A REPORT ON DECAY OF HERITAGE SITES IN BANGLADESH : REASONS BEHIND

A REPORT ON DECAY OF HERITAGE SITES IN BANGLADESH : REASONS BEHIND

Course No: HUM 272

Course Title: Developing English Skills laboratory

A Report On

Decay of Heritage Sites

in Bangladesh: Reasons Behind

Prepared for:

Dr. Sharmin Chowdhury Nishat Sultana

Asst. Professor Asst. Professor

Department of Humanities

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology

Prepared by:

Student Name Student ID

Shahin Mahmud Snigdho S201304105

Md. Kamrul Islam S201304106

Nazeat Ameen Iqra S201304107

Md. Rakib Hasan Faisal S201304108

Polash Talukder S201304109

Sayeed Salman Haque S201304110

A REPORT ON DECAY OF HERITAGE SITES IN BANGLADESH : REASONS BEHIND

Forwarding Letter P a g e | i

The 2nd May, 2015

Dr. Sharmin Chowdhury & Nishat Sultana

Department of Humanities

Bangladesh university of Engineering and Technology

Dear Madam,

It is our genuine pleasure to present the report entitled “Decay of Heritage Sites of Bangladesh

: Reasons behind” to you. We are deeply greatful that you have given us the opportunity to

research on this topic as it is deeply embedded in our studies and will greatly help us in our line

of work.

Though Bangladesh is a small country it has many heritage sites. The sites are very important

internationally. Tourists from abroad come to visit every year. These world heritage sites are not

only assets to our nation but also to the whole world. They are significant for economic sides too.

But it’s a matter of pity that for lack of maintainance and many other causes these places are

loosing their appeal.

In this report we have emphasized on locating the causes behind the decay of the sites with short

histry of those certain places. These brief histry will help us to get rememberd about our culture

and ancient norms. We also tried to find out some solution or precaution to be taken. However

we expect that this report will encourage the authority to take some initiatives needed. We also

feel necessary to mention that there may be some errors in the report and we sincerely apologise

for any mistakes present in.

We would like to express thanks and acknowledgement to our friends and teachers who have

helped us in preparing the report. And most importantly, as internet provided us with the

data,ideas and pictures we are so much thankfull to it though it has no power of feel this

formality.

Sincerely,

Nazeat Ameen Iqra,

On behalf of the whole team.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forwarding Letter…………………………………………………...i

List of Illustration………………………………………………….iii

Acknowledgement………………………………………………….iv

Summary…………………………………………………………...iv

1. Introduction………………………………………………………..1

2. Notion of Heritage Site……………………………………………1

3. Description…………………………………………………………2

3.1. Sundarbans: The Beauty of Nature……………………………2

3.2. The Mosque City of Bagerhat…………………………………5

3.3. Paharpur Bihara……………………………………………….7

3.4. Ancient Monument of Mahasthangarh………………………..8

3.5. The lalmai-Mainamati Group of Monuments………………...10

3.6. Puthia, The town of Temples…………………………………11

3.7. Jogdol Bihar, Dhamoirhat, Naogaon………………………….12

4. Conclusion………………………………………………………..13

5. Recommendation…………………………………………………14

Appendix A: Questionnaire……………………………………….15

Appendix B: List of Abbreviations ……………………………....16

List of Reference…………………………………………………17

Glossary …………………………………………………………..18

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 01 : The king of Sundarbans…………………………………….……...2

Chart 01 : Effect on Flora……………………………………………….……..3

Figure 02 : Devastating scenario of Sela river crisis….......................................4

Figure 03 : Shat Gambuj Mosjid, a piece of beauty………………….………...5

Figure 04 : Damage on walls……………………………………………….….6

Figure 05 : Ancient artifacts of Paharpur………………………………….……7

Figure o6 : Result of carelessness……………………………………………………………….….8

Figure 07 : Front view of Mahasthangarh……………………………………...8

Figure 08 : Artifacts of Mahasthangarh……………………………………......9

Figure 09 : A field of banana trees is tended right atop the wall……………... 9

Figure 10 : Some relics of the Lalmai-Mainamati Group of monuments……...10

Figure 11 : Condition of the monument before and after reconstruction……….11

Figure 12 : Damages of Puthia Temple Complex ……………………………...12

Figure 13 : Faded wall …………………………………………………………12

Figure 14 : Pic from archive……………………………………………………13

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Acknowledgement

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those who provided us the possibility

to complete the report .We took information from different papers and these for the completion

of this report on the decay of heritage sites of Bangladesh: reasons behind .

