Pundravardhana—its Site
Summary
This geographical study seeks to locate the ancient city of Puṇḍravardhana, the capital of the Pundra country mentioned in Puranic and Buddhist literature. The author surveys the vast ruins at Mahasthangarh (Mahishmati) in Bengal, describing its fortified citadel and surrounding mounds, and reviews archaeological explorations by Cunningham and later scholars. He correlates textual references from the Mahābhārata, Purāṇas and accounts of Chinese pilgrims like Xuanzang with topographical features of the site. Evidence such as inscriptions, coin hoards and the discovery of early Brahmi inscriptions suggests continuous occupation from the Mauryan through the Gupta period. The author argues that the dimensions of the fort, the configuration of the Karatoya river and the distribution of suburban mounds match descriptions of Puṇḍravardhana’s prosperity and strategic importance. By comparing place‑names and trade routes, he rejects alternative identifications in Pabna or Rangpur and concludes that Mahasthangarh is the most plausible candidate. The article thus contributes to the historical geography of eastern India and underscores the significance of archaeological surveys in verifying textual traditions.
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Conclusion
The paper concludes that combining literary evidence with archaeological data allows for a confident identification of Puṇḍravardhana with Mahasthangarh. This identification not only clarifies the geography of the ancient Pundra kingdom but also sheds light on the urban history of Bengal. The author emphasises the need for systematic excavation of the site to uncover more inscriptions and material culture that can illuminate the city’s role in early Indian polity and trade.