Rajbari District

Template:Infobox Bangladesh district Rajbari (Bengali: রাজবাড়ি জেলা; pronounced Bengali pronunciation: [Rājabāṛī]; Rajbari Jela also Rajbari Zila) is a district in central Bangladesh. It is a part of the Dhaka Division. It was named by the renowned ruler Raja Surjoprashad Sen. He established his palace or rajbari in this district. It was a part of Faridpur district before. Later on, it was separated from Faridpur and rose as Rajbari. The important river port Paturia and Daulatdia is situated at Goalanda in this district. It is also a transit for Khulna division.

Rajbari is a railway town. Its expansion and development took place with the growth of rail communication and railway establishments. The Rajbari Municipality was established in 1923. Historically, the majority of the town's population was the Hindus and they dominated in education, culture, sports and other areas. Rajbari of Lakhsmi Dhol is notable. Many sufi saints including Shah Farid (13^th century), Shah Ali Bogdadi, Shah Pahloan, Shah Sadullah, Pir Jangi and Khan Jahan Ali (15^th century) came here to preach Islam. The town has 1 duckbanglow, 1 Circuit House and 6+ residential hotels.

Administration

Administrator of Zila Porishod: Akbar Ali Morji

Deputy Commissioner (DC): Syeda Shahana Bari

Official District Administration

Current Rajbari district was under different districts in different times. In 1765 when the British took over Bangla, Bihar, Orissa, the north west of Faridpur region (current Rajbari) was recovered by the landlords of Rajshahi. The symbol of Natore’s king found in Belgachi as Snanmoncho and Dolmoncho. Later on, once Rajbari was a part of Jessore district. In 1811, when Faridpur was created, Rajbari was included in Faridpur. Pangsha subdivision was a part of Pabna district once. In 1859 Pangsha and Baliakandi were added to newly added subdivision (then) Kumarkhali. Again in 1871, when Goalanda subdivision was created, then Pangsha and Rajbari were included in it. In the year of 1807, headquarter of Dhaka, Jalalpur was transferred to Faridpur and Pangsha was included in it. In 1850 at the time of Lord Dalhousie (22 April 1812 – 19 December 1860), Jamalpur was divided and Faridpur was created. Goalanda was included to Faridpur then. That time Pangsha and Baliakandi was in Pabna district. In 1983, Rajbari was announced as Rajbari Police Station (thana). The government issued the ordinance on 18^th July 1983 to promote all well developed Police Stations to subdivisions. Finally on March 1, 1984 all the subdivisions was announced as districts. And from then Rajbari was called ‘Rajbari district.’

Upazilas

There are 5 upazilas in this district. They are:

1. Baliakandi Upazila
2. Goalandaghat Upazila
3. Kalukhali Upazila
4. Pangsha Upazila
5. Rajbari Sadar Upazila

History

Rajbari is a district of Bangladesh. It is under Dhaka division. It was named by the renowned ruler Raja Shurjoprashad Sen. It was a part of Faridpur District before. Later on, it was separated from Faridpur and rose as Rajbari. It has produced famous personalities such as Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan (the speaker of Pakistan's Constituent Assembly), Yakub Ali Chowdhury, eminent Bangladeshi cartoonist Rokonuzaman Khan Dadabhai, scientist Kazi Motahar Hossain and Oscar winner Nafees Bin Zafar.

The famous writer Mir Mosharraf Hossain lived at Podamdi, near Village of Kurshi in Baliakandi upzilla. Podamdi and Kurshi are also a remarkable place for Nawaabs (A Nawab or Nawaab (Urdu: نواب, Hindi: नवाब) was originally the subedar (provincial governor) or viceroy of a subah (province) or region of the Mughal empire. It became a high title for Muslim nobles). Rajbari is a district of natural beauty. Famous dighi (a kind of water body) 'Kallyan Dighi'situated in baliakandi of Islampur union. Rajbari is situated by the bank of Padma River.

Birth of Rajbari

There’s no doubt that Rajbari was named after king’s home. No one knows the exact time when it was named. From a rail travel book named East Bangla Railway Calcutta by L.N Mishra (1935), it was found that in the year of 1966 Nawab Shaesta Khan was appointed as Subedar in Dhaka. At that time Sangram Saha was sent as the team leader to defeat the Portuguese pirates. He lived permanently in Baniboho and built a ford on Lalgola. It is a few kilometers north from the main town. On that book it is mentioned that Royal Court and main controller office address was ‘Rajbari Zone’ that time. But the Railway station was named as ‘Rajbari’ from the beginning (1890 A.D). The famous writer Anandanath Roy described Baniboho on his book as “History of Faridpur.” Nawara Chowdhury Family lived in Rajbari for more than 300 years. When they came Baniboho was a crowded place. Baniboho was the area combined with some villages named Biddabagish Para, Acharya Para, Bhattacharje Para, Senhati Para, Basu Para, Bene Para and Nune Para.

The name ‘Rajbari’ was named after King Surjo Kumar. Grandfather of Surjo Kumar, Provuram was royal servant of Nawab Siraj Ud Dowla (Full Name: Mirza Muhammad Siraj ud-Daulah; Reign: 1733 – July 2, 1757). After Battle of Plassey he came to Lakkhikol and stayed there for his safety. Later his son, Degendro Prashad became the land lord of this place. In 1985 Surjo Kumar was appointed, son of Digendro Prashad was named King. Then, some people wanted to change the name Rajbari Railway to King Surjo Kumar Railway but it was not possible for landlords of Baniboho. The place that Rajbari Railway Station is situated once was owned by the landlords of Baniboho. After all these incidents it is thought that Rajbari was named long before. The house King Surjo Kumar and his family lived in is still known as King’s house among the people. That was the beginning of Rajbari.

