The Shalban Bouddha Bihaar in Moynamoti-Lalmai ridge is an ancient architechture of Buddhist culture during Buddhist civilization (8-12 th century A.D.). Bihaar means monastery in sankskrita. The Shalban Bihaar dates back to the Chandra & Deva dynasties (8-12 th century A.D.). It is situated 10 km far from Comilla town. It lies on a range of small hills which run about 18 km and where more than 50 sites have been unearthed. To put the discovered archaeological findings which include terra cotta plaques, bronze statues, coins, utensils, pottary and many other priceless things, a museum has been established. It is open from sunday to friday, saturday is closed.
The first relic that was copperplate of Ranabonkamalla Harikaladeva was discovered in 1803. Then it was forgotten with time. Then again in 1875, the builders of the old axial road through the hills of Moynamati,accidentaly uncovered the ruins of the bihaar which at that time was thought to be "A small birck fort". It was actually the Buddhist monastery.
The Moynamoti ruins were rediscovered during the Second World War. While setting up an advance camp, the military came across ancient remains at a number of points in the ridge. In the hurried survey that followed, 18 sites were recognized and protected by the government. In more regular and systematic surveys undertaken between 1955 and 1957, when the entire ridge was undisturbed by human occupation, more than 50 sites were located. Most of those sites lie in the northern half of the ridge, now within the Cantonment. Archaeological excavations started in January 1955. In several phases of excavation of the 50 odd sites nine have so far been exposed. Though the excavations have not yet been completed and have been limited in many respects. The Shalban Bihaar is also widely known as Moynamoti Buddha Bihaar according to the name of queen Moynamoti,the beloved wife of King Chandra Gupta.
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