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{{Short description|Archaeological site in West Bengal}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox ancient site
|name = Ballal Dhipi
|native_name = '''An [[Archaeological Survey of India|ASI]] [[List of Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal|Listed Monument]]'''
|alternate_name =
|image = File:Ballal Dhipi, Bamunpukur, West Bengal 03.jpg
|alt=
|caption = Ballal Dhipi ruins
|map_type = India West Bengal # India
|map_alt =
|coordinates = {{coord|23.4503|N|88.4014|E|display=inline,title}}
|location = [[Bamanpukur]], [[Nadia district]]
|region = [[West Bengal]], [[India]]
|type = Buddhist Vihara
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|built = 10-12th century or a little earlier
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'''Ballal Dhipi''' is a historic archeological site on the eastern flood plain of the [[Hooghly River|Hooghly]] in Nadia, West Bengal, a few kilometres east of Nabadwip. The remains date back to the 12th century AD and earlier. A 30-ft structure of solid terracotta bricks is spread over an area of 1,300 sq ft. with a floor made of lime and sand. It is named after [[Ballala Sena]] (1160-1179) of the [[Sena dynasty]].

Archaeologists have found traces of a temple complex. Historians differ on the origin of the structure. It may be the ruin of a Buddhist ''stupa'' or ''vihar'', possibly built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It has similarities with [[Vikramashila|Vikramshila]] Vihar, in Bihar and [[Somapura Mahavihara|Shompur]] Vihar, in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. It may also be a part of the capital of the Sena dynasty.

