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I visited the site on a very sunny summer afternoon. The ruins, despite being beautiful, were devoid of any other admirers. We were the only people around. There were layers upon layers of brick maze basking in the warm sun, it had been exposed to again after a very long time, when it was unearthed in 1999. A large portion had been excavated, while the rest still lay beneath the surrounding village. Beside the excavation site stood a small museum, filled with exhibits of artifacts found during the excavation. The exhibits had various seals, terracotta tablets, coins, bricks and many other objects of interest. The caretaker joined us after a while and gave us a short but very informative tour of the excavation site. His stories were very vivid, his words gave us a very surreal glimpse into the past when the place was teeming with Buddhist monks, and Buddha's followers from all over Eastern India. The warm breeze brushed against my skin as I took a deep breath and observed the ruins. The mounds under which these ruins rested were once locally known as "Sakhisener dhibi", as an ode to a local folklore about two lovers. There was something very ironic about a place dedicated to detachment, serenity and a search for happiness being named after one of the deepest human experiences. One that is filled with sorrow, hurt, grief and also immense happiness, one being the epitome of rationality, the other being one of the most confounded irrationality. Despite the irony, the name is fitting; it remains a testament of enduring love among the locals. Moghalmari Monastery is a significant Buddhist archaeological site dating from the 6th to 12th centuries CE, located near the Subarnarekha River in Paschim Medinipur District. The site represents one of the most important Buddhist viharas in Eastern India, revealing extensive monastic architecture, stupas, and artifacts that illuminate the spread of Buddhism and trade networks during the medieval period. The monastery complex covers approximately 3,595 square meters and features triratha-type structures, multiple stupas, intricate stucco decorations, and terracotta artifacts that reflect Vajrayana Buddhist influences and connections to contemporary monastic centers like Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Paharpur.
Many say the name of Moghalmari is derived from a bloody battle that took place in the 16th century between the local king and the Mughals. According to both historians and locals, the name — composed of two words, Mughal and mari (the latter meaning "death") — suggests that the Mughals suffered heavy casualties. In this small village, the discovery of a Buddhist vihara (monastery for meditation and study) by Asok Datta, an archaeologist from Calcutta University, marked a new chapter in the study of Buddhism's history in India. This finding also helped in understanding trade and dissemination of knowledge across ancient India, as researchers established a link between this particular vihara and several other viharas, including the renowned Nalanda University. Buddhist monasteries arose along trade routes. The patrons of these viharas, Moghalmari included, were traders rather than kings. They were established on the outskirts of core living quarters, where people from the lower castes resided. The monastery was first excavated in 2002-03 by Professor Asok Datta from the University of Calcutta, revealing a large Buddhist monastic complex dating from the 6th to 12th centuries CE. Subsequent excavations by the West Bengal State Archaeology Department in 2013 uncovered additional structures including a brick gateway, southern wall with extensive stucco decorations, and numerous artifacts. The site has revealed two structural phases: an earlier phase (6th-7th Century CE) with extensive stucco and decorative brickwork, and a later phase (11th-12th Century CE) including the triratha structure and additional stupas. Chinese travelers Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang mentioned the existence of Buddhist monasteries in the region, corroborating the site's historical significance.
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The first major excavation was conducted in 2002-03 by Professor Asok Datta from the University of Calcutta, which uncovered the main monastic complex. The excavation revealed a triratha-type structure, three stupas measuring 2.80m, 2m, and 1.25m in diameter, and extensive stucco decorations. The fourth phase of excavation revealed a brick gateway at the northern part of the monastery with two pillars featuring a purnaghata (water urn) carving. The fifth phase of excavation in 2013 by the West Bengal State Archaeology Department exposed the massive southern part of the monastery and its southern wall with stucco and lime plaster designs including floral motifs, figures of devotees, and the bodhi tree. Five additional small stupas were discovered in another location, indicating the presence of a main stupa nearby. Artifacts discovered include terracotta tablets, seals, coins (including 200 ancient cowries imported from the Maldives), bronze statuettes, stucco figurines, and ornaments. A small museum adjacent to the excavation site houses these artifacts.
Limited restoration work has been conducted to stabilize exposed structures. The site has been partially covered and protected, and a museum has been established to house artifacts. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on protecting exposed brick structures from weathering and environmental damage.
Traders who benefited from the routes established by Buddhists
The key architectural materials used in Moghalmari were bricks, and stucco made from a mixture of lime, sand, and mud or mortar. The architectural style and building techniques were heavily influenced by the post Gupta period structures. The bricks were bonded with mud and lime mortar. Stucco was then applied on the walls to achieve smooth surfaces and decorative reliefs. The presence of tirtha style buildings indicate the level of planning involved in order to achieve a perfect result. The tools used were most probably rudimentary but the level of detail they achieved with what they had is rather impressive to say at the least.
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Portions of Moghalmari have been excavated, and one of the structures that was unearthed during earlier excavations was a triratha type structure, a particular Indian architectural style typical in Buddhist monasteries where each side has three outward square projections. Apart from this, three stupas were found as well. These stupas were round, made of bricks, and measured 2.80m, 2m and 1.25m in diameter. Five other similar small stupas have been found in another spot as well, indicating that the main stupa must have been somewhere nearby. There are also lines of intricate statues, carvings depicting various floral patterns, stories and scenes along the wall. These are inspired from the Gupta period architecture. Later on, the fourth phase of excavation revealed a brick gateway at the northern part of the monastery. The gateway consisted of two pillars, on top of which was a carving of a purnaghata (a water urn). The fifth phase of excavation exposed the massive southern part of the monastery and its southern wall. The wall has stucco and lime plaster designs along it. The designs also consist of floral motifs, figures of devotees and the bodhi tree among many others.
21.992500, 87.296389
{"notes":"Archaeological site with exposed ruins; visitors should exercise caution on uneven terrain; suitable for all age groups with supervision","restrooms":"Limited facilities available","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to archaeological site conditions and uneven terrain"}
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Early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat; Winter months (October to March) offer more comfortable weather conditions; Avoid peak summer months due to high temperatures
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Visitors should wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain; carry water and necessary provisions as local facilities may be limited; respect the archaeological site and do not disturb structures or artifacts; photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow guidance from site caretakers
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2025-11-17T06:38:13.238046+00:00
2025-11-17T11:59:40.10695+00:00
Post Gupta Period
West Bengal
Triratha Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Vajrayana Influences
Protected Heritage
Moghalmari Monastery is a historic Monastery located in West Bengal, India. This Triratha Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Vajrayana Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Post Gupta Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of India. I visited the site on a very sunny summer afternoon. The ruins, despite being beautiful, were devoid of any other admirers. We were the only people around. There were layers upon layers of brick maze ...
| ₹Entry Fee | None Available |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Moghalmari Monastery. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Moghalmari Monastery is located in Dantan I CD block, Kharagpur Subdivision, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal, India, West Bengal. The nearest major city is Dantan I CD block. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 21.9925, 87.296389.
Entry fee: None Available. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Moghalmari Monastery. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Moghalmari Monastery by Buddhist Monastic Community
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Not under any heritage status
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation