and an
earthen coin hoard has also been invented in the area during an excavation in 2004. While
most of the Janapadas (small states) were brought together under the Jana-rajyapada /
Mahajanapadas of the Magadha Empire by the Haryankas (545-413BC), Saisunaga
(430-364BC) and then by the Mauryan (321-185BC); coins found at Wari-Bateswar were
probably circulated by the independent rulers of the Gangaridhi kingdom during 6th to 2nd
century BC. Some of the Magadha coins, relatively from 4th to 2nd century BC, were also
found in different parts of the country including Mahasthan of Bogra, Baighachha of
Rajshahi and Wari-Bateswar of Narsingdi district. Nevertheless, the coins found at Wari-
Bateswar from Lauhitya Janapada series are slightly distinctive from other Janapada
coins in style, quality, weight, symbols, and metallic form, but these were probably
transacted across the borders for business purposes. The discovery of an earthen coin
hoard suggests the way Ware-Bateswar people used to preserve their money in their
premises. The oldest punch-marked silver coins at Wari-Bateswar suggests that
Bangladesh is the predecessor to a rich heritage in the evolution of coins in human
history.

Overseas Trade:
Possibly Wari-Bateshwar was the first urban center in the region that had trade relations
with many other cities by river port facilities of old Brahmaputra and overland
connectivity through ancient Silk Route. The geographical location of the area suggests
that Wari-Bateshwar had oceanic business links with Southeast Asia and land
connections with the Roman Empire. A geological composition, including the
archeological evidence found in Wari-Bateswar, confirms the commercial importance of
the area. The abundance of the etched bead and glass bead, amulet & pendant, weighing
units made by costly jasper, granite, and crystal stone suggests that these commodities
were locally produced and exported from the area. As it had happened in the case of
Mohenjodaro having sea-route connectivity with Mesopotamia to Egypt and Sumeria,
Wari-Bateswar emerged as the subsequent center for trade and commerce maintained by
ancient Silk Route throughout south and west Asia.

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Conclusion
Local archeologists revealed that some of the recovered articles date back from the new
Stone Age. Compared to other ancient locations in the country, the geopolitical
importance of the area suggests that Wari-Bateshwar had oceanic links with Southeast
Asia and land connections with the Roman Empire for business purposes. Winning all the
ancient records of Egyptian or Indus Valley civilizations, however, the world’s earliest
silver punch-marked coins have been found in the area. Finding of the Janapada and
Imperial coins at War-Bateswar from 6th to 2nd century BC is very indicative. The
information that has been gathered up until now can be considered as ‘the preface of an
Epic,’ but the unknown part of this great civilization needs to be unearthed meticulously
both by the local and global initiative. Amongst all the important historical sites in
Bangladesh, Wari-Bateswar is the latest wonder that deserves to be explored more
meticulously by global initiatives to know about the dawn of civilization throughout the
region. Whatever information that has been gathered up until now can be considered as
‘the preface of an Epic’; the more significant part remained unknown.

References:
1. Anuradha Seneviratna (ed.), King Asoka and Buddhism: Historical & Literary
Studies, Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc., Kandy, Sri Lanka, 1994;
2. Bishawjit Das, ‘Excavation starts in Narsingdi in search of ancient civilization,’ 7
The Daily Star, 14 January 2007;
3. Bulbul Ahmed & AKM Shahnawaz, Coins from Bangladesh: A Guide to the Coins of
Bengal Especially Circulated in Bangladesh, Dhaka: Nymphia Publication, 2013;
4. Edward A. Irons, Encyclopedia of Buddhism, Facts On File, Inc., 2008;
5. Gail Omvedt, Buddhism in India: Challenging Brahmanism and Caste,
6. Gananath Obeyesekere, Imagining Karma: Ethical Transformation in Amerindian,
Buddhist, and Greek Rebirth, University of California Press, 2002
7. Leslie D. Alldritt, Religions of the World, New York: Chelsea House Publishers,
2005;
8. Martin Palmer, World Religions, Singapore: Flame Tree Publishing, 2004;
9. Pamphlet and postcards published by Oitihya Onneswan, Protnotattik Gobeshona
Kendra [Heritage Search, Archeological Research Centre] Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2012;
10. Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values, and Issues,
Cambridge University Press, 2000;
11. Sufi Mostafizur Rahman and Bulbul Ahmed, ‘Janapada Punched-marked Coins from
Wari-Bateswar, Narsingdi, Bangladesh,’ a paper presented in a day-long seminar
jointly organized by the Bangladesh Historical Association and Oitihya-Onneswan at
Wari-Bateswar, 25 February 2011;
12. ‘Ancient fort city discovered in Bangladesh’, The Dawn, March 16, 2006.
13. Emran Hossain, ‘Wari-Bateshwar one of earliest kingdoms’, The Daily Star, March
19, 2008.
14. Shahnaj Husne Jahan, ‘Archaeology of Wari-Bateshwar’, Ancient Asia, 2, 2010,
pp.135–146.