We would like to thank sir Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, the professor of archaeology at

Jahangirnagar University for his paper “Preserving our national heritage”. Here we got idea

about the importance of conservation of the heritage sites .We would also show our gratitude to

Dr. Ataur Rahman, current regional director of the department of archaeology for his valuable

paper “Heritage on verge of destruction”. From this paper we can know about the present

situation of the heritage site and the decay of those sites .we got analysis of the steps taken and to

be taken for conserving the heritage sites from the article “Legal protection of national

heritage” by Md Shafiqul Alam, director of government's Archaeology Department. Architect

Taimur Islam, team leader of heritage study Group, which spearheads a heritage conservation

movement. From his research we can get proper data related to the heritage site and the reasons

behind the decay of those heritage sites. The paper on “Dhaka's history” written by Prof.

Muntasir Mamoon, was very helpful for us. So we would like to thank to all for helping us with

the valuable information in this report.

We are highly indebt to Dr. Sharmin Chowdhury madam and Nishat Sultana madam for their

guidance, supervision and support in completing the report.

Summary

Heritage sites is one of the basic elements on which the economical and cultural progress of a

country stand . Bangladesh is blessed with many heritage sites . But at present most of the sites

are at the verge of ruin .Many natural and manmade disasters have destroyed them . The

process is still going on .Our government has taken some steps to conserve the heritage sites .

Reconstruction of historic “Ahsan Manjil” bears the testimony of governmental effort .But yet in

some prospect administrational carelessness is accelerating the process of decay . But it is a

matter of fact that government alone can never solve the problem unless the local people

participate in the conservation process . If we fail to protect our heritage sites ,our enriched

history will become a subject of fairy tale. On the contrary if we can save our heritage sites they

will provide us with sustainable development .

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1.Introduction

A historic site or heritage site is an official location where pieces of political, military, cultural, or

social history have been preserved due to their cultural and natural heritage value. Historic sites

are usually protected by law, and many have been recognized with the official national historic

site status. A historic site may be any building, landscape, site or structure that is of local, regional,

or national significance.

Bangladesh has a rich culture developed throughout the thousands of years' civilization in the area'

As a result we get to see a number of historic places in different corners of the country from

different era. These are the places that can be turned into beautiful and interesting tourist points

across the country. However, due to undeveloped and underdeveloped infrastructure facilities,

especially in the areas far from the major cities, the overall tourism sector in Bangladesh has

always lagged behind. This resulted in a very low response rate from the interested tourists. After

1971 when Bangladesh has started its journey as a state nation, the government had planned and

executed a number of schemes to develop this sector. However, only a handful of historic places

have undergone some noticeable infrastructural developments, while many other potential sites

are still neglected.

In this report we have highlighted the reasons behind the decay of heritage sites in Bangladesh and

focused on sorting out the solutions. We have relied heavily on data and facts to make our

arguments and based our sources from the internet and research by international

organisations.finally, we wrapped up our report with some precise recommendation about moving

forward.

2.Notion of Heritage Site

World Heritage Areas embody the diversity of the planet, and the achievements of its peoples.

They are places of beauty and wonder; mystery and grandeur; memory and meaning. In short, they

represent the best Earth has to offer. The pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the Taj

Mahal are some of the most outstanding examples of humanity’s cultural achievements. The Great

Barrier Reef, the Galápagos Islands and Serengeti National Park are among the world’s greatest

natural treasures. All of these places are on the World Heritage List. In 1972, worldwide concern

over the potential destruction of the Earth’s cultural and natural heritage led the United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to establish an international treaty

called the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

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3.Description P a g e | 2

Bangladesh is a land of many heritage sites. Three of them are recognized as World Heritage Site

by UNESCO. There are some other historic sites too. The problems they are facing today are to be

discussed hereafter with some short description.

