The main central shrine has a cruciform ground plan and a terraced superstructure that rises in three terraces above ground level to a height of about 70 feet. Today, Paharpur is the most spectacular and magnificent monument in Bangladesh and the second largest single Buddhist monastery on south of the Himalayas. The craftsmanship of Paharpur terracotta still endures since the 8 th century A.D. in the whole of deltaic lands around. Vandalism, theft and increasing decay of some of the terracotta plaques have been the reasons for their removal from the main monument. Protection and management requirementsThe whole complex, perimeter along with lofty central shrine, lies within an area protected by the government and supervised regularly by the local office.