Mankalir Kund Dhap Bogra

Mankali's Kund is one of the signs of ancient civilization in Shibganj upazila of Bogra district . In the early 1960s, the then Directorate of Archeology of Pakistan registered this structure on the high mound of Mahasthangarh as an archaeological site.

On entering the Mankali Kund Mound, located on the eastern bank of Mahasthangarh's Maja Pond, the first thing one notices is a signboard with information about the mound, with a small water tank next to it. This water body is called “Kunda or Kupa”. The reservoir and the mound together are named Mankali Kund. It is believed that King Mansingh and his brother Tansingh first built a temple at this place, later the zamindars of Ghoraghat built a mosque here. Again, seeing the Jain idols found at this same place, many archaeologists believe that the mound was once the abode of Jain religious gurus.

Excavations were started here from 1965 to 1966 under the supervision of the Directorate of Archaeology. Among the artefacts unearthed from Kunddhapa of Mankali are the remains of a mosque measuring 26.21 x 14.54 meters from the Sultanate period, the remains of a temple built during the Pala period and several minor archaeological objects. Besides, other artifacts include fragments of northern black-glazed pottery, burnt clay plaques of the Sunga period, Jain idols, bronze Ganesha and some carved brick fragments.

You can go to Bogra from Dhaka by bus, train or own transport. From Gabtali, Mohakhali, Shyamoli, Abdullahpur and Kalyanpur in the capital Dhaka, you can go to Bogra by buses of Shyamoli, SR Travels, Hanif Enterprises, Aghumi Express, Manik Express, Nabil Paribahan and Al Hamra Paribahan. The fare will be Tk 550 to Tk 1300 per person depending on the bus.

Besides, if you want to go by train, you can come to Bogra by Burimari, Rangpur and Lalmoni Express trains from Dhaka Kamalapur railway station. The train fare will cost 475 to 1093 taka depending on the class. The distance from Bogra town to Kunddhapa in Mankali is only 15 km. After reaching Bogra city, you can take a CNG or auto rickshaw to visit Mankali Mound.

Tourist Motel, Hotel Naz Garden, Mom Inn, Century Motel, Hotel Siesta, Akbaria Grand Hotel and Northway Motel are among the various residential hotels in Bogra. Besides, you can stay overnight at Circuit House and Rural Development Academy with permission.

Among the good quality hotels and restaurants in Bogra city, Sathi Hotel and Restaurant, Maer Doa Hotel, Guest Garden Restaurant, Chap Corner and Hotel Safina are notable. Besides, Bogra's famous yogurt has a world-famous reputation.

Feature Image: Saifullah