3.1.Sundarbans: The Beauty of Nature

The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. The

Sundarbans covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres (3,900 sq mi) of which 60 percent is

in Bangladesh with the remainder in India. It is a

UNESCO world heritage site.It occupies an area

between longitudes 89°00’E & 89°55’E and latitudes

21°30’N & 22°30’N. To the south the forest meets the

Bay of Bengal; to the east it is bordered by the Baleswar

River and to the north there is a sharp interface with

intensively cultivated land.There are 334 plant species

and more then 375 fauna species available in this

mangrove forest. It is the homeland of Royal Bengal

Tiger. About 200 years ago, the Sundarban was much

larger; it was then measured and found to be about

16,700 km². The present Sundarban is one third of that. Fig 1 : the king of sundarbans

Rampal power plant:

The mere existence of the Sundarbans has been threatened by an attempt to build 1320 MW coal

fired power plant in Rampal, the larger Sundarban area . The plant will be located only 9 km

away from the Sundarbans, and will cover 1,834 acres of land. This proposed Rampal Coal

Power Project is a joint venture project by the Indian state owned National Thermal Power

Corporation (NTPC) and Bangladesh state owned Power Development Board (PDB). different

independent studies suggest that this project would not allow the Sundarbans to survive and to

reproduce .

The proposed plant will require 13,000 tons of coal. This huge amount of coal will be transported

through the Possurriver that runs deep into the Sundarbans and flows around its adjacent areas. It

is well known that the large ships carrying coal, the turbines, the compressors, the pumps, the

generators and the cooling towers of the power plant will create a lot of sound, which will

inevitably have a fatal effect on the biodiversity of the forest. Moreover, the river will be

helplessly exposed to coal wastes

It is difficult to imagine what will happen to the river when a ‘mountain’ of more than seven

hundred thousand tons of fly-ash and two hundred thousand tons of bottom ash are released as

soon as the plant starts functioning. These contain hazardous and toxic chemicals such as arsenic,

mercury, lead, nickel, and radium. There will also be regular emission of some 142 tons of sulfur

A REPORT ON DECAY OF HERITAGE SITES IN BANGLADESH : REASONS BEHIND

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dioxide and 85 tons of nitrogen dioxide. So many toxic substances are enough to slowly eat up

the world’s largest mangrove forest.

The incur loss in Sidr:

The cyclone Sidr, with a ferocious wind force of over 220 km/h, hit the eastern parts of the

forest, especially the Chandpai and Sarankhola range including the Kochikhali, Kotka, Hiron

Point, and the Dublarchar, on November 15, 2007 leaving a trail of severe devastation.Much of

the wildlife and plants of the Sundarbans might have been washed away by the tidal surge.

Effect on wildlife Cyclone Sidr caused tremendous disruption to wildlife. The loss of wildlife is either due washed

away by the cyclone and tidal surges or fall under the broken trees. The Dead animals may cause

environmental hazards to the remaining herbivores and other wildlife. The cyclone damaged and

broken trees restrict the movement of wildlife caused scarcity of fodder due to loss of

regeneration in the forest floor. As the existing ponds in the Sunderban have been infested with

the salt water, safe drinking water for the animals is not available.

NDVI analysis indicates that 45% area of the Bangladesh’s part of the Sundarbans

(approximately 2500 sq.km) was affected due to the cyclone action.Results further indicated that

the average rate of post-cyclone floristic growth in 2009-2010 is four times higher than the

average rate in 2008-2009.

Effect on flora

Physical Damage Amount (lac Taka)

a Damage of Forest Resources 100,000.00

a.1 Heavily damaged forest 30,000 ha

a.2 Partial damage of forest 80,000 ha

sub-total 100,000.00

b Infrastucture (completely damaged)

b.1 Office and Residents – 126 nos. 900.00

b.2 Water Vessels – 50 nos. 198.84

b.3 Jetty and Poltoon – 59 nos. 146.32

b.4 Wireless tower, RT sets and Base set – 32 nos. 166.60

sub-total 1,411.76

C Infrastructure (partially damaged)

c.1 Office and Residents – 93 nos. 127.03

c.2 Water Vessels – 9 nos. 60.87

c.3 Jetty and Poltoon – 12 nos. 6.76

c.4 Others 393.58

sub-total

588.24

Grand total

102,000.00

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The natural vegetation of the Sundarbans is composed mainly of halophytic tree species. The

eastern part is mainly dominated by Sundri and Gewa, which were affected by cyclone Sidr on

15 November 2007. The Sunderbans absorbed the main blow of the Sidr, saving human lives by

slowing down the nature's wrath. According to the forest department, One fourth of the

Sundarbans forest area had been damaged by the cyclone Sidr. Eight to ten percent of the forest

had been damaged completely, while fifteen percent has been partly damaged.

