Cathedral of Cabinda (Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição) | Cabinda

Information

Landmark: Cathedral of Cabinda (Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição)
City: Cabinda
Country: Angola
Continent: Africa

Cathedral of Cabinda (Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição), Cabinda, Angola, Africa

Mahasthangarh is an archaeological site located in Bogura District, near the city of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. It represents the remains of an ancient city and administrative center.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of earthen mounds and ruins, primarily composed of brick and mud. The central citadel area is enclosed by a rampart and a moat. Excavated areas reveal foundations of ancient structures, including temples and monastic cells. The surrounding landscape is predominantly flat agricultural land.

Location & Access Logistics

Mahasthangarh is situated approximately 11 kilometers north of Bogura town. Access is via the Bogura-Rangpur highway (N5). From Bogura town, local buses and auto-rickshaws are available. The site has a designated parking area for vehicles. The nearest major city with an airport is Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi, approximately 110 kilometers southwest.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Mahasthangarh is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century BCE. It served as the capital of the Pundravardhana kingdom. Archaeological evidence suggests continuous occupation and development through the Maurya, Gupta, and Pala periods, and into the Sena dynasty. The site's origin is tied to the ancient civilization of the Pundras.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the excavated ruins, including the Behula-Khidira Batchala, Govinda Bhita, and Shila Devi's Ghat. A museum on-site displays artifacts recovered from excavations. Photography of the ruins is permitted. Walking tours of the archaeological mounds are the primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available near the museum. Limited shade is provided by trees and some covered structures within the museum area. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. Food vendors are typically found outside the main archaeological site, near the entrance to Bogura town.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon to utilize softer light. The most favorable months for visiting are from October to March, avoiding the monsoon season and extreme heat. There are no tide-dependent activities.

Facts & Legends

A local legend associates the site with the story of Behula and Lakhindar from the Manasamangal epic, with specific locations within Mahasthangarh identified as part of the narrative. The site is also recognized as the oldest urban archaeological site in Bangladesh.