ANCIENT REMAINS
LOCATION:Boxanagar,
DISTRICT: West-Tripura

The emergence of massive Buddhist stupa, chaityagriha, a monastery and other associated burnt brick structures at Boxanagar have reflected an ancient art, architecture & religious aspects of ancient Tripura hitherto unknown.

The brick built stupa exposed through archaeological excavation during the years 2001-02 to 2003-04 is square in plan having a dimension of 15.40x15.40m. The basement of the stupa is arranged in eight mouldings in diminishing order over which the tapering medhi is set with mud mortar and burnt bricks of different sizes.

The ruin of the chaityagriha has been exposed on the eastern side of the stupa which is rectangular on plan and is aligned in east-west direction. The superstructure of the chaityagriha is completely damaged except the side walls which is survived upto 1.60m.
The brick-built monastery is having a long corridor between rows of five cells on each side.

The excavation of another mound lying in front of these structures in the year 2009-10 has revealed a fully burnt-brick structure with triratha projections having a square sacred chamber which appears to contain the extant remains of three spokes. These spokes are found radiating out from a semi-circular structure located in the eastern side of the sacred chamber. In front of this structure there is a rectangular hall enclosed by a wall all around. A brick rammed floor is provided inside this hall probably for facilitating the congregation of devotees. A wide pradakshinapatha is also provided around these structures.

Notable antiquities found from the excavation of Boxanagar include three bronze images of Buddha, moulded bricks, miniature votive stupas, sealings, silver coins etc. The available archaeological evidences suggest that the Buddhist establishment at Boxanagar might have sprang up during c.8th century A.D. or later and continued till 12th century A.D. and during this period this Buddhist center might have played a significant role in spreading the Buddhist religion. It is also noteworthy to mention here that several Buddhist establishments had sprang up contemporary to Boxanagar in this region and in the adjoining areas like Shyam Sundar Tilla in South Tripura District,  ‘Somapura’ of Paharpur in Rajashahi District and Mainamati in Comilla District of Bangladesh.