Archaeology Department moves to preserve four historic heritage sites following Magura survey identifying 68 locations. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Aug 6, 2026 (BSS) - The Department of Archaeology (DoA) in Khulna Division has identified 68 archaeological and heritage sites in Magura following a recent survey, with plans underway to bring four significant historical structures under official preservation.

The survey, conducted between January and April this year by the Khulna Regional Office of the Department of Archaeology, covered the upazilas of Mohammadpur, Shalikha and Sreepur. A detailed survey report is now being prepared.

Officials said proposals have been made to declare the historic Grand Trunk (GT) Road, the Atchala Shiva Temple at Gangarampur, the treasury (Toshakhana) of Raja Sitaram Roy at Mohammadpur and the gateway of the Sreepur Zamindar House as protected archaeological monuments.

According to the survey, Magura is home to several sites of historical and cultural significance, including the capital of Raja Sitaram Roy at former Bhushana (now Purba Narayanpur village), the birthplace of renowned Islamic Renaissance poet Farrukh Ahmad in Sreepur, the ancestral home of poet Jatindramohan Bagchi, the residence of poet Kader Nawaz, and memorial sites associated with medieval poet Baru Chandidas.

Officials said the residence of poet Kader Nawaz at Mujdia village in Sreepur had already been declared a protected monument.

Historical records show that Raja Sitaram Roy established himself as an independent ruler during the political turmoil surrounding the Mughal succession in the late 17th century after receiving the zamindari from Nawab Shaista Khan.

He expanded his authority from Mohammadpur to the Sundarbans region before his death in 1714.

The survey also identified a nearly 30-kilometre stretch of the historic Grand Trunk Road, built during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. Entering Bangladesh through Benapole, the road passes through Magura before continuing toward Faridpur.

Archaeology officials expressed hope that the identified section would soon receive protected status.

Among the proposed heritage structures, the Mughal-era Atchala Shiva Temple at Gangarampur remains in use despite its dilapidated condition.

The survey also documented the Mughal-era Baitun Noor, locally known as the Shahi Mosque, at Gopalgram in Shalikha, the residence of Zamindar Uday Narayan Chowdhury at Radhikhali in Mohammadpur, the indigo planter's residence at Bamonkhali, and the ancestral home of poet Farrukh Ahmad at Majhail in Sreepur.

The survey further recorded the ancestral home of poet Jatindramohan Bagchi at Sengati-Saroi Nagar village in Sreepur, where remnants including a pond, family temple and well still exist.

In Shalikha's Dhopakhola village, archaeologists documented the historic Chandidas-Rajakini Ghat, associated with the legendary love story of medieval poet Baru Chandidas and Rajakini. Nearby ruins believed to be Rajakini's residence were also recorded.

However, officials said several surveyed locations were not recommended for preservation as protected monuments because they lacked sufficient archaeological remains or historical age.

Talking to BSS on Thursday, Khulna Regional Director of the Department of Archaeology in Khulna Division Md. Mahidul Islam said the survey had successfully documented 68 archaeological sites across the three upazilas.

"Steps are being taken to declare the Grand Trunk Road, also known as Sher Shah Suri Road, as a protected monument soon. Proposals have also been submitted to preserve three other heritage sites," he said.