On January 3, a team of archaeologists from China and Bangladesh announced the results of their four-year excavation of the Vikrampur Ruins in Bangladesh at a special archaeological forum.
Located in the Munshiganj district, the excavation is providing some valuable clues about the history of Atisa, a famous Bengali leader and Buddhist master, who according to Tibetan historical records was born in the area.
The excavation site is believed to be the remains of the ancient city of Vikrampur, a major Buddhist center that was the capital at one time or another of the Chandra (900-1050), Varman (1080-1150) and Sena (1100-1230) dynasties.
The excavation is significant not only for its historical finds, but also for what it means for relations between China and Bangladesh.
"This marks the first time that China has collaborated with a country in the Indian subcontinent on an archaeological excavation” said director of the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Hunan Province Guo Weimin.
"The excavation was initiated by the Agrashar Vikrampur Foundation in Bangladesh in 2013. They first started off by exploring a 344-square-meter area in the village of Nateshwar in Munshiganj.
"Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh, another sponsor of the project, asked the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh for financial and technical help. Soon after, the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology of Hunan Province was asked to take part in the excavation," he said, explaining how the cooperation began.
"The most important find was the excavation of two building ruins, a Stupa courtyard and a Vihara [monastery] dating from around 780 to 950" Guo added.
Through the symbols discovered on site, experts have determined that these two building complexes are related to Atisa.
"Our institution provided a lot more than just technology and experiences; we also brought a spirit of friendship." Guo told the Global Times.