The site of a civilization which flourished during 8-12 centuries of the Christian era has been a cradle of culture of heterodox creeds and sects representing both Hinduism i.e. Shiva, Surya, Baishnabi and Buddhism i.e. Hinayana, Mahayana, Bajrayana which bear testimony to peaceful co-existence of the two cultures.
The important places are Shyam Sundar Tilla, Deb Bari, Thakurani Tilla, Balir Pathar, Basudev Bari and Sagar Deba. The art form and style followed in the making of the images and in the sculptures appear to have remote resemblance to the sculptural and architectural style of the Palas and Guptas of Bengal. Influence of Arakan, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and local style is discernable in the form and style of Pilak images and sculpture. The number of rock-cut images and terracotta plaques are lying scattered in various places of the area.
The site has been under the care of Archaeological Survey of India. The molded terracotta plaques bear resemblance to moulded plaques recovered from Paharpur and Mainamati. The Buddhist Complex here may be assigned a date between 9th and 10th century A.D. During excavation in the late sixties, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team found out brick built ‘stupas’. Archaeological Survey of India has plans to do some more excavation to unearth the hidden cultural heritage of the area. It may be presumed that the extensive plains of Tripura were under the control of several dynasties who ruled in Eastern Bengal and Samatata in ancient period. Some of them were Buddhists and the others were Hindus. Most of these rulers had their capitals near this region. The ancient kingdom of Pattikera had its capital in Comilla region and Pilak is not very far from Comilla.
Location: From Agartala, 100 km, Udaipur 61 km and Jolaibari 2 km.
Nearest Town: Santibazar, 19 km, Jolaibari, 2 km.
Accommodation: Pilak Tourist Lodge (Jolaibari), Pilak Pantha Niwas (Bagafa) and Manu Yatriniwas (Manu Bazar).