About Bangarh Archaeological Site
Bangarh Archaeological Site is an ancient excavated settlement located at Bangarh near Gangarampur in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, on the bank of the Punarbhaba River. Identified as the historic city of Kotivarsha, part of ancient Pundravardhana, the site reveals continuous occupation from the Mauryan period to the Pala period. Excavations have exposed brick structures, fortification remains and artefacts now displayed in the nearby Bangarh Museum.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large open archaeological mound with exposed brick foundations, walls and structural remains of an ancient fortified city. The site is set in a rural landscape near the Punarbhaba River with excavated trenches, information boards and scattered artefacts. A small site museum nearby displays terracotta plaques, pottery, coins, stone sculptures and other finds. The area is open and largely unshaded, suitable for walking and photography.
Key highlights
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Ancient fortified city identified as Kotivarsha of Pundravardhana
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Excavated brick structures and fortification remains spanning Mauryan to Pala periods
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Archaeological mound on the bank of the Punarbhaba River
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Collection of terracotta plaques, pottery, coins and sculptures in Bangarh Museum
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Excavations conducted by University of Calcutta and Archaeological Survey of India