Excavation at Moghalmari: A Pre-Pala Buddhist Monastic Complex – Dr. Ashoke Datta
Introduction
The village of Moghalmari (between 21°57 N and 87°16’’ E) is situated in Dantan police station of the district of Paschim Medinipur. The village is about 5.2 km north of Dantan town and 46 km south of Kharagpur railway station on National Highway 60. The site was once located right on the left bank of the river Suvarnarekha, but now the river flows about 4.5 km west of the ancient site. Before undertaking excavation programme, different parts of both Purva (East) and Paschim (West) Medinipur districts were explored extensively to understand the backdrop of such a huge establishment as that of Moghalmari. Our explorations revealed the existence of a number of clusters of early and late medieval archaeological sites around Moghalmari. The explorations within the village yielded a large number of archaeological materials including inscribed Buddhist and Brahmanical stone sculptures, different varieties of pottery, medieval coins. Among the explored materials, the most important one was an inscribed terracotta seal which according to Prof. B N Mukherjee (famous Indologist) belongs to Buddhist religious creed. On paleographic ground he suggested 6th/7th century AD for the inscription. After intensive exploration at different localities of the village, two sectors (identified as MGM I and MGM II) were selected for excavation in 2003-04. In 2006-07, one more sector within the village (identified as MGM III) was selected for excavation. In 2007-08 we concentrated at MGM I. However, during the course of our exploration, we have found that MGM I was a huge structural mound and MGM II and MGM III was habitation mound. The discovery of the terracotta inscription as well the huge structural mound at MGM I prompted us to undertake excavation at the site. The major objectives of excavation at Moghalmari were as follows:
a. To expose the structural remains in order to ascertain the character of the structure as well its plan ;
b. To identify, if possible, the remains from Moghalmari with that of ancient Dandabhukti ;
c. To establish the cultural sequence of the site and correlate its different components in order to demonstrate comprehensively the settlement perspectives of the site.
Geo-morphological features
The subsoil character of this region basically represents an extension of alluvium upland formed by the fluvial actions of late Pleistocene to early Holocene period. This morpho-stratigraphic unit of this region has been identified (Ghosh and Majumder, 1991) as part of the Sijua geological formation. These fluvial sediments comprising ferruginous compact brown sand and sandy loam occurs extensively in Medinipur, Bankura and Murshidabad at an elevation between 26-50m msl. The Sijua formation of Paschim Medinipur and other parts of the western fan is time-equivalent to such other formations of similar nature like the Barind formation (North Bengal), the Baripada formation (Orissa), the Belda formation (Paschim Medinipur) etc. (Ghosh, 1998). This fluvial sediment is also known to consist of older alluvial soil. The major drainage system of the area around Moghalmari is driven by the principal flow of the Suvarnarekha with its numerous spill channels. Besides, the region is provided with a number of water sources like Tanks and Dighis which are special features of the Rarh region. This part of Paschim Medinipur belongs to early medieval Dakshina Rādha area.
Historical Background
According to early literary sources, the land that constitutes the present day coastal districts of Pūrva (east) and Paśchim (West) Medinipur in West-Bengal were under Sumha country. The country has been described as a part of Rādha geographical territory. Kālidāsa in his famous ‘Raghuvamsam’ (4th Century AD) places Vanga to the south of Sumha and further refers to the land of Kalinga via Utkala deśa on the other side of the river Kapiśā (modern Kasai) to the west of Ganga (Majumdar, 1971; Sen, 1942; Sircar, 1982). Daśakumāracharita (6th/7th century AD) refers to Dāmalipta (Tāmralipta) as the capital of Sumha country (Sircar, 1985).
