Shilua Stone (Shilua Temple site)

In Madhya Shilua village of Pathannagar union, Chhagalnaiya, stands an old stone block that gave the village its name. Marks on it have been read as early Brahmi script, and remains of stone images found nearby suggest an ancient Buddhist or Hindu site. Locals call it the 'shil ghar'; in British times it had a canopy and railings, now gone, and one local legend says it fell from the sky. The inscription is protected under the antiquities law, but very few outsiders come.

How to get there

From Feni go toward Chhagalnaiya to Contractor Masjid Bazar (about 12–13 km), then about 3 km south to Shilua Chowdhury Bazar; the stone is a short walk west of the bazar.

Good to know

Ask locals for 'Shiluar shil'. Do not touch or chip the stone.

• #archaeology
• #inscription
• #village
• #legend