Sela Rever crisis

teheshree crhlecSessa seeSeeeSesiTrelie aleS hhT- eThlerlle eaaiesesaerleiscSe-e eThleGesehSe

aar2ecsbeesel eahih rhleplodeTeheTesshle carrying 357,664litres of furnace oil capsized in sela

river ebeieahih rhleoreeTeheacreeeaeS2lheaearhleeeebleSerelhescra hThlSeelheb spill particularly

jeopardises a dolphin sanctuary, the local food chain and the entire local ecology. Oil tanker –

southern star IVV was anchored in the river because of dense fog. After starting the journey on

08 december afternoon, The oil tanker was at anchor at the confluence between the Shela River

and the Passur River at the forest's Chandpai Range for the night. It was hit from behind by

empty cargo ship 'Total' around 5am 09 december amid dense fog, Mongla Coast Guard's

Contingent Commander (West Zone) Captain Mehedi Masud said earlier. The oil spread to a

second river and a network of canals in Sundarbans, which blackened the shoreline. The spill

threatened trees, plankton, and vast populations of small fish and dolphins. The spill occurred at

a protected mangrove area.

Fig 2 : devastating scenario of sela rever crisis

Experts expressed concerns that the oil spill will hamper the well-being of the aquatic organisms

in the area. Wildlife near the river are at a risk of death, because the smell of oil makes breathing

difficult. On 18 December 2014, two dead otters were recovered from the Shela River by forest

department workers. An autopsy of the two otters confirmed that they had died from ingesting

oil. The otter is considered to be an endangered species, and has been included in the

International Union for Conservation of Nature endangered list.

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3.2.The Mosque City ‘Bagerhat’

The Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat is an important evidence of medieval city in the south-

west part of present Bagerhat district which is located in the south-west part of Bangladesh, at

the meeting-point of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. The ancient city, formerly known as

Khalifatabad, sprawls over on the southern bank of the old river Bhairab and flourished in the

15th century BC.The city was founded in the 15th century by the warrior saint Turkish general

fig 3 : shat gambuj mosjid, a piece of beauty

Ulugh Khan Jahan. The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983

under criteria (iv), "as an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble which illustrates a

significant stage in human history".

The Sixty Pillar Mosque (the Shat Gambuj), in Bagerhat in south Bangladesh, on the eastern

bank of a sweet water tank or pond (the takur dighi) is one of the oldest mosques in the country

and is described as "historic mosque representing the Golden Era of Muslim Bengal".

Others : Along side the Shat Gombuj Masjid there are some other historic masjids. The Nine

Domed Masjid, The Singara Mosque, The Chuna Khola Mosque, The Six Domed Mosque are

the bearers of histry.

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Reasons behind damage in mosque city

(i) Damp Due to Presence of Salt in Ground: Salts and other injurious chemicals are

transported through brick structures by capillary attraction, and are water borne. During the rainy

period, water from the surrounding ground, together with the dissolved salts in the soil, are

drawn up in the wall and whilst the salts are in a dissolved state they are almost harmless to the

fabric. In the dry season very rapid evaporation takes place and the salts tend to crystalise just

behind the outer surface of the brick, causing the brick face to disintegrate.

(ii) Condensation Problem on Internal

Wall Surfaces: Condensation is caused

by warm moisture laden (humid) air

coming into contact with a cooler surface

which causes droplets of water to form on

the cooler surface. The warmer the

atmosphere the more moisture it can hold

and therefore the more condensation

can be created.

fig 4 : damage on walls

(iii) Lichen Growth Due to Rainwater Being Clogged: Rainwater disposal both from and

around the buildings are almost non-existent. The rain that falls onto the domes runs to the

flattish areas above the curvilinear cornice and then dribbles over the face of the building. Where

this happens, and particularly on the elevations that receive little sunlight, there is a very heavy

growth of both lichen and moss.