In fact the political history of this part of West-Bengal remains quite unclear due to paucity of both epigraphic and archaeological materials. Naturally the specific historical references to the Western part of Medinipur can not be dated to a period earlier than 7th century AD. In the inscription of Saśāńka, one can come across the place name ‘Danda’; forming a bhukti (province) level centre of the territorial administration (Sircar, 1985). Following Huen Tsang’s itinerary, some scholars believe that in 7th century AD ‘Dandabhukti’ formed part of Tāmralipta country (Ray, 1994). It appears therefore that the area in and around Dāntan formed either part of the Sumha territory or an extension of the geographical orbit of the trading port of Tāmralipta. Since 7th century AD it came to be known as Danda bhukti, a major provincial administrative division under the rule of Śaśānka. Epigraphic evidences from this region suggest that the area formed part of the Dandabhukti mandala in eleventh century AD under the rule of the Kamboja ruler Nayapāla. The territory around Dāntan has been often taken to have constituted a part of the early mediaeval geo-political unit called Dakshina Rādha and Dāntan has been equated with seventh century Danda-bhukti. The early mediaeval prosperity of the region in terms of both polity and culture is unquestionable in the light of consistent discoveries of epigraphic and artifactual remains in the region from time to time. The archaeological remains of Moghalmari represent the most extensive evidence of early mediaeval culture in the region. It may be pointed out here in this connection that the Chinese pilgrim Huen Tsang who visited Bengal in 638 AD immediately after Śaśānka has referred the existence of four kingdoms in Bengal viz. Pundravarddhana (North Bengal) with twenty monasteries and three thousand monks; Samatata (South-east Bangladesh) with thirty monasteries and two thousand monks; Tāmralipta (modern Tamluk and adjoining areas) with ten monasteries and one thousand monks and Karnnasuvarnna (in Murshidabad) with ten monasteries and two thousand monks. In the context of this observation by Chinese pilgrim, Debala Mitra (Mitra 1980:238) in her famous book on Buddhist Monuments has pointed out that ‘it is a great regret that the vestiges of not a single establishment have so far been identified at modern Tamluk.’—It is in this context that the present discovery of monastic complex at Moghalmari is a significant landmark in the history of Bengal in the sense that at least one such Buddhist establishment as referred by Huen Tsang has come to light in this region and this discovery will definitely rich the history of Bengal in the near future. In fact, the Dāntan monastic complex at Moghalmari did not grow up in isolation, it is established from both literary and archaeological evidences that in the past a trade route probably located in the close vicinity of the site connecting Tāmralipta with other Buddhist monuments in Orissa beyond Suvarnarekha viz. Jayrampur, Basta, Khiching, Baleswar, Pushpagiri (Lalitgiri) of Orissa or Oddra and Nalanda, Bodhgaya of ancient Magadha. The prosperity of the site (Moghalmari monastic complex) no doubt was due to its location on the above trade route during 5th/6th century AD.
Excavation
The site was excavated by the Department of Archaeology, University of Calcutta for the academic sessions of 2003-2004; 2006-2007; 2007-2008 and 2009-2010, 10-11 and 2011-12 under the supervision of the author. The excavation was attended by all faculty members, students and technical and non-technical staff members of the Department. MGM I represents a large structural mound (80m×80m) strewn with bricks all over its surface. The mound rises 25 feet from the surrounding ground level Locally called Sakhisener Dhibi or Sashisener dhibi (the mound of Sakhisena/Sashisena), this mound is not only the largest of its kind at Moghalmari, but also in the whole of the neighboring area. MGM II is a habitation site within the modern settlement area of the village to its north. It is associated with five circular brick bases of Stupa (Votive?) and evidences of pottery scatter all over the surface. MGM III is located about 200m south and south-east of MGM II and again represents a habitation area. The layout of excavation at MGM I was given in Horizontal plan after wheeler. Since one of the basic objectives of excavation was to expose the buried structure of MGM I, we divided the mound into 144 grids covering a total area of 5184 square meter. Each grid measures 6m×6m.
Excavation of 2003-2004
In 2003-04, both MGM I and MGM II were selected for excavation. The maximum elevation of the mound of MGM I is 25 feet from the surrounding ground level (constituted with paddy fields). In 2003-04, altogether 14 trenches, nine in the western part of the mound and five in the southern part of the mound were taken up for excavation covering a total area of 504 square meter area. The trenches are A1, A4, B1, B4, and C4 in the western side of the mound while trenches G9, H9, I8, I9 and I10 were laid out in the southern part of the mound. The trenches were either fully or partially exposed at different levels according to requirements. Two more trenches were also taken up for excavation in MGM II to reveal the cultural sequence of the area. Besides other antiquities, structural remains have been identified in all the trenches. Altogether 26.53 meters of burnt brick structure forming tri-ratha projection in the western part of the mound running north-south direction between A5 and C5 have been exposed. This wall formed part of a small monastic complex as it appears from the alignment of the structure. The width of the wall varies between 1.89 to 2m. The height of the wall from the plinth is 1.13m. The excavation at MGM I has also yielded some regular rectangular/square structures (may be called cells) attached to the outer wall at the southern part of the mound. Some of the completely exposed structure (cell) measures 3.20m×2.80m and 2.45m×2.35m.
