Paharpur

Due to its geographical situation the entire region of Bengal, including the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara has been one of the vital links between India and Southeast Asia since ancient times.

 This region witnessed the ascendance of the Pala Dynasty in the 8th century, whose rule continued until the 12th century. Buddhism attained its last major developments in India at that time under these Pala Dynasty Kings, who embraced and protected the Buddhist ideals. Paharpur Buddhist Vihara was built under the second Pala King Dharmapala.

 Evidence of the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in Bengal from the 7th century onwards, this monastery, known as Somapura Mahavira, the Great Monastery, was a renowned intellectual centre until the 17th century. Paharpur Buddhist Vihara was included in the World Heritage list in1985.