Abstract:
The Lalmai-Mainamati region in Cumilla, Bangladesh,
designated as a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site, is historically
associated with the ancient Buddhist civilisation of Samatata. This study aims
to comprehend the cultural significance of Buddhism in the region through a
comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based database of
archaeological sites, featuring a structured data table with geographic
coordinates and additional information, complemented by scaled digital maps.
Notwithstanding its historical importance, documentation is insufficient, with
about 23 sites officially recorded by the Department of Archaeology,
Bangladesh. Nevertheless, significantly more than 55 sites have been recognised
in literature and surveys. Numerous sites remain unexcavated, and current maps
differ in both scope and precision. A mixed-methods approach was utilised,
integrating GIS, Remote Sensing, literature studies, and ground-truthing.
Research indicates that 77% of locations remain unexcavated. The dense aggregation
of Buddhist edifices on the eastern inclines indicates a deliberate positioning
for both spiritual and defensive purposes. This is the inaugural endeavour to
comprehensively document the region digitally.