(iv) Lack of Maintenance: Although the present number of visitors is outweighed by the

number of pilgrims, once the Bagerhat group of monuments is put on the tourist map, it is

anticipated there will be a large number of people visiting the majority of the sites. A lack of

knowledge and understanding of the history and purpose of the building leads to mis-use. This

happens mostly to the ruins and non-religious buildings

(v) Vandalism: The problems of vandalism, the search for brickwork and other such available

building materials is very apparent. At present the archaeological ruins are the easiest target and

due to the vast quantity of ruins, there is a never ending source of useful brick. It was evident

however that building stone, a very rare commodity, was also being removed. In the Singar

Mosque the potstones beneath the squint arches to the dome have been removed from all arches.

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P a g e | 7 3.3.Paharpur Bihara

Paharput Buddha Bihar is one of our prides from Bangladesh. According to some scholars, this

can be the largest Buddhist Bihara from the world. This is located at the Paharpur union of

Bodolgachhi Upazila of Naogaon district from Bangladesh. This place is also known as Sompur

Buddha Bihar. People called this as Pahar as it looks like a hill(in bengali it means Pahar), from

there the place is known as Paharpur.

This massive Buddhist Bihara was probably built during the 8th or 9th century by the second

king Sree Dhormopaldeb of Paal dynasty. It was active around 300 years for learning and

religious researches. Our great Atish Dipankar was the chancellor of this Bihar during the 10th

century. People from around the globe used to come here for sharing and learning knowledge.

fig 5 : ancient artifacts of Paharpur

The central temple of the Bihar was the biggest one and now in dilapidated condition. It has

several stores around the temple. From my observation to the other temples around the globe, I

believe the people used to walk clockwise around the temple on those as their prayer. And I also

believe, the top of the central temple might have a shrine or similar object there. May be that is

ruined while it was having a vie with the time.

Salinity and neglect ruin Paharpur terracotta

Paharpur Bihar of Naogaon or the Somapura Mahavihara, designated as a UNESCO World

Heritage Site in 1985, has been in ruins for a long time due to poor maintenance and fund

constraint, said officials at the Department of Archaeology .Apart from that, high salinity in the

soil and poor drainage system cause decay to the ornamental terracotta plaques, the walls and

embellishments of this ancient Buddhist monastery, among the best-known and second largest

vihara in South Asia.It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, still

remains neglected and uncared for, leaving it to the mercy of vandals and thieves who are prying

terracotta plaques off the walls or stealing other priceless relics from the site.

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High salinity coupled with absence of proper

maintenance has already ruined a large number of

the terracotta plaques, said Shafiqul Alam,

director of the Department of Archaeology.A

large number of beautiful terracotta plaques, not

less than 500, have been destroyed or stolen, said

an archaeology department official. Although

over 1,800 terracotta plaques are still in place,

most of them are in dilapidated condition.

fig 6 : result of carelessness At least 500 terracotta plaques were preserved in a

storage area to save them from salinity. However, high salinity and water-logging inside the

central area of the structure have caused parts of the major walls of the structure to collapse, said

a high official at the Department of Archaeology.

A publication of the archaeology department mentioned that there used to be a network of 22

channels that drained the surface or rainwater out of the site. In course of time, these channels

had been clogged up or do not exist any longer. The drainage system has gone out of order and

the higher elevation of surrounding areas is adding to the water-logging problem, said another

archaeology department official.

Thieves have stolen many of the ornamental terracotta plaques from the walls and some of those

have been damaged due to high salinity, heavy rainfall and damp climate during the last few years,

said the director of the archaeology department.Bricks in the walls are also disappearing or

decaying over time due to the same reasons, according to the officials

3.4.Ancient Monument of Mahasthangarh

Mahasthangarh, located on the west bank of the river Karatoa, is the oldest archaeological site

ever found in Bangladesh, with

remains that date back to the

3rd century BC. At the heart of

the ancient city, once the capital

Pundravardhana, lies a great

citadel, fortified on all sides by

high and wide ramparts.

fig 7 : front view of Mahasthangarh

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This is surrounded by a hundred or so mounds,

many of which have not been excavated, but

which are presumed to contain valuable Hindu

temples and antiquities.

fig 8 : Artifacts of Mahasthangarh

Facts Threatening the Monument

Insufficient Management: Lack of expertise and funding has led to severe deterioration of the

archaeological site. The various terracotta artworks within the site have suffered from serious

damage as a result of lack of proper maintenance, shortage of manpower, funding constraints,

and heavy rainfall. Poor water drainage accompanied by high levels of salinity in the soils have

also contributed to the decay of terracotta sculptures. Uncontrolled vegetation is also a problem.