The excavation of MGM II in 2003-04 has revealed three brick circular structures (stupa base) with diameters of 2.80m, 2m and 1.25m respectively. It is clear in the light of the character of the site as well as the material assemblage that these huge regular circular brick structures were originally the bases of stupas. Altogether five such structures have been found suggesting that the original stupa might have been located somewhere near these stupas. The ceramic industry as well as other associated cultural remains of MGM II suggests its close association with post-Gupta cultural phase of early mediaeval time period. However below this cultural level, there was a long time gap in the cultural history of the site as indicated by huge 55cm silt deposit which is totally devoid of any human artifact. Below this silt deposit which may be due by to river flood, there was 1.46m Black and Red ware cultural deposit (BRW) represented in layers 5 and 6. Besides other ceramic of BRW culture, the typical type was red ware with white paintings.
Excavation of 2006-07
This year( 2006-07) altogether twenty one trenches covering a total area of 750 square meter, twenty in MGM I and one in MGM III, were taken up for excavation. The trenches measuring 6m×6m were excavated to different levels. Of the twenty trenches, eight were in the western part of the mound and twelve in the eastern part of the mound. But the major thrust area was eastern part of the mound where as many as twelve trenches were laid out.
When compared to the excavation of the previous year, the excavation of 2006-07 was much more extensive as altogether twenty one trenches in the XA, C, D, E, H, I, J and K series were taken up for excavation. The basic objective of this year’s excavation was to expose the alignment of tri-ratha structure exposed earlier in the western part of the mound in 2003-04 on the one hand and to trace the entrance of the monastic complexes in the eastern part of the mound. However, instead of entrance of the monastic complex, we encountered an extensive wall running north-south in K series trenches. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the entire wall excavated to a depth of 3.75m was found plastered with stucco over exquisitely decorated bricks. The major area of decoration was found between 50cm and 118cm below surface in K7 trench. The wall found continued in K6 and K5 trenches towards north with the same decorated stucco panel over decorated moulded bricks containing with a uniform range in depth and thickness. This wall possibly formed part of the outermost wall of the eastern temple of the monastery, as it appears from a comparative study of the excavated monastic sites in eastern India. The excavation further reveals that there were, at least, two phases of structural activities (if not more as evidenced by the presence of a still earlier structural phase in the western part of the mound). However, the most notable discovery of MGM I is a Buddha image in slate stone from stratified level. The Buddha image measuring 24cm×14cm has been found from trench C6 at a depth of 0.96m. The plan of tri-ratha projection of monastic complex, partially exposed in 2003-04, was recovered. The measurement of this complex is 22m×22m in the western part of the mound. This complex belonged to late medieval period while the plan of the larger one of the earlier structural phase is yet to be recovered. Only the eastern part of the temple complex with extensive stucco decoration in the eastern part of the mound and the monastic wall with lime plaster in the western part has been exposed.
At MGM III a single trench measuring 6m×6m was also taken up for excavation. Here the habitation remains of early mediaeval period with evidences of iron smelting activities, ceramics of different nature together with a seal matrix on terracotta at a depth of 1.95m were among the notable finds. The upper 28cm-30cm deposit in this trench was disturbed while the rest is stratified. The excavation in this trench continued to 3.80m below surface level without reaching the virgin soil. The deposit is characterized by profuse bricks and brick bat activities in the area.
Excavation of 2007-2008
This year we laid out twelve trenches in the eastern part of the mound. The excavation has revealed the continuation of stucco/lime decorated eastern wall of the monastic complex found earlier in K7 and K6 trenches. This year the stucco decorated eastern wall is found continued in K5, K4 and K2 series of trenches. The outer eastern wall of the monastery was extensively decorated with stucco floral designs and the excavation further reveals the existence of beautiful niches built with decorative bricks at regular intervals on the eastern wall of the monastic complex. One such niche delicately built was found in trench no J2 in the north-eastern corner of the mound. The eastern wall makes a sharp turn in K2 trench towards the west in the northern part of the mound. The total length of the eastern wall of the monastic complex is 58m. In the south-eastern part of the mound, series of cells are found attached to the outer walls measuring 2.5m×2.5m in two different levels representing the two phases of structural activities. The cells attached to the southern walls of the monastic complex/es belong to early medieval and late medieval periods respectively. The gap between two phases is represented by 0.45m cultural deposit. In F5, a surkhi rammed floor and covered with lime plaster has been found at a depth of 1m from the surface level which in all probability represents the courtyard of the early monastic complex. In H6, the evidence of a circular brick stupa has been found. Moreover, the evidence of drain covered with lime plaster has been found in the northern part of the mound in ZJ1.
