Bihar Dhap Bogra

Bihar Dhap is an archaeological site located in Shibganj Upazila of Bogra District. This structure, situated on the banks of Nagar river, is also popularly known as Totaram Pandit's step or Totaram Pandit's house to the locals. The vihara is believed to be a vestige of the second construction period, and the site collapsed between the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang's account mentions high mound-shaped temple steps unearthed from underground.

250 meters in length and 220 meters in width, Bihar Step is situated at a height of about 2 meters from the ground. Excavations have revealed a vihara measuring 57 meters north-south and 61 meters east-west. The open courtyard consists of an open courtyard surrounded by 37 monks' rooms, an entrance arcade with two guard rooms outside on the west side, and an altar to the east.

Bihar phase was continuously excavated from 1979-1986. Initially, the infrastructure of two Buddhist monasteries and a temple was partially recovered. Later excavations in 2005 revealed the remains of another temple from the east and the remains of five constructional structures. After the first construction period temple was damaged, in the second construction period, a new temple was built on the western side connecting the old temple, and the second temple built in the second construction period was rebuilt with the ruins on the western side. More than 1000 different types of archaeological artefacts are found from Bihar Step. Among them are silver coins of Sultan Sikandar Shah, bronze meditating Buddha, glass beads, 60 terracotta plaques, burnt clay seals, censers, pyreches, earthenware and carved bricks.

If you want to go to Bihar step, first you have to come to Bihar village in Shivganj of Bogra. From Dhaka's Kalyanpur, Gabtali and Mohakhali, you can go to Bogura by SRTR, Shyamoli, Hanif, Kaya, Dipjal and Shah Fateh Ali Paribahan buses. The fare will be 550 to 1300 taka depending on the bus. 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.

Bihar Dhapi is located about 4 km from Mahasthangarh in Bogra and just 1 km from Vasu Vihar. You can go to Vasu Vihar by CNG or auto rickshaw from Thanthaniya bus stand or Satmatha in Bogra. It will cost 800-1000 rupees to reserve an auto rickshaw for the whole day.

There are various quality residential hotels to stay in Bogra. Among them are Mom Inn, Hotel Naz Garden, Tourist Motel, Safeway Motel, Century Motel and Motel Castle.

Bogra town has several good quality restaurants like Sathi Hotel & Restaurant, Maer Doa Hotel, Guest Garden Restaurant, Chap Corner and Hotel Safina. And of course don't forget to eat Bogra's famous yogurt.

Other Sightseeing Places in Bogra : Other sightseeing places in Bogra district include Mahasthangarh, Kherua Mosque, Gokul Medh, Rani Bhavani Pitralaya and Bhimer Jangal.

Feature Image: Ariful Rajeev