Looting and Vandalism: Due to a lack of security and the unmet need for a protective wall

surrounding the site, the area has been vandalized numerous times. Looting also occurs regularly,

and many visitors and local antique dealers have been seen removing items from the site. There

have also been reports from reliable sources of site administrators stealing artifacts.

Development Pressures: Population growth has led to new residences, roads, drainage systems,

electrical posts and commercial markets in the area, all of which encroach on Mahasthangarh and

its environs. An emergency High Court order was required in 2010 to halt construction directly

on top of the archaeological site, where workers were digging to build a multi-story complex.

Legal Restrictions : Mahasthangarh was declared a protected area by the national government

in 1920, but efforts to safeguard it have

become increasingly futile.

Because only government-owned or

occupied areas fall under control of the

government conservation authority, most

of the lands surrounding Mahasthangarh

— which are owned by local people — can

not be preserved or excavated without a

lengthy.

fig 9 : a field of banana trees is tended right atop the wall

Vandalism:

Bangladesh has seen many political changes . From the ancient time “Bangla” was ruled by

emperors . Many emperors had caused harms of it . They took many artifacts with them , robbed

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them . During the British period they took with them some relics to England .

Climate Change :

Climate being one of the Key factors . Climate of the area has seen overwhelming hot

environment which caused decay of it . Earthquake is another factor . Acid rain , strome has

caused decay of it.

3.5.The Lalmai-Mainamati Group of Monuments

An extraordinary rich cultural assemblage of Buddhist period spreads over the Lalmai-Mainamati

hill range which stretches through the middle of the Meghna basin in Comilla district of

Bangladesh. The northern part of this hill range is known as Mainamati while its southern part as

Lalmai. In the Salvan Vihara a large monastery with a central shrine in the courtyard near

Mainamati Museum, Kutila Mura, a group of stupas, Charpatra Mura, a small temple, Rupban

Mura, a small monastery and a temple, Itakhola Mura, another monastery and a temple site, Bhoj

Vihara, a large monastery with a central temple in the courtyard, Queen Mainamati's Palace Mound

and Latikot Mura have been excavated. Besides, Anada Vihara, the largest monastery in the area

with a large central shrine has been partly exposed. From these excavated sites a large number of

movable objects have been recovered which include Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, coins, objects

of daily use, terracotta plaques, carved bricks ornaments, potteries, metallic utensils, seals and

sealings, copper plates etc.

fig 10 : Some relics of the Lalmai-Mainamati Group of monuments

Mainamati Facing Problems

Mainamati is an isolated ridge of low hills in the eastern margins of deltaic Bangladesh. The

highlands of the site were once thickly wooded with an abundance of wild life, but modern

developments have rudely disturbed its serene and idyllic setting. With an ever-expanding

Cantonment at Mainamati, in the northern half of the ridge, and a fast growing township at

Kotbari in about its centre, the fairy-tale beauty of the place is already a thing of the past.

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Again due to some environmental affect (like: flood, acid rain) the site deteriorated. As the site

had been underground for many years, damping accelerated the deteriorating process.

fig11 : condition of the monument before and after reconstruction

3.6.Puthia, Town of Temples

Puthia is one of the richest heritage sites of Bangladesh, because of its numerous temples and

palace. The temple complex of Puthia has almost all the styles of temple architecture that has

been witnessed in this region through time. These structures were constructed in the period when

Bengal was ruled by suborders under Mughal emperor.

Puthia Rajbari: Puthia Rajbari is a palace in Puthia Upazila, in Bangladesh, built in 1895, for

Rani Hemanta Kumari, it is an example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Puthia Rajbari is

surrounded by ditches. The south end of an open field is where panchani palace is situated. 4.31

acres of land was used for the Rajbari. The once strong walls surrounding the place are now

damaged in places. The Rajbari is divided into 4 courts.

