My City My Honor | Naogaon | History | Tourist spot | Archeological places | নওগাঁ
Naogaon: A Tapestry of History and Nature
In 1974, just three years after gaining independence, Bangladesh signed an international narcotics control convention in Geneva. As a result, the cultivation of cannabis was banned in the country in 1987, abruptly ending nearly two centuries of commercial cannabis farming in Naogaon, a district where this practice had originated during British rule.
While many countries have since recognized the medicinal properties of cannabis and resumed its commercial cultivation, Bangladesh has yet to revisit this potential industry. The country's economy has missed out on the opportunity to benefit from this potentially lucrative crop.
Today, we find ourselves in Naogaon, a district in northern Bangladesh brimming with potential. Since the unfortunate end of cannabis cultivation in 1987, the region has seen numerous other successes. Naogaon is now one of the leading districts in the production of rice and mangoes. During the mango season, the fragrance of ripe mangoes fills the air, and the local markets of Mahadevpur and Porsha buzz with activity.
Porsha, bordering India, is perhaps home to some of the happiest people in Bangladesh. Known for their simplicity and deep faith, the people of Porsha still uphold the tradition of hospitality. The Kusumba Mosque, built in the mid-15th century during the reign of the Afghan ruler Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah, is located in Porsha. Right in front of the Kusumba Mosque lies a vast 77-acre pond. The image of the Kusumba Mosque graces the 5 taka note in Bangladesh.
In Naogaon's Bahadurganj Upazila, we find the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, which was established in the mid-8th or 9th century. This massive structure was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1879. UNESCO has recognized Paharpur Monastery, or Somapura Mahavihara, as the second largest Buddhist monastery in the southern Himalayas.
Just 6 kilometers from Naogaon town lies the 200-year-old Dubolhati Zamindar Bari (zamindar's estate). This dilapidated mansion once boasted 7 courtyards and over 300 rooms. Raja Haranath Roy, the zamindar of Dubolhati, established the first educational institution in Naogaon, the Raja Haranath High School. He also donated a property worth around 100,000 taka to upgrade Rajshahi District School to Rajshahi College.
In Dibal Union of Patnitala Upazila, Naogaon, lies the Dibal Dighi, a vast water body covering around 60 acres, dating back to the 3rd century BC. In the middle of the pond stands a massive granite victory pillar. Legend has it that this pond was excavated in just one night. This serene spot, with its surrounding forest and tranquil waters, offers a peaceful retreat.
The historic Balihar Rajbari is located 18 kilometers from the district town. Legend has it that the Balihar zamindari had 330 ponds. Many of these ponds still exist. These ponds were named after various mythological figures, such as Malahaar, Sitahaar, Balihaar, and Atmahaar. Many of the Balihar zamindars were highly educated. Krishnaendranath Roy Bahadur, a zamindar of Balihar, was also a writer.
In Dhamuirhat Upazila, Naogaon, lies Jagaddal Mahavihara, a historical site dating back to the Pala dynasty (1077-1120). This monastery was a significant center of learning in ancient Bengal.
Also in Dhamuirhat Upazila is the ancient Mahisantosh Mosque, built in 1463. With the conquest of Bengal by Bakhtiyar Khilji, the prosperity of Mahisantosh began, and the spread of Islamic education in the region started. Mosques, khanqas, and astanas were the primary institutions of early Islamic education. During the Sultanate period, the Madrasa of Mahisantosh was one of the leading large educational institutions.
In Patisar village of Atrai Upazila, Naogaon, lies the Patisar Rabindra Kachari Bari, a place steeped in the memories of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore visited this area in 1890 to oversee his zamindari. It was here that he wrote his famous novels, Gora and Ghare Bahire. He last visited Patisar in 1937, after winning the Nobel Prize.
While Naogaon offers many historical and cultural attractions, the main tourist attraction in recent times is the Tal (palm) Empire in Ghughudanga, Niamatpur Upazila. 1 The rows of palm trees and green fields on either side of the road make this place incredibly beautiful.