Patharghata archaeological site is located at Joypurhat district, about 5 km from Panchbibi upazila. It is a vast area of around 10 sq km on the western side of the Tulshi Ganga River.

Numerous pieces of granite, black basalt and sandstone pillars and decorative stone sculptures have been found scattered on various mounds and the river bed. These ancient relics bear testimony of a well-established settlement in the area. A number of stone pieces or blocks scattered on the Tulshi Ganga riverbed indicate the ruins of a stone bridge or the steps of a landing ghat in the area. The place is probably called Patharghata due to presence of a large amount granite stones.

Besides Patharghata, there are some other archaeological sites in the area, such as Uchai-Kasba and Mohipur. There are nine old ponds in the area, which is known as Noy Pukuriya. The site is related to Gupta-Pala reign. There was a strong administrative role of Patharghata until the first Mahipal, or King Mahipala I (988-1038 AD) of the Pala dynasty.

US historian Getzel M Cohen in his book, Hellenistic Settlements in the East from Armenia and Mesopotamia to Bactria and India, names some realms which had commercial relations with the Greeks and the rest of the world. Among the ancient cities, Patharghata of Panchbibi is mentioned. Some Hellenistic artifacts were found there, which proves this trade connection. The term Hellenistic, or ‘Hellenizing’ of the world, refers to the expansion of Greek influence and dissemination of ideas following the death of Alexander the Great in the 4th Century BC.  

References: Nazimuddin Ahmed (Edited), Bangladesh Archaeology 1979: Number 1, Vol-1 (Department of Archaeology and Museums, 1980); Prachin Banglar Pothe Prantore by Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan (Pearl Publications, 2007); Bangladesher Protnoshompod by Abul Kalam Md Zakariya (Dibboprokash, 2007); and History in Pictures - Greater Rangpur and Dinajpur, Area HQs, Rangpur, 2008.

Photos: Writer