Itakhola Mura | Comilla

Itakhola Mura sits along the northern edge of the Mainamati–Lalmai archaeological belt, tucked between gentle hill slopes and quiet clearings. The site carries the unmistakable footprint of an early Buddhist monastic complex, and even though only ruins remain, the layout is clear enough to imagine how monks once moved through its courtyards, meditation cells, and shrine chambers. The combination of open sky, reddish soil, and the geometry of exposed brickwork makes the place feel both ancient and quietly alive.

Historical Background

Archaeologists date Itakhola Mura to between the 7th and 12th centuries, a period when Buddhism flourished in the region. The site appears to have evolved over several construction phases, reflected in its layered foundations and rebuilt walls. The complex included a central shrine, surrounding rooms, and additional structural platforms, likely linked to ritual or residential use.

Three historical hints are especially noticeable:
– the thick brick foundations, larger than typical domestic structures of the era,
– the distinct platform layers that suggest repeated renovations,
– and the alignment of chambers pointing to an organized monastic layout.

Its name-“Itakhola,” loosely meaning a place where bricks were stacked or laid out-likely stems from how the ruins once appeared before excavation.

Architectural Layout

The site is arranged around a raised mound, now cleaned and protected, where the core structures stand. The central shrine area forms a rectangular block with visible sub-shrines attached on multiple sides. Walkways and platforms run around it, and the pattern of bricks-some scorched, some deeply weathered-creates an intricate mosaic under the sun.

As you move around, micro-details stand out naturally:
– the warm touch of sun-heated bricks under your hand,
– the subtle shift in soil colour from deep red to sandy brown at different edges of the mound,
– the faint depression in the ground where ancient drainage or pathways once ran.

Visitor Experience

A visit here feels calm and open. There are no crowds, and the silence of the landscape creates a contemplative mood. The paths around the ruins are easy to follow, allowing you to circle the complex slowly. Early morning brings soft light, casting long lines across the brick platforms. By late afternoon, the ruins glow in warm shades of orange and copper.

Occasionally, you might see local children walking along the outer trails, or a groundskeeper sweeping leaves away from the base of the mound. A gentle breeze moves through the site, carrying the mixed scent of dry grass and warm earth.

Surrounding Landscape

Itakhola Mura sits close to several major archaeological sites-Charpatra Mura, Rupban Mura, and the famous Shalban Vihara-all within short driving distance. The whole zone forms a compact heritage corridor where ancient Buddhist history, rural landscapes, and low hills intersect. From certain edges of the site, the Lalmai Range rises in the background, creating a layered visual frame.

Atmosphere and Impression

There is a quiet dignity to Itakhola Mura. Unlike a museum, nothing here feels curated or theatrical. The ruins stand exposed to wind, light, and time, offering an honest look at the architectural vocabulary of early Bengal Buddhism. Visitors often remark that the site feels immersive-almost meditative-because the openness allows you to picture the ancient monastery without distraction.

Itakhola Mura remains one of Comilla’s most evocative archaeological stops, a place where layered history blends with the soft rural landscape, inviting slow exploration and thoughtful observation.