CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh. It dates back to 300 BCE and was the ancient capital of the Pundra Kingdom.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1685, an administrative decree mentioned the place as Mastangarh, a mixture of Sanskrit and Persian meaning fortified place of an auspicious personage. Subsequent discoveries have confirmed that the earlier name was Pundranagara or Paundravardhanapura, and that the present name of Mahasthangarh is of later origin.

Detailed explanation-3: -Explore the oldest known city of Bangladesh with its ancient citadel and places of worship. Dating back to at least the 4th century BCE, Mahasthangarh is the earliest urban archaeological site that has been discovered in Bangladesh.

Detailed explanation-4: -Ancient history In the ancient period, Bogra District was a part of the territory of the Pundras or Paundras, which were known by the name of Pundravardhana, one of the kingdoms of Eastern India and was separated by the Karatoya River from the more easterly kingdom of Prag-Jyotisha or Kamrupa.

Detailed explanation-5: -The citadel was probably first constructed under the Mauryan empire in the 3rd century B.C. Mahasthangarh fell into disuse around the time of the Mughal invasions. Most of the visible brickwork dates from the 8th century, apart from that added during restoration.