The important finds of the excavation include two stucco head, one stone female deity few fragmentary pieces of stone sculptures including one proto-Bengali script, one copper coin (possibly Pre-Kushāna) large number of stucco decorative elements, decorative bricks and huge quantity of pottery. All these evidences once again suggest the existence of a monastic complex of early medieval period with, at least, two phases of structural activities.
Excavation of 2009-2010
This year we have selected the northern part of the mound where altogether 14 trenches measuring 6m×6m were laid out at the northern slope of the mound. The excavation at the trenches ZC1,G1,G2, ZH1,ZH2,H1,H2, ZI1,ZI2, I1,I2, ZJ1, ZJ2,J1 etc. were conducted at different levels ranging in depth from 61cm in H2 and maximum of 395cm in trenches H1 revealing the existence of a beautiful brick gateway of the monastery. The gateway is decorated with two beautiful brick pillars on both sides and crowned with “Purnaghata” shaped on brick. Since the general height of the plinth of the Monastery is 3.4m and to cover this height a 7.55 m long ramp was made supported by brick walls on both the sides. The steps were provided over the ramp, the evidence of which is still visible on the ramp. The ramp is 7.07m wide and 7.55m long. The ramp landed on a 6.60m wide brick platform. A number of cells measuring 2.5m×2m are found on both sides of the brick platform and some are attached with the outer wall of the monastery in its northern side. The ramp was constructed within a tri-ratha projection of the monastery in its northern part and was filled up with mud and brick bats. The gap of 2.25m between the ramp and tri-ratha projection was deliberately created on both sides for viewing the deity placed at the niches at the rare end of the passage in trench no I1 and H1 by the devotees. At the far end of the passage two beautiful niches measuring 34cm×80cm on both sides of the ramp were created for placing deities. Attached with the niche there are two brick pillars crowned with “Purnaghata” and other decorative bricks.
Excavation of 2010-2011
The basic objectives of excavation of this year were to trace out the complete layout plan of the outer wall of the monastic complex as well evidences of temple complex and courtyard of the monastery. To achieve these objectives, we selected southern and central parts of the mound.
The excavations at the trenches namely G9, G10, H9, H10, I9, I10, J9, J10 and F9 were conducted at different levels ranging in depth from a minimum of 0.20 meter in I9 to a maximum of 4m from the top surface level. Digging in trench G10 was continued to a depth of 5.30m, of which the lower 1.30m was virgin soil. The excavation in southern part of the mound has revealed the existence of a massive and beautifully decorated with stucco designs and lime plastered outer wall of the monastery. In the southern part, a second structure of the monastery was made over the earlier one. But, the actual height of the plinth in southern section is also 3.35m while the remaining 0.65m belongs to the later construction. Stucco lotus and lotus petal designs dominate the whole stucco composition in outer wall. Of the floral designs, stucco human figures including Buddha head (?) and devotee figures in stucco are also found in the decorative panel on the outer wall. Most important among the stucco figures is a human figure with folded hands. Among the stucco floral designs one stucco ‘Bodhi Tree’ like design is of special interest as it emphasis the significance of Buddhist ritualistic concept in the composition.
Compact rammed surki pavement plastered with lime and termed as ‘Pradakshinapatha’ has been found at a depth of 4m in southern part of the monastery. The Pradakshinpath plastered with lime was constructed directly over the virgin soil which is water-logged impregnated blackish clay. It appears therefore that the area was water-logged for long time. The foundation of the early structure of Moghalmari was laid down on water- saturated grayish black sand, silt and clay soil also suggesting the evidence of water-logging of the area for long period by river Suvarnarekha.
At a depth of 4m in trench G10, one circular brick votive stupa was found on surki rammed pavement. The votive stupa with a diameter of 1.59 meter was constructed over what we call the circumbulatory passage plastered with lime. A large number of terracotta lamps have been recovered from this area. Evidences of demolition or destruction of the early structure of the monastery either by natural calamities or by human vandalism are very clear in trenches G10, H9, H10, I10, J9, J10 etc. After the demolition of early structure at different places and at different levels, a second structure over the earlier one was constructed to replace the earlier damaged structure.