==Geography==
{{OSM Location map
| width=450| height=420| zoom=10
| coord={{coord|23|34|0|N|88|30|0|E}}| float=left|caption='''Cities and towns in Krishnanagr Sadar subdivision of Nadia district''' M: municipal town/ city, CT: census town, R: rural/ urban centre, H: place of historical/ religious interest, T: place of tourist interest. Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly
|mark-coord1={{coord|23|31|44|N|88|32|48|E}} | label-pos1=right|label1=Chapra | numbered1=CT| mark-title1= [[Chapra, Nadia]] (CT)|label-color1=#800000 |label-size1=11| mark-size1=12|shape1=l-circle|shape-color1=#A40000|shape-outline1=white|label-offset-x1=2
|mark-coord2={{coord|23|25|0|N|88|31|23|E}} | label-pos2=right|label2=Sonda | numbered2=CT| mark-title2= [[Sonda, Nadia]] (CT)
|mark-coord3={{coord|23|21|30|N|88|29|11|E}} | label-pos3=bottom|label3=Baruihuda | numbered3=CT| mark-title3= [[Baruihuda]] (CT)
|mark-coord4={{coord|23|22|10|N|88|28|40|E}} | label-pos4=right|label4=Paschimbhatjangla | numbered4=CT| mark-title4= [[Paschimbhatjangla]] (CT)
|mark-coord5={{coord|23|29|35|N|88|28|2|E}} | label-pos5=right|label5=Harindanga | numbered5=CT| mark-title5= [[Harindanga, Nadia]] (CT)
|mark-coord6={{coord|23|27|5|N|88|24|40|E}} | label-pos6=top|label6=Bamanpukur | numbered6=CT| mark-title6= [[Bamanpukur]] (CT)|shape-color6=black| label-size6=13|label-color6=black 
|mark-coord7={{coord|23|25|50|N|88|25|10|E}} | label-pos7=right|label7=Tiorkhali | numbered7=CT| mark-title7= [[Tiorkhali]] (CT)
|mark-coord8={{coord|23|25|50|N|88|19|20|E}} | label-pos8=top|label8=Bablari |labela8=Dewanganj | numbered8=CT| mark-title8= [[Bablari Dewanganj]] (CT)
|mark-coord9={{coord|23|23|40|N|88|24|14|E}} | label-pos9=right|label9= Gadigachha | numbered9=CT| mark-title9= [[Gadigachha]] (CT)
|mark-coord10={{coord|23|22|55|N|88|23|50|E}} | label-pos10=right|label10= Majdia | numbered10=CT| mark-title10= [[Majdia, Nabadwip]] (CT)
|mark-coord11={{coord|23|22|50|N|88|23|0|E}} | label-pos11=left|label11= Char Maijdia | numbered11=CT| mark-title11= [[Char Maijdia]] (CT)
|mark-coord12={{coord|23|23|50|N|88|22|50|E}} | label-pos12=left|label12= Char Brahmanagar | numbered12=CT| mark-title12= [[Char Brahmanagar]] (CT)
|mark-coord13={{coord|23|46|14|N|88|17|13|E}} | label-pos13=left|label13=Mira | numbered13=CT| mark-title13= [[Mira, Nadia]] (CT)
|mark-coord14={{coord|23|37|38|N|88|12|16|E}} | label-pos14=right|label14=Matiari | numbered14=CT| mark-title14= [[Matiari, Nadia]] (CT)
|mark-coord15={{coord|23|37|15|N|88|23|48|E}} | label-pos15=top|label15= Jagadanandapur | numbered15=CT| mark-title15= [[Jagadanandapur]] (CT)
|mark-coord16={{coord|23|36|26|N|88|24|6|E}} | label-pos16=right|label16= Kshidirpur | numbered16=CT| mark-title16= [[Kshidirpur]] (CT)
|mark-coord17={{coord|23|23|35|N|88|31|30|E}} | label-pos17=right|label17=Krishnanagar |label-size17=13 | numbered17=M| mark-title17= [[Krishnanagar, Nadia]] (M)|label-color17=#800000
|mark-coord18={{coord|23|25|0|N|88|21|50|E}} | label-pos18=left|label18=Nabadwip |label-size18=13 | numbered18=M| mark-title18= [[Nabadwip]] (M)|label-color18=#800000
|mark-coord19={{coord|23|30|30|N|88|32|33|E}} | label-pos19=right|label19= Bangaljhi| numbered19=R| mark-title19= [[Bangaljhi]] (R)| shape-color19=#C40000
|mark-coord20={{coord|23|25|7|N|88|41|50|E}} | label-pos20=top|label20= Krishnaganj| numbered20=R| mark-title20= [[Krishnaganj]] (R)| shape-color20=#C40000
|mark-coord21={{coord|23|24|53|N|88|43|10|E}} | label-pos21=bottom|label21= Majhdia| numbered21=R| mark-title21= [[Majhdia, Krishnaganj]] (R)| shape-color21=#C40000
|mark-coord22={{coord|23|29|30|N|88|46|36|E}} | label-pos22=left|label22= Gede| labela22= check point|numbered22=R| mark-title22= [[Gede, Nadia]] (R)| shape-color22=#C40000
|mark-coord23={{coord|23|26|52|N|88|26|36|E}} | label-pos23=right|label23= Ruipukur|numbered23=R| mark-title23= [[Ruipukur]] (R)| shape-color23=#C40000
|mark-coord24={{coord|23|22|55|N|88|30|25|E}} | label-pos24=right|label24= Asannagar|numbered24=R| mark-title24= [[Asannagar]] (R)| shape-color24=#C40000
|mark-coord25={{coord|23|22|0|N|88|25|42|E}} | label-pos25=left|label25= Bishnupur|numbered25=R| mark-title25= [[Bishnupur, Nadia]] (R)| shape-color25=#C40000
|mark-coord26={{coord|23|29|17|N|88|27|4|E}} | label-pos26=left|label26= Dhubulia|numbered26=R| mark-title26= [[Dhubulia]] (R)| shape-color26=#C40000
|mark-coord27={{coord|23|26|5|N|88|30|42|E}} | label-pos27=right|label27= Ghurni|numbered27=R| mark-title27= [[Ghurni]] (R)| shape-color27=#C40000
|mark-coord28={{coord|23|25|10|N|88|23|54|E}} | label-pos28=right|label28= Maheshganj|numbered28=R| mark-title28= [[Maheshganj]] (R)| shape-color28=#C40000
|mark-coord29={{coord|23|44|5|N|88|13|45|E}} | label-pos29=right|label29= Kaliganj| numbered29=R| mark-title29= [[Kaliganj, Nadia]] (R)| shape-color29=#C40000
|mark-coord30={{coord|23|41|50|N|88|17|1|E}} | label-pos30=right|label30= Debagram| numbered30=R| mark-title30= [[Debagram]] (R)| shape-color30=#C40000
|mark-coord31={{coord|23|35|35|N|88|20|57|E}} | label-pos31=left|label31= Nakashipara| numbered31=R| mark-title31= [[Nakashipara]] (R)| shape-color31=#C40000
|mark-coord32={{coord|23|36|38|N|88|23|0|E}} | label-pos32=left|label32= Bethuadahri| numbered32=R| mark-title32= [[Bethuadahri]] (R)| shape-color32=#C40000
|mark-coord33={{coord|23|42|37|N|88|12|24|E}} | label-pos33=right|label33= Juranpur| numbered33=R| mark-title33= [[Juranpur, Nadia]] (R)| shape-color33=#C40000
|mark-coord34={{coord|23|26|20|N|88|24|40|E}}| label-pos34=left|label34= Mayapur| numbered34=H| mark-title34= [[Mayapur]] (H) |shape-color34=#AA6666
|mark-coord35={{coord|23|47|11|N|88|17|26|E}}| label-pos35=top|label35= Palashi| numbered35=H| mark-title35= [[Palashi]] (H) |shape-color35=#AA6666
|mark-coord36={{coord|23|35|40|N|88|23|31|E}} | label-pos36=bottom|label36=Bethuadahari|labela36=Wildlife Sanctuary| numbered36=T|shape-color36= #74C365| mark-title36= [[Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary]] (T)
|mark-coord37={{coord|23|31|30|N|88|19|0|E}}|label37= Bhagirathi| label-color37 = #77A1CB| label-angle37=0| label-pos37=top| label-size37=11| mark-size37=0| mark-title37=none
|mark-coord38={{coord|23|31|0|N|88|21|0|E}}|label38= River| label-color38 = #77A1CB| label-angle38=80| label-pos38=top| label-size38=11| mark-size38=0| mark-title38=none
|mark-coord39={{coord|23|32|0|N|88|28|0|E}}|label39= Jalangi River| label-color39 = #77A1CB| label-angle39=65| label-pos39=top| label-size39=11| mark-size39=0| mark-title39=none
|arc-coordA={{coord|23|48|0|N|88|41|0|E}}|arc-textA= BANGLADESH| arc-text-colorA=hard grey| arc-angleA=40| arc-gapA=4.5| arc-radiusA=0.35}}

