The Department of Archaeology University of Calcutta under the direction of Dr. Asok Datta and assisted by all faculty members and technical and non-technical stuff resumed the excavation at Moghalmari ( Lat N 21⁰59’33’’ and Long E 87⁰17’46’’) of Dantan Block. I of Paschim Medinipur from 10th March 2012 with a view to locate the temple complex of the monastery. Besides University, partial funding were provided by Dantan 1 Panchayat Samity, Dantan 1 Block and the Buddhist study centre of Bhatter College, Dantan.
This year, the excavation has revealed the existence of a brick temple decorated with panel of stucco figures on the outer wall. The figures include Janguli, Kuvera, Gana figure, Boddhisatava, Flying figure, couple, wheel etc. Besides stucco figures, the excavation has also yielded very important five terracotta votive tablets (Sealing) depicting Buddha as a central figure flanked by Boddhisatavas on both sides. In another case Buddha is seated on a throne with legs pendant. He sites within a shrine was Baddhisatavas as each stand within a shrines. Below there are two rows of stupas. The inscription in the tablet reads as “ye Dharma hetu prabhava ……………………………..”
The excavation has further revealed a legal numbers of terracotta lamps, Sprinklers, Post Gupta pottery etc. The monastery belongs to 6th to 7th Century A.D and broadhy comparable with Vikramsila, Paharpur, Mainanuti etc on stytiahic ground. The excavation at Moghalmari is likely to continue upto 26th May, 2012.
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