Pilak Archaeological Site
Historical Significance: The Pilak Archaeological Site is a sprawling open-air museum dating back to the 8th to 12th centuries A.D., located near Jolaibari which is a short drive from Belonia: This site is a crucial evidence of the co-existence and harmonious blending of Hindu and Buddhist cultures in ancient Bengal, particularly the Samatata Kingdom, and has close connections to sites like Mainamati in Bangladesh: Excavations have revealed numerous stone sculptures, terracotta plaques, and seals, offering a deep dive into the region's rich pre-colonial history and sculptural traditions: It sits amidst a serene, green landscape, adding natural beauty to its historical charm: The unearthed artifacts, now partly preserved in the Agartala museum, include gigantic stone images of Avalokiteswar (a Buddhist deity) and Narasimha (a Hindu deity), symbolizing a profound cultural synthesis: The site is spread over an area of about 10 square kilometers and continues to be an important area for historical research and tourism, attracting enthusiasts interested in South Asian archaeology, especially from Southeast Asia::
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 Hours:Place Type:
Archaeological/Historical Site:Entry Fees:
Structure of Fee: Entry fees are typically very nominal, generally ranging from INR 10 to INR 30 per person for Indian nationals, serving as a token contribution towards the site's maintenance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) There is usually a separate and slight...Structure of Fee: Entry fees are typically very nominal, generally ranging from INR 10 to INR 30 per person for Indian nationals, serving as a token contribution towards the site's maintenance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) There is usually a separate and slightly higher fee for foreign tourists, and an additional fee for carrying professional cameras or video equipment: The revenue collected aids in the conservation efforts, upkeep of the grounds, and security of the ancient artifacts: Students and researchers may often avail of discounted or free entry upon presenting valid institutional identification::Timing:
Regular Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (or dawn to dusk), with potential closure on national holidays:
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the early morning (around 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) or late afternoon (around 3:...Regular Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (or dawn to dusk), with potential closure on national holidays:
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the early morning (around 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) or late afternoon (around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) to avoid the peak heat of the day and for soft, excellent photography lighting: It is generally advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon months (June to September) when the paths can be slippery and the humidity is very high::Special Events:
The Annual Pilak Festival: Held usually in December, the Pilak Festival is the biggest cultural event associated with the site, featuring folk dances, traditional music performances, and local craft exhibitions that celebrate the heritage of the region: This festival serves ...The Annual Pilak Festival: Held usually in December, the Pilak Festival is the biggest cultural event associated with the site, featuring folk dances, traditional music performances, and local craft exhibitions that celebrate the heritage of the region: This festival serves to raise awareness about the archaeological importance of Pilak and attracts both local and international visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere around the ancient ruins: Local artisans set up stalls, offering authentic Tripuri handicrafts and food, turning the site into a lively cultural marketplace for a few days::Best Photo Spots:
The Grand Sculpture Vista: The spot where the enormous stone carvings are showcased offers the best vantage point for capturing the scale of the ancient Hindu and Buddhist sculptural art:
Lattice-Work Light: Capturing the morning or late afte...The Grand Sculpture Vista: The spot where the enormous stone carvings are showcased offers the best vantage point for capturing the scale of the ancient Hindu and Buddhist sculptural art:
Lattice-Work Light: Capturing the morning or late afternoon sun filtering through the surrounding trees onto the exposed brickwork and scattered terracotta fragments creates dramatic light and shadow play, emphasizing the texture of the ruins:
Panoramic View of the Tillas: Find a high point, like the top of Thakurani Tilla, to take a wide-angle shot of the whole green landscape dotted with the mounds, providing context for the archaeological spread:
The Avalokiteswar Profile: The side profile of the remaining large stone deities, especially the Avalokiteswar and Narasimha figures, provides a sense of their monumental scale and artistic detail::Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Exploring the Ancient Art: Spend time analyzing the unearthed sculptures, plaques, and relics displayed at the site museum and the remaining in-situ carvings to appreciate the ancient art form and cultural fusion:
Photography and Nature Walk: The entire area is set amidst beautiful rolling hillocks and lush greenery, providing excellent opportunities for nature photography and peaceful walks:
Visit the Local Shrines: Seek out the small, modern shrines, such as the one dedicated to Vasudeb-badi, where ancient idols like the Marichi sculpture are now worshipped as local Hindu deities:
Attend the Pilak Festival: If visiting in December, participate in the annual festival to experience the site's importance as a center of local cultural activity:
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Information
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Why Famous:
Cultural Harmony and Sculptural Riches: The site is globally recognized for being a rare testament to the peaceful co-existence of two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, as evidenced by the simultaneous discovery of their respective artifacts: It is famous for its massi...Cultural Harmony and Sculptural Riches: The site is globally recognized for being a rare testament to the peaceful co-existence of two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, as evidenced by the simultaneous discovery of their respective artifacts: It is famous for its massive and artistically significant stone and metal sculptures, such as the 12th-century Narasimha image and the Chunda idol (revered as Raja Rajeshwari locally) The annual Pilak Festival attracts a large crowd of scholars, devotees, and tourists, making it a focal point for cultural celebrations in South Tripura: Its association with the ancient Samatata Kingdom and links to sites in modern-day Bangladesh solidify its importance in the history of the greater Bengal region:: -
Architecture:
Sculptural Synthesis and Terracotta Art: The architecture, though primarily in ruins, shows a clear fusion of Pala and Gupta sculptural styles, evident in the intricate carvings and composition of the deities: The remains of brick stupas and small shrine structures (found in...Sculptural Synthesis and Terracotta Art: The architecture, though primarily in ruins, shows a clear fusion of Pala and Gupta sculptural styles, evident in the intricate carvings and composition of the deities: The remains of brick stupas and small shrine structures (found in areas like Shyamsundar Tilla and Thakurani Tilla) suggest a complex of temples and monasteries: Dimension of prominent finds include a colossal 10-foot-high image of Surya (the Sun God) holding a lotus, demonstrating the scale of craftsmanship: Terracotta plaques, numbering in the hundreds, served as a form of architectural decoration on the ancient brick walls, illustrating scenes from religious epics and daily life, a distinctive feature of the early medieval art of Bengal and Tripura:: -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Agartala's Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA) (Approx. 110 KMS away) From the airport, one must hire a pre-booked taxi or take a shared cab to Belonia, and then a local vehicle to Pilak:
By Train: The clos... -
Near Tourist Places:
Chabimura (Approx. 40 KMS), Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary (Approx. 20 KMS), Neermahal Palace (Approx. 75 KMS), Udaipur's Tripura Sundari Temple (Approx. 62 KMS), Dumbur Lake (Approx. 120 KMS), Maharani Dam (Approx. 70 KMS), Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (Approx. 95 KMS), Jagannath Temple Belonia (Approx. 20 KMS), Muhuripur Tunnel (Approx. 10 KMS), Manughat Bridge (Approx. 15 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Carry a basic first-aid kit, mosquito repellent (especially after the monsoons), and stay hydrated: Be cautious of uneven surfaces while exploring the ruins:
Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and light cotton clothing: ...
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