Historical Events

Many people of the district were involved in the Sannyasi Rebellion during the end of the 18^th century. An akhra, established in Belgachi village, had organized revolutionary movement in the area. The remains of a dilapidated house at the Rath area of the district bear the memories of Fakir-Sannyasi revolts. On 26 March 1971, soon after receiving the message of mass killing by the Pakistani soldiers in Dhaka, people of Rajbari formed an action committee, which invited everybody to join the War Of Liberation. Leading persons in organizing the campaign included Dr. AKM Amjad, Dr. SA Malek and ATM Rafiq Uddin.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics

Sawdagar Divi (mound) (marks the memory of Chand Sawdagar, a leading hero of the epic Manasamangal), tomb of Kamal Shah Awlia (darvish), tomb of the Sufi devotee Shah Jui located at Pangsha, an old porch at Mathurapur of Baliakandi upazila.

The Contributions at Liberation War of Bangladesh

See also: Liberation War of Bangladesh

After the historic speech of Bengali nationalist leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7, 1971 at the historic Ramna Race Course Field in Dhaka, the whole Bengali nation was getting ready for the armed liberation war. In Rajbari, the liberation started with local Awami League Leader Kazi Hedayed Hossain, M. N. A. Amalkrisna Chakraborty and M, A Momen (Bacchu Master). Freedom frighters were trained in Rajbari railway field.

The flag of freedom Bangladesh was hoisted on top of the Mujib building on 7^th March. The flag was first hoisted in Rajbari Awami League leader, Mr. Nazibar Rahaman. Mr. Latif Biswas, Mr. Amjad Hosain, Mr. Cittaranjan Guha, Mr. Farid Ahamed were along with him.

21^st April, 1971 in dawn 5`o clock Pakistani military crossed the Padma river through gun boat. By crossing Goalundo port (Goalundo Ghat), Nanar tak and Momin Kha they accessed to the main town of Rajbari. The news quickly spread Rajbari city and in the villages. The peoples went to the villages for their safety. Bihari people took the arms and fall down the village. When Pakistani military entered Rajbari, they burnt all the road side houses. They put fire in the house of M.N.A. Kazi Hedayet Hosain. After that Pakistani military entered Rajbari market and tried to burn all the shops there. Rajbari became a city of fire. Pakistani military and their partner bihari killed many women and child. Many people went to India for training.

There were several camps in Rajbari at the time of liberation war. Commander Bakaul Abul Hasem built a camp in Rashora village which is 3–4 km away from the main town. Jalil Mia’s camp was right beside it. Commander Islam built his camp in Pachuria, right beside Kamrul Hasan Ali’s camp. Siraj Ahmed’s camp was in Matipara. Total 8 freedom fighter team worked in Rajbari. Some more teams came from Pangsha and Kushtia later. At the time of liberation war the Bihari, Pakistani and the traitors worked as a team. Bangladesh was declared free country in 16^th December 1971 but Rajbari had to wait three more days to get rid of Pakistani. They fought till 18^th December 1971.

Rajbari got some great men during the war such as Abdul Aziz, A. Sadek, A. Rafiq, A. Shafiq and also lost many.

Marks of Liberation War

Mass graves at Goalanda, Khankhanapur, char area of Habaspur (Pangsa), and many places of Bailakandi.

Culture

Rajbari is a cultural as well as historical district. This district has been acting as a portrait of ancient Bangladesh. Different types of people live in the district. Their lifestyle, diet, movement is also different. Unlike some other regional areas in Bangladesh, there is not any specific local language. People use standard language here but it might be a little mixed language of Kushtia, Jessore, Faridpur, Pabna. The same thing happened in culture. That’s because most of the local people of Rajbari came from one of those districts because these are the nearest. But it is for sure that most of the people come from Pabna. In the 16^th century some people came from Comilla and Noakhali as well. In some cases people loves to be traditional. They have maintained the hundred years of tradition. After all, once Rajbari was home of kings! One thing is common amongst the people of this district. They love to live their life in a simpler way. From the beginning, the lifestyle of the people of this district is very simple. They love to serve guests. Rooti and Chicken are common favorite foods here. They also love muffins, all kinds of muffins. Dhupi, Patishapta, Kulshi are common amongst them. They love fish too. Hilsa, koi, boal, shoil etc are most common. Once Rajbari was a Hindu ruled area. Besides Muslims, there are plenty of Hindu people live here now. Both Hindu and Muslim religious people are very friendly to each other. There is no religious discrimination at all. Both are often invited in each others house. This is really good to see. When there is an occasion like Eid, Puja or anything else, it is really hard to find as a religious occasion. It’s an occasion for all. There are also other religious people like Christians, Buddhists. Well, number of religion might be many but the unity is one.

Cultural Organizations

There are many cultural organizations in Rajbari. They have been playing great role in maintaining the cultural activities of the district. Their efforts have been remarkable through years.

There are Club 48, library 32, theatre group 17, theatre stage 6, literary society 35, cinema hall 14, women's organization 8, shilpakala academy 3.

Udichi Shilpo Gosthi: Udichi Shilpo Gosthi is the oldest cultural organization in Rajbari. It was established in 1980. They have been working in singing, dancing and drama.

Rabindra Sangeet Sammelon Porishad: Establishment year of Rabