Agartala, July 15: The historical site of Pilak, dating back over 1000 years in Tripura, is poised to captivate more travelers as the state government takes steps to develop it as part of a historical tourism circuit along with two other locations. Nestled in Jolaibari, approximately 100 km from the capital, Pilak forms part of a chain of Hindu-Buddhist sites located at the tri-junction of East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Tripura, and Arakkan (Myanmar) region.
The state tourism department’s director, T K Das, explained that Pilak is a renowned tourist destination in Tripura’s South District, attracting visitors from various parts of the country. To enhance the visitor experience, an archaeological tourist circuit has been created, encompassing Chhabimura and Udaipur in the Gomati district, along with Pilak in the South Tripura district. A package tour has been designed to connect these three sites, offering a comprehensive exploration of their historical and cultural significance.
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Pilak, which welcomes approximately 200 visitors daily, serves as the starting point of the tourism circuit. Traveling from Agartala, the circuit links Pilak with Udaipur, a temple town famous for Tripureswari Kali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipiths (sacred sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti).
Udaipur also boasts the Bhubaneswari Kali Temple, featured in Rabindranath Tagore’s novel ‘Rajarshi’. The circuit further extends to Chhabimura, known for its mesmerizing rock carvings on the steep mountain wall along the banks of the Gomati River.
Pilak itself spans three square kilometers, encompassing lush uplands and green valleys in the Belonia subdivision. The site showcases stone engravings of Hindu Gods in the Buddhist style, featuring figurines of Shiva, Surya, Baishnabi, Mahishasurmardini, and a Buddha statue.
Research by the late Ratna Das, author of a book on Pilak, suggests that the site emerged as a prominent Hindu-Buddhist center in the eighth century. Scattered across the area are numerous rock-cut images and terracotta plaques, carefully preserved under the custodianship of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Uttam Pal, the executive engineer of the state tourism department, revealed plans to develop Pilak as a prominent destination for Buddhist tourists from Southeast Asia and other regions. However, due to its status as an archaeological site, permanent structures cannot be constructed within 150 meters of the site.
Nevertheless, the state government has established various facilities and even built a tourist bungalow near Jolaibari to accommodate visitors. Uttam Pal added that the footfall of tourists has been consistently high, reflecting the site’s popularity.
One significant archaeological finding at Pilak is a full-size Buddhist stupa excavated at Sundari Tilla. Built in the 11th century during the reign of the Palas of Bengal, the stupa stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural style of that era. Historian Panna Lal Roy emphasized that Pilak symbolizes the deep-rooted cultural affinity between Hinduism and Buddhism, showcasing influences from the Palas and Guptas of Bengal, as well as the Arakkans in Myanmar.
The sculptures found at Pilak depict various Tantric Buddhist gods and goddesses, including Buddha, Chunda, Avalokitesvara, Marichi, Tara, Avolokiteswar, Hariti, and more. Dr. Biswadip Nandi, a historian, noted that the prevalent sculptural style at Pilak corresponds to the 9th, 10th, and 11th centuries in Bengal. Roy further highlighted the resemblance between the molded terracotta plaques at Pilak and those discovered in Paharpur and Mainamati in Bangladesh.
The plains of Tripura have witnessed the reign of several dynasties, both Buddhist and Hindu, during ancient times. Many rulers established their capitals in close proximity to the region. For instance, the ancient kingdom of Pattikera, with its capital in the Comilla region (now in Bangladesh), was not far from Pilak. This historical connection further enriches the cultural significance of the site.
With the Tripura government receiving substantial funds for tourism development over the next five years, there is a renewed focus on promoting the state’s unexplored tourist destinations. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Tripura Tourism, an initiative that aims to boost tourism by drawing attention to the state’s hidden gems.
As Pilak, Chhabimura, and Udaipur beckon with their archaeological treasures and historical significance, Tripura is poised to attract a growing number of tourists seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.
