>
Title: Need to give financial assistance for excavation and preservation of Buddhist monasteries at Mogulmari P.S.- Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal.
SHRI PRABODH PANDA (MIDNAPORE): The Department of Archaeology, University of Kolkata resumed excavation at Village Mogulmari PS-Dantan of District –Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. The excavation has so far revealed the existence of a Pre-Pala (possible 7th century A.D.) Buddhist monastic complex with extensive stucco and/or lime decoration which is unique in eastern India. Embellishments on the frontal wall in particular and the monastic establishment in general will definitely throw a significant light not only on the early medieval history of Paschim Medinipur, but also on that of the entire West Bengal. The observation of the excavators, the Head of the Department and his staff members is that the Buddhist character stucco figures is supported by the discovery of two Buddhist stone sculpture from a stratified context, one of them representing the figure of the Buddha in the well-known bumisparsa pose. According to them the discovery is unquestionably comparable to the monasteries of Nalanda (South Bihar), Raktamrttika (Murshidabad) and Nandadirgghika (Malda). To complete the excavation work of such a big Buddhist monasteries and its preservation, sufficient financial assistance in this regard is required.
So I urge upon the Union Government to extend necessary financial assistance in this regard so that the excavation work can be done effectively and this great heritage can be preserved properly.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now I will have to make an announcement because the `Special Mention’ is meant for raising a special issue and that must be precise and to the point, and not reading a statement like this.[a60]