Pancha Ratna Shiva temple, Pancha Ratna Bara Govinda Mandir, De Chala Chhota Ahnik

Mandir, Bara Ahnik Mandir, Chauchala Chhota Govinda Mandir, Dol-Mandav or Dol-Mandir,

Chhota Shiva Mandir, Gopal Mandir, Tarapur Mandir or Haowakhana are the names of temples

which make Puthia as the city of temple.

.

Puthia in Danger

The proud palace in Rajshahi has been losing its appearance as an ornamental terracotta piece.

The antiques from various structures are decaying or been stolen in the absence of proper care

from the archeological department. Recent research showed that large amounts of terracotta from

Chotto Anik Temple, Boro Gobindo Temple and Chotto Gobindo Temple have been destroyed

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or stolen, and the rest are at high risk of decaying because of high salinity. The country's rich

heritage is endangered due to lack

fig 12 : Damages of Puthia Temple Complex

of strong incentives archaeology department and the government. The locals and the experts are

very disappointed, they still didn't see any effective steps taken to preserve the palace and its

temples. The archaeology department even failed to put a boundary wall in place for the

protection of the temples during the last 30 years. Cattle are seen walking around the 400-year

old place. A government declaration of the importance of Puthia's heritage to tourism has yet to

be made. Reports of missing and looted items are filed every other day.

3.7.Jogdol Bihar, Dhamoirhat, Naogaon

Jogoddol Bihar is another archaeological site from Bangladesh. It is located at the Naogaon

District of our country. This site is discovered in recent time and still the excavation and

restoration is in progress. Lot of statue and other stuffs have been found during this excavation.

Jogoddol Bihar is quite a serene place despite of having locality around it. Few portion is

restored, and other parts were still under excavation process. We have explored this place for

around half an hour. This place is like a high mound and standing on the mound you can see the

village beauty around too along with the Bihar.

JOGDOL BIHAR IS UNDER THREAT

This heritage site has also decay because of some reasons . the

present situation of this heritage is presented by the picture

below . now we will discuss about its decay and the reasons

behind it .

1. Climate change poses a severe threat to this cultural

heritage sites. fig 13 : faded wall

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2. Threats include floods, increasing extreme

weather events, desertification, deterioration of

permafrost, and the decay of cultural landscapes

3.As it is not protected by the government , so

people use or visit this place severally. As a result

its present situation is very bad.

4. Protecting this heritage sites proves to be very

difficult as they are very diverse

fig 14 : pic from archive

5. Government don’t take any proper step to rebuild or reduces its decay . as a result its present

situation is very worse and it may turn worst .

4.Conclusion

As we all know that those heritage sites are asset to us, we should pay more concentration to the

matter of decay. We can make ourselves aware of the fact as well as let other know about the

importance of the heritage sites. Our heritage represents us. So if we can protect our heritage our

acquaintance as Bangladeshi will be preserved.

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5.Recommendation

1.Heritage sites are often vulnerable to natural disasters (like Sidr).To protect heritage sites from

such destruction knowledge, innovation and education can be used to build a culture of disaster

prevention at heritage properties. Underlying risk factors must be reduced at heritage properties.

Disaster preparedness must be strengthened at heritage properties for effective response at all

levels.

2.Promoting awareness of heritage in order to highlight its value and the need for its

conservation and the financial viability of rehabilitation can check the problem.

3.Government can encourage and support the local heritage and cultural institutions, association

and communities in their conservation and rehabilitation efforts and inculcate in children and

youth an adequate sense of their heritage.

4.Promotion of adequate financial and legal support can be applicable for the effective

protection of cultural heritage.

5.Providing education and training in traditional skills in all disciplines may be appropriate to

the conservation and promotion of heritage.

6.Environmental pollution being a major threat must be reduced or stopped to keep heritage sites

free from natural catastrophies like acid rain.

7.Again maintenance of the heritage sites must be done carefully.

8.The heritage sites that are under the threat of destruction, must be reconstructed. But in this

case the view of the site must be kept unchanged.