The cells of this phase are more uniform and compact in construction indicating the economic condition of the monks occupying the earlier monastery. Considering the nature of construction, especially economy over bricks, and other decorative elements specially that of stucco designs, decorative bricks and extensive use of lime etc., it can be suggested that the economic condition during the time of construction of early monastery was much better than the later occupants of the reconstructed or later monastery.
One terracotta seal inscription with 3.5 cm diameter has been found at a depth of 0.77m in trench No G5. The script of the seal is “Siddhamatrika” of eastern India variety which dates back to eighth-ninth century CE. It is deciphered as Buddhist Dharmaparyoy, a hymn that gives glimpses into the Buddha’s teachings on philosophy. Another terracotta votive tablet having 6.5 cm diameter has been found from trench G3 at a depth of 0.15 cm. The votive tablet depicts Buddha in “dhyana” (Dharma chakra prabartana) mudra with two rows of miniature figures at the bottom showing the famous five transcendent Buddhas.
The extent of damage of this structure makes it difficult to come to any conclusive decision. However, over this structure, another stone (Laterite) paved floor with stone pillars scattered over the area may also add to the idea of temple complex in the later phase of the monastery. The courtyard of the monastery was exposed in trench no F5 at a depth of 0.74m from the surface level. It was surki rammed floor plastered with lime. The ceramic types unearthed from excavation consist of mostly Black, Red and Pale Red ware while Grey and Buff colour also occur occasionally. The shapes includes terracotta lamp, bowl, footed cup, shallow dish, deep bowl, bowl with central knob, handi, vessels and storage jar, spouted vessels, sprinklers etc.
Excavation of 2011-2012
The basic objectives of excavation of this year were as follows:
a. To trace out the southern and south-western outer wall of the monastic complex in order to construct the plan of monastery.
b. To trace the Sanctum cell or temple/shrine area of the early monastic complex.
c. To make co-relation between different structural elements within monastic complex.
To achieve these objectives, initially we laid out six trenches namely E9, D9, C9, B9, A9, XA9 measuring 6m×6m in the south and south-western periphery of the mound. The excavation reveals that the massive lime plastered outer wall was found running towards the west, but in trench XA9 it makes a turn towards the northern direction. This year we have also recovered the south-western corner of the structure in trench XA9 and since the length of southern and eastern wall measures 60m each, we can therefore conclude that the plan of the monastery was a 60m×60m squire structure with entrance in the northern part, although currently it is concealed under the huge gateway of the second structural phase of the monastery. The excavation further reveals that the height of the plinth of the early monastery (eastern wall) was 3.5m which can further be divided into three segments viz. upper, middle and lower. The upper portion having almost 1M space was created to accommodate pilasters after every 70cm which provided squire boxes of 70cm×70cm.These squire boxes were utilized for placing Stucco figures of both animal and human characters. The entire composition of the outer wall is provided with many architectural designs which indicate wonderful engineering skill. The panel of stucco figures decorating the wall has been discovered. The figures consist of divine and semi-divine human characters which are placed in 70cm×70cm. squire boxes. Altogether 13 such stucco figures have been retrieved and among them the important identified figures are Gana figure, Kuvera figure, Janguli figure, Dancing Couple and Flying Gandharva etc.
In total seventeen terracotta votive tablets have been found this time. These votive tablets can be classified into four categories. The types are a) Buddha as central figure is shown seated on Padmāsan. He is flanked by two Bodhisattvas on each side while there are two rows of miniature sitting Buddha figures below; b) Buddha as central figure is shown seated in European style and placed in temple while he is flanked by two Bodhisattvas on each side. They are also placed in temples and below there is an inscription of Buddhist creed which reads as ‘Ye dharma hetu prabhaba…’. Below the inscription, there are miniature votive stupas. The temple in the tablet appears to be a true replica of Nagara style with clear sign of Amlaka Sila on the top ; c) Stupa is shown here as central figure and surrounded by hundreds of miniature stupas ; d) This is a blank votive without any impression.
