Panchagarh's unique 'Rocks Museum' draws tourists with ancient artefacts

The northern border district of Panchagarh, renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites, is experiencing a surge in tourism as winter sets in. Among its many attractions, the country's sole 'Panchagarh Rocks Museum' stands out, drawing significant interest from both local and international visitors.

Established in 1997 on the campus of Panchagarh Government Women's College, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the geological history and ancient artefacts of Bangladesh. What began as a single-room initiative by then-Principal Dr Nazmul Haque has since evolved into a prominent centre for tourists, students, and researchers.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of diverse rocks and stones, each accompanied by an identification plaque detailing its origin and relevant information. This includes igneous and sedimentary rocks, various types of gravel, silica, yellow and dark yellow sand, glass sand, mineral sand, limestone, silt, potter's clay, and hard rocks.

Upon entering Panchagarh Government Women's College, visitors are greeted by an outdoor display of large, ancient stones, some estimated to be 20 to 25 years old, arranged in a circular pattern. Each stone features a nameplate with a brief description.

The museum's indoor gallery showcases volcanic and sedimentary rocks, wavy flat stones, limestone, hard rocks, and indigenous tools. Additionally, it features fossilised wood recovered from riverbeds and underground, alongside 2000-year-old brick and stone sculptures, and terracotta designs.

A particular highlight is a 1,000-year-old traditional dinghy boat. This 25-foot vessel, carved from a single sal tree, was unearthed in 1999 from eight feet below ground in the Mahanater Ghat area of the Chawai River in Sadar Upazila's Amarkhana Union. It is believed to have been used by indigenous people in ancient times.

The outdoor gallery exhibits large sandstone, granite, quartzite, basalt, shell, and silicified wood. These range in shape from round to flat or long, with some bearing symbolic markings.

During the current winter season, the museum is witnessing a steady stream of visitors. Tourists often combine their visit with trips to Banglabandha Land Port, Zero Point, and the Tea Garden of Tetulia.

Sadia Sanjida, a former Dhaka University student, expressed her delight after visiting the museum with her family on Tuesday. "I had heard about the Rocks Museum for a long time. It was wonderful to see it firsthand and learn its history. I'm impressed that such a significant collection of ancient stones exists in our country," she remarked.

Naz Sultana Bithi, a teacher from Hakimpur Women's College in Dinajpur, shared her experience: "I brought my child here and was amazed by the stones recovered from underground. It's a great experience to show my child this collection of old stones."

Mufassir Rihan, visiting from Dhaka, noted, "I enjoy historical artefacts. I was curious after seeing information about the Rocks Museum on YouTube, which is why I came. I enjoyed my visit and learned about many ancient items, including the stones."

Golam Kibria, Head of the Geography and Environment Department at Panchagarh Government Women's College, highlighted the museum's importance: "The then Principal Dr Nazmul Haque established the Rocks Museum with artefacts from various locations. This museum plays a crucial role in our educational institution for determining the age of the land, exploring geographical features, and preserving heritage and anthropological artefacts."

Ahsan Habib Pradhan, head of the Statistics Department at the college, emphasised the museum's role as a landmark for Panchagarh visitors. "The museum is intertwined with Panchagarh's history and heritage. It houses numerous archaeological artefacts. Proper preservation will further enhance the district's reputation," he stated.