===Location===
Ballal Dhipi is located at Bamunpukur, near Mayapur and Nabadwip, {{coord|23.4503|N|88.4014|E|display=inline}}.

Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

===Excavations===
The Kolkata Circle of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] excavated the mound, during 1982-1988, and "exposed huge brick structures and various antiquities datable to c. 10th to 12th cent. AD. The brick structure include shrines on sides and a massive construction within an enclosure." The antiquities indicate the possibility of Buddhist affiliation. The structural complex covers nearly 13,000 m2. Experts opine the "stupa(vihara) of eighth/ ninth century was perhaps a seat of learning and pilgrimage up to the end of the 11th century." It is about 25 km from [[Krishnanagar, Nadia|Krishnanagar]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.asikolkata.in/nadia.aspx | title = Mound known as Bamanpukur Mound of Fort | publisher = ASI, Kolkata Circle | accessdate = 18 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nadia.nic.in/Tourism-Details/tourism-details.html | title = Pilgrimages & Tourist Spots| work = Ballal Dhipi| publisher = Egiye Bangla, official website of Nadia district | accessdate = 18 October 2020}}</ref>

The ASI has divided the site into two parts – the mound and the remains of a fort. Both the sites are identified as an [[List of Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal|ASI listed monument]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/alphabetical-list-of-monuments-west-bengal/|title=List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of West Bengal - Archaeological Survey of India|publisher= ASI|work= Item nos. 130&131|access-date=18 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="Rangan">{{cite news |last1=Datta |first1=Rangan |title=Ballal Dhipi near Mayapur — a perfect (and mysterious) destination for a day outing |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/ballal-dhipi-near-mayapur-a-perfect-destination-for-winter-day-outing/cid/1910416 |access-date=3 October 2023 |agency=My Kolkata |publisher=The Telegraph}}</ref>

==Ballal Dhipi picture gallery==
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Mound known as Bahanpukur Mound or Fort (Ballal dibi) 20180728 111546.jpg|It is thought to be the remains of a fort
File:A stairway - Mound known as Bahanpukur Mound or Fort (Ballal dibi)- 20180728 111313.jpg|The remains of a staircase
File:Ballal Dhipi, Wrecked Edifice-II.jpg|A part of the extensive structural complex
File:Ballal Sen's Dhipi at Bamunpukur, Nadia 18.jpg|A narrow lane inside Ballal Dhipi complex
File:Ballal Sen's Dhipi at Bamunpukur, Nadia 22.jpg|Partial views of Ballal Sen's Dhipi
File:Ballal Sen's Dhipi at Bamunpukur, Nadia 12.jpg|A ruined part of Ballal Sen's Dhipi
File:Mound known as Bahanpukur Mound or Fort (Ballal dibi) 20180728 110902.jpg|The information boards
File:Ballal Sen's Dhipi at Bamunpukur, Nadia 06.jpg|A crocodile head-shaped water outlet at Ballal Dhipi
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ballal Dhipi}}

{{Non-extant Bengal places}}
{{Nadia topics}}

[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Former populated places in India]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Nadia district]]

Ballal Dhipi - Revision history

EkaSaffronGaruda at 23:00, 12 August 2025