Other antiquities from excavation include Terracotta lamps, Stucco fragments, Sprinklers, Iron nails, Footed bowls, Hopscotch, Spouted bowls, etc. Besides large number of red, black, grey sherds and moulded and appliqué red and grey sherds have also been found. One terracotta Seal was collected from the excavated earth, the inscription of which relates to Buddhist creed and written in early siddhamātrika. The inscription reads as ‘Ye Dharma hetu prabhaba…’.
It appears further from the excavation that the northern and the western parts of the monastery were either destroyed or plundered from time and again. As a result of which there were several phases of constructions and renovations before it was finally crumbled by the plunderers. A second monastery was constructed over the ruins of the early monastery around 9th /10th CE after a gap of several years which was even massive than the earlier one as the builders of the second monastic complex had neither the resources nor it had the engineering skill, but they did not destroy the early stucco art since they were also Buddhists. The structures of the second monastery were simple and massive, but without any lime plaster and Stucco decoration.
On the basis of archeological evidences including paleography and art form/style, we can safely place the early monastery in 6th CE and as it stands unique in terms of Stucco decoration and decorative bricks, it can only be compared with the similar monasteries of Vikramsila, Nalanda, Paharpur, Moinamati. We hope this discovery will add new chapter in the history of Bengal in the near future.
Stucco Art
Stucco as a form of material for the expression of artistic creativity has a special bearing in Buddhist religion as many monasteries and temples in India were decorated by of stucco. Stucco is prepared from lime, sand and water or gypsum, sand and water. In some cases, marble dusts are used in stucco material. Sometimes animal and plant fibers are also used to improve the condition of its strength. Stucco as building material is durable, attractive and weather resistant. Traditionally it was used both for interior and exterior decoration. It is applied in one, two or sometimes three thin layers directly over solid masonry of either brick or stone surface. It can also be applied over heavy timber and wooden structures by adding a reinforcement lattice or plank. From simple wall covering, it was gradually used as sculptural and artistic material. The Baroque and Rococo architecture also made for heavy use of stucco.
The earliest evidence of gypsum as building material was found in Iran (Persia) around 25,000 BC. In India, the stucco is found to be associated with Indus valley civilization. Stucco, Plaster or mortar etc. was more in use than its composition. Plaster was originally applied as rendering material to mud brick walls to protect it from weathering, but soon it was exploited for its decorative effects on brick and rubble walls as its application provides ground for further decoration. It can be used both for strengthening the wall or for decorative purpose. In the hands of Iranian craftsmen, this humble material reached its climax of artistic creativity. The material which was frequent in Neolithic time became common in Achaemenoid period. The Achaemenoid palaces of Percepolis had brick walls rendered with fairly thick coat of plaster. The use of plaster rendering on walls and columns developed during Hellenistic and Parthian periods. At late Parthian site of Qal-a-ye-yizdegered, the walls were covered with stucco moulded figures and repetitive floral composition. The lavish use of plaster was a hallmark of Sasanian architecture where columns and walls were covered with wide range of geometric, floral and figurative motifs in stucco.
In so far India is concerned the Buddhist monks adopted this material largely for their monasteries either for construction or decoration. The early activities of this material is found in Gandhara region of north-west India where the art of stucco decoration was developed and inspired from Iranian counterpart at Percepolis /Sasanian architecture. Stucco Buddha head, Bodhisattva and other related stucco works suggest the patronage of this art by the people at the early part of Christian era. During Gupta Period this plastic art became more popular over wide geographical regions transcending the boundaries of religion as it has by that time became a popular medium of expression of human mind and thought.
Eastern India mainly comprising Bengal and Bihar is also considered an important centre of stucco art tradition. Nalanda, Sarnath, Rajgir, Rajbadidanga, Apsad etc. are some of the monasteries where extensive stucco works are found both as building materials and figurative works. The stucco works unearthed from the monastic complex at Moghalmari seem to have followed the same line of artistic pursuit of north-west India. The most impressive stucco work at Moghalmari is the stucco panel found on the eastern wall of the monastic complex. This is found in trench no K6 and K7 along with running wall. The total exposed stucco panel measures 10m in these two trenches, but it runs all along the eastern wall. The height of the plinth of the monastery is about 3.75m. The stucco panel has been found between 55cm to 118cm from the top of the plinth. The rest of the plinth is plastered with lime. The stucco panel is decorated with geometric and floral designs (lotus petal). In trench K6, beautiful stucco “Makara” design above six petal lotus had been unearthed which stands unique in the whole composition.
