One of the oldest and richest archeological sites Bangladeshis can take pride in is the Somapura Mohavihara in Noagaon.
The 8th century Buddhist monastery and learning centre is regarded as one of the ancient universities, and has duly been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
The historically and archeologically valued site was brought forth in a recent theatre production by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Titled Somapura Kothon, the play was premiered on Sunday at Paharpur, where the site is still extant in its tarnished magnificence.
Under the supervision of theatre and film department of BSA, Debashish Ghosh directed the play in which he has attempted a presentation of the history of the Mahavihara.
The play unveils the historical happenings such as the founding of Mahavihara in the early half of the 8th century by Dharma Pala, the second Pala king, as a sort of university for practices of spiritual knowledge.
The play goes on to show Bhikshus (learners) in their pursuit of knowledge. Among the characters, there are Kanhapa and Dombi Pa, two poets of Charyapada, the text believed to be the first existing one in Bangla language.
The play also unravels how Mahavihara was destroyed and deserted during the Sena dynasty who were Hindus, and, therefore, did not tolerate the Buddhist Mohavihara.
Around sixty artistes of BSA repertory performed in the play, which did not have a restricted stage but used the total area.
‘The play was initially planned to be staged only once, but we are now planning to stage it before the foreign diplomats and others soon’, said the director.
About 5,000 audience enjoyed the production on the day. Asaduzzaman Noor, cultural affairs minister, was present as the chief guest, along with other local MPs, at the premiere show.
-With New Age input
