Palace and Temple of Queen Mainamati, Archaeological palace and temple site in Maynamati, Cumilla District, Bangladesh

The Palace and Temple of Queen Mainamati is an archaeological site perched on an elevated ridge with brick structures and walls from medieval times. Excavations have exposed the foundations of multiple buildings, religious spaces, and residential areas that once stood here.

Excavation of the mound began around 1988. Digs revealed terracotta plaques and decorated bricks, and analysts date the palace-temple remains to between the 8th and 12th centuries. Local accounts describe an earlier cross-shaped temple later rebuilt on a smaller scale.

Local accounts say a cross-shaped temple stood here first and was later rebuilt as a smaller temple. Excavations brought out terracotta plaques and decorated bricks, and analysts date the complex to between the 8th and 12th centuries. The mound rises about 15.24 m above the plain at the northern end of the Lalmai-Mainamati hills.

The site is open to visitors with multiple areas to explore, some still in excavation and others showing exposed foundations. It helps to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as you walk on unpaved paths connecting the different areas.

Local accounts hold that the hilltop first carried a cruciform temple, later rebuilt on a smaller scale. Excavation from around 1988 brought out terracotta plaques and decorated bricks, and analysts date the remains to between the 8th and 12th centuries.