Raja Birat's Palace Mound

In the countryside about 17 km west of Gobindaganj, local tradition places the palace of King Virata, the Mahabharata ruler of the Matsya kingdom. Some structures survived into the 19th century, but by now mostly mounds, bricks and old tanks remain. The Department of Archaeology marked it as a protected site in 1978, and excavations in the Rajahar union area have turned up terracotta plaques, decorated bricks and stone pillar bases. There are plans for wider digging and to open it properly to visitors. For now it is a spot for history enthusiasts.

How to get there

From Gobindaganj (bus from Gaibandha or Bogura), take an auto west towards Rajahar union and ask for Raja Birater Bari.

Good to know

Don't pick up or remove any bricks or shards; it is a protected site. Wear shoes for walking over fields.

• #archaeology
• #legend
• #ruins
• #quiet