Ananda Vihara
| Ananda Vihara | |
|---|---|
আনন্দবিহার | |
.jpg) A Buddhist scene associated with the vihara tradition | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| District | Cumilla District |
| Location | |
| Location | Kotbari, Cumilla Sadar Upazila |
| Country | Bangladesh |
 Interactive map of Ananda Vihara | |
| Coordinates | 23°26′58″N 91°07′39″E / 23.4493711°N 91.1274697°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Vihara (Buddhist monastery) |
| Style | Ancient Bengal |
| Founder | Sri Anandadeva (Deva dynasty) |
| Established | Late 7th – early 8th century AD |
| Length | 198 m (each side) |
| Largest of the Mainamati monuments | |
Ananda Vihara (Bengali: আনন্দবিহার), also known locally as Ananda Rajar Prasad (আনন্দ রাজার প্রাসাদ),[1] is an ancient Buddhist archaeological site located in the Kotbari area of Cumilla Sadar Upazila, Cumilla District, Bangladesh. It is the largest of the monuments discovered in the Mainamati archaeological complex and features the largest water tank in the area.[2][3]
History
[edit]The Ananda Vihara complex was built by Sri Anandadeva, the third ruler of the early Deva dynasty, at the end of the 7th or the beginning of the 8th century AD.[2][3] The vihara was probably completed by his son Bhavadeva during the late 7th century.[1] The site is part of the Mainamati-Lalmai range, which contains numerous mounds evidencing its significance as a centre of Buddhist culture.[4]
The monastery was active from the 8th to the 12th century CE.[5]
Discovery and excavations
[edit]The site was severely damaged by contractors and brick hunters in 1944–45, and further damage was caused during the construction of the nearby Mainamati Cantonment.[2][6]
Excavations at Ananda Vihara were carried out by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh in phases, with a major excavation campaign documented in the report Excavations at Ananda Vihara, Mainamati, Comilla, 1979-82.[7][8][9]
Despite these efforts, excavations at Ananda Vihara remain incomplete. Only a few cells in the northern row and a section of the southern part of the central shrine have been cleared.[2] Of the 40 archaeological sites identified in the Lalmai-Mainamati hills, only eight have been partially excavated due to lack of funding.[6]
Structure
[edit]The vihara is square in shape, measuring 198 metres (650 ft) on each side.[2][3] It follows a layout similar to that of Shalban Vihara, with rows of monastic cells arranged in four wings around a large cruciform shrine that stands at the centre of a wide open courtyard.[2] The central shrine was initially designed following a cruciform ground plan but was later modified into a rectangular layout, indicating architectural development and continued use of the monastery over time.[5]
The only entrance is located in the middle of the northern side, set in a broad and massive front facade that projects outwards.[2] The outer wall is decorated with offset patterns and mouldings, while the inner verandah wall features ornamental bricks and moulded designs.[2][3]
The vihara is larger and more elaborate than Shalban Vihara, with a more pleasing architectural aesthetic.[2]
Artifacts
[edit]Artifacts discovered at Ananda Vihara include:[2][3][5][10]
- A copperplate inscription
- A hoard of 63 silver coins
- Numerous bronze images, including miniature bronze statues and a life-size broken bronze image of Avalokiteśvara recovered from the western arm during the 1979–82 excavation[1][5]
- Terracotta sculptured plaques
- Pottery and earthenware
- A pottery kiln located outside the monastery
These findings indicate the site's potential importance as a centre of Buddhist religious and cultural activity.[2]
Current status
[edit]Ananda Vihara is one of several Buddhist archaeological sites in the Mainamati-Lalmai area, alongside Shalban Vihara, Rupban Mura, Itakhola Mura, and Bhoj Vihara.[6][11] The site is located near the Bangladesh Betar (radio) facility in Cumilla.[12]
The site remains partially excavated, with much work yet to be completed.[2] The Department of Archaeology under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is responsible for its maintenance and preservation.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Archaeological sites and settlements in the Lalmai-Mainamati region (PDF). Shodhganga (Thesis). p. 9. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Ananda Vihara". Banglapedia. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Ananda Bihar – Comilla". TourTodayBD. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ Mainamati Archaeological Sites. Shodhganga (Thesis). Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Ananda Vihara (c. 8 -12th Century CE) – Ancient Buddhist Monastery". Study-Research.net. 8 April 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Shalbon Bihar losing attraction due to lack of maintenance". The Daily Star. 4 January 2000. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ "Excavations at Ananda Vihara, Mainamati, Comilla, 1979-82". WorldCat. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ "Excavations at Ananda Vihara, Mainamati, Comilla, 1979-82". HathiTrust. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ Alam, Md. Shafiqul; Miah, Md. Abul Hashem (1999). Excavations at Ananda Vihara, Mainamati, Comilla, 1979-82. Dhaka: Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Cultural Affairs. p. 11.
- ↑ "Ananda Vihara near Kotbari Comilla". Historical Places of Bangladesh. 23 September 2009. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ "Archaeological sites from a legal viewpoint". The Observer. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ Archaeological Sites in the Lalmai Range. Shodhganga (Thesis). Retrieved 2 August 2026.