It appears therefore that the outer wall of the entire monastery was decorated with stucco panel. The floral designs in the form of stylized lotus panels are very common in the Buddhist monastic complexes. Sometime below the running lotus panel, a regular loop pattern follows the upper line of composition. The lotus/floral panels found at Moghalmari are similar and identical with the lotus/floral panels motif of Nalanda stupa no 3 and Raktamritica mahavihar monasteries which suggest that the contemporary craftsmen followed the established tradition of Buddhist religion. Above the stucco panel (at the top of the plinth) at Moghalmari there are stucco plastered pilaster crowned with full blown lotus after every 70cm and in between two pilaster there are curved out niches with stucco figures of Buddhist religion. Besides the excavation has also revealed brick niches plastered with lime at regular intervals in the outer walls of the monastic complex for providing stucco images inside. Two such stucco Buddha images (Head) have been found below the niches during excavation.
Ceramic industry
Altogether 1383 sherds have been considered for analysis. It shows that 51.12 percent pottery belongs to grey type which appears to be dominant type. This is followed by Black ware with 20.89 percent and red ware with 18.07 percent. Other types are buff ware red and black ware and black and buff ware etc. The major shapes are Saucer, Bowl, Basin, Storage Jar, Footed bowl, handi including high neck jar. Among them handi and saucer are important types. Knife edge pottery is common among grey and buff sherds. The ceramic industry of MGM II is classified into two types viz. Chalcolithic and historical. The historical pottery of MGM II is dominated by red ware followed by black and grey ware. In terms of percentage red ware comprises 67.37% while black ware represents 28.34% and grey ware is only 4.27%. In the Chalcolithic phase the ceramic industry is dominated by black ware, red ware, grey ware and black and red ware. In terms of percentage red ware comprises 40.86% followed by black and red ware with 34.13% while black ware represents 23.35% and grey ware 1.44% in the industry. The major shapes of this phase include bowl, handi, basin, vessel, miniature pot etc. Among them bowls of different types dominate the industry. The excavation at MGM III shows that 3.80m deposit is characterized by two phases cultural development without any break. Layers 1-3 represents late medieval period while 4-6 represents early medieval period. The analysis of pottery is based on 1227 sherds. The ceramic industry in both the phases is dominated by red ware. In phase one, the percentage of red ware is 42.95 while in phase two the percentage of red ware is 37.17 which shows a remarkable uniformity throughout time and space of early medieval period of this region. However, the analysis of pottery of MGM I which is a religious complex shows grey ware as the dominant ceramic type. Red ware is followed by buff ware and black ware with 27.36 and 11.62 percentage respectively in phase I and black ware and buff, ware with 24.1 and 19.39 percent respectively in phase II. The other ceramic types include grey ware, red and black, red and buff buff and black and red and buff ware etc. The shapes are Saucer, Footed cups, Basin, Bowl, Handi Storage Jar, Miniature pots etc. The study shows higher frequency of knife edge pottery in layers 5-6.
Antiquities
Antiquities of MGM I include terracotta bird lamp on stand, two circular and semi-circular terracotta objects with holes at the center, Spouted bowls without perforation, terracotta lamps, Dish, iron nails etc. in 2003-04 excavation. The excavation of 2006-07 at MGM I has yielded miniature votive terracotta stupa, circular perforated stone object, Cowries, unidentified terracotta object in cylindrical shape, stone pestle, Spindle whorl etc. Besides a large number of stucco specimens have been found from the eastern and south-eastern parts of the mound. In 2007-08, few stone sculptures, two stucco human heads (Buddha?), one proto-Bengali script on stone, innumerable numbers of stucco decorative elements, decorative bricks, iron nails, one copper coin etc. are important finds. The important finds of MGM II include terracotta lamp, bangle, nail terracotta bead and one terracotta human head. The most significant discovery of trench no A1 in MGM3 is terracotta seal matrix in post-Gupta Brahmi character at a depth of 1.96m in layer no 4. Besides iron objects including slag, ore, huge quantity of charcoal, iron nails and other unidentified iron objects etc. along with pottery have also been found. The excavation of 2009-2010 yielded pottery with lotus petal design, stone beads, spouted bowls and moulded pottery including black and red ware. The most interesting feature of the structural activities of Moghalmari monastery is the application of extensive decorated/moulded bricks of both geometric and non-geometric characters including beautiful partial/full lotus petal motifs, recessed, half-circular, semi-circular etc. So far, we have identified twenty two types of decorated/moulded bricks either in situ or as fallen materials in different trenches.