9.Moreover public awareness is the most important aspect of protecting heritage sites. All of us

should try to do something with a view to saving heritage sites.

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Appendix A : Questionnaire

“Decay of heritage sites in Bangladesh :reasons behind” -What do you think ?Please take a

moment to let us know about your awareness about heritage sites and your conscious opinion

regarding decay of heritage sides in Bangladesh .

Name:………………………………………………………………. Age:…….......

Note :Please tick in the suitable option and don’t forget to insert suitable comments noteworthy

of your opinion .

1. What do you think about how many people are conscious of conserving heritage sites ?

A. About 10 % B. More than 10% C. No idea

2. Our government is taking proper steps to protect our heritage site . do you agree with it ?

A. Yes B. No C. No comment

3. Do you think that Bangladesh is abundant with heritage sites ?

A. Yes B. No C. No comment

4.What is the main reason of the decay of heritage sites?

A. Government negligence B. Environmental pollution C. Wear and tear of people

5.Our tourism sector is affected due to decay of heritage site . What’s your opinion about it ?

A .True B. Partially true C. No opinion

6.Conscious citizens can protect heritage site from decay . do you think it is possible ?

A. Yes B .No C. No idea

7. If we fail to decrease or stop of decay of heritage sites ,than what is the future of them ?

A. We will lose those sites B. Those can be rebuilt naturally C. Those sites will be of no use

8. Access of tourists in heritage sites should be controlled . do you think it will stop the decay of

those sites ?

A. yes B .No C. No comment

9.Do you think that it is possible to stop the decay of heritage sites completely ?

A .No B. Can be possible C. No idea

Additional Comments (optional):

Thanks for your participation

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Appendix B: List of Abbreviations

PDB = Power Development Board

NTPC = National Thermal Power Corporation

EIA = Environment Impact Assessment

NDVI = Normalized Difference Vegetation

UNESCO = United Nations Education Science And Cultural Organization

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List of Reference

Web links

[1]http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/dec/10/sundarbans-

bigtrouble#sthash.DJIU9x7u.dpuf\

[2]http://opinion.bdnews24.com/2013/09/19/rampal-power-plant-a-project-of-deception-and-

mass-destruction/#sthash.bW7S6q4l.dpuf

[2] http://bdnews2day.com/world-heritage-sites-historical-places-in-bangladesh

[4]http://www.globalheritagefund.org/images/uploads/docs/GHFAsiaHeritageinPeril050112_low

res

[5] http://www.dhakatribune.com/juris/2014/mar/13/preserving-our-national-heritage

[6]https://law.resource.org/pub/bd/bnbc.2012/gov.bd.bnbc.2012.09.03.pdf

[7]http://www.dhakatribune.com/arts-amp-culture/2013/nov/03/heritage-verge-destruction

[8]http://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/2708/original/DPC0291.pdf?1384766949

[9]http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/322

[10]http://archpresspk.com/August_heritage.htm

[11] http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/story.php?nid=15583

Journals and newsletters

[1] The Wall Street Journal, Dec. 11, 2014, article by Syed Zain Al-Mahmood

[2]The daily Star, Dec. 15, 2007, reported by Hasibur Rahman Bilu

[3]World Heritage Committee Report (39th session)

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Glossary

Archaeology :

Archaeology or archeology, is the study of human activity in the past, primarily through the

recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that has been left behind by

past human populations, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts (also known as eco-facts)

and cultural landscapes (the archaeological record). Because archaeology employs a wide range

of different procedures, it can be considered to be both a social science and a humanity .

Latitude :

In geography, latitude (φ) is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a

point on the Earth's surface. Latitude is an angle (defined below) which ranges from 0° at

the Equator to 90° (North or South) at the poles.

Longitude :

Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the

Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees and denoted by

the Greek letter lambda (λ).

Terracotta :

Terracotta is a type of earthenware, is a clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic where the fired

body is porous.

Halophyte :

A halophyte is a plant that grows in waters of high salinity, coming into contact with saline water

through its roots or by salt spray, such as in saline semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, marshes and

sloughs, and seashores. An example of a halophyte is the salt marsh grass Spartina

alterniflora (smooth cordgrass). Relatively few plant species are halophytes - perhaps only 2% of

all plant species.