Observation
The first season of excavation (2003-04) at Moghalmari had resulted in the partial exposure of a huge brick structure with its extensive walls, square chambers with floor and brick paved platforms at MGM I. The tri-ratha (structure having three projections) plan of the structure in the western part of the mound, the discovery of Buddhist terracotta sealing (explored), numerous terracotta lamps and huge quantity of grey, buff and red pottery with occasional exposure of typically Gupta appliqué pottery—all these evidences from MGM I together with the circular brick structures from MGM II had offered a clear indication of the structure having been a religious one and if not Buddhist to be more precise. Besides, at MGM II, the excavation has revealed a crucial and significant evidence of 1.5m thick deposit of BRW culture at the bottom, but afterwards the site was probably deserted for centuries to be again settled in early medieval period.
More extensive excavation in 2006-07 has confirmed the earlier indications beyond doubt. The excavations have revealed the existence at the site of a pre-pala monastic establishment having at least two different phases of structural activities of which the former represents a large monastery with extensive frontal stucco decorations to the eastern side. Earlier excavation had revealed a third structural phase at a still lower level, probably representing the earliest structural phase at MGM I. The outer wall of the earlier structural phase having its brick rammed external platform at a depth of 3.75m from the surface level, represents possibly the most extensive architectural stucco art creation in the whole of the delta. Unprecedented as it appears, the variations in the style and theme represent not only a unique idiom but also a superior technical excellence of the craftsmanship. Plastered with thin lime and/or stucco and constructed with a variety of plain and decorated bricks set in mud mortar, the structure of Moghalmari is definitely parallel to those found at Nālanda, Karnasuvarna and other pre-Pala monastic establishments of eastern India. A large (Twenty two types have been identified) number of foliated and geometric motifs with unique proportion and style were attested to the monastic complex.
The excavation of 2007-08 further confirmed the claim of earlier excavations that Moghalmari was a Buddhist monastic complex with more than one phases of constructions. The discovery of proto-Bengali scripts from stratified context is very significant. The discovery of the evidences of a brick stupa in the eastern part of the mound is significant evidence justifying the monastic establishment. More over the excavation further yielded two stucco human heads (Buddha?) from the eastern outer wall of the complex vindicating the delicacy with which this monastic complex was created. Stucco as a form of art finds its best expression in the execution of these figures.
Moghalmari possibly exhibits the largest monastic site so far discovered in West-Bengal. Its Buddhist character is unquestionably proved by the discovery of a stone image of the Buddha in the Bhumisparsa pose from stratified context in trench C6. Large number of antiquities including terracotta lamps, stone pestle, cowries shells, iron nails, spindle whorls in stone and a variety of pottery etc. characterize the archaeological assemblage of MGM I.
Excavations at MGM III which is primarily a habitation site contemporary to MGM I, have resulted in the discovery of some major material evidences of which the assemblage related to iron smelting activity demands special attention. A large number of iron objects in association with huge quantity of charcoal at different depths have been found. However, the most important discovery from this trench is an inscribed terracotta seal matrix (1.96m below surface level) containing four indistinct incuses, each bearing the name of a person, at least two of which can be read, probably as Srivarma. The script represents the eastern variety of post-Gupta Brahmi datable to the 7th-8th century AD. The excavation of 2009-2010 has further added to our knowledge the nature of brick gateway and its unique architectural plan to get inside the monastery through a 7.55m long and 7.07m wide ramp filled with mud and brickbats and supported by brick walls and over the ramp brick steps were provided.
Excavations at the site of Moghalmari have thus revealed that the site was in continuous habitation from BRW cultural phase but after the BRW phase the site was deserted for centuries to be reappeared in the early medieval (historic) period which means that the early historic phase at Moghalmari is absent, the reasons of which is still obscure. The problem can only be solved through a larger excavation in the near future. However, the site demonstrate a unique archaeological character in having been one of the few early medieval settlement sites in eastern India where both religious and non-religious habitation segments can be clearly demarcated through excavated archaeological materials as well the nature of settlement structures. A further excavation at the site is expected to yield more detailed information about the plan of the monastic complexes and settlement character. The site of Moghalmari containing rich evidences of our early cultural heritage, demands immediate preservation and further excavation before its archaeological character is lost due to human vandalism and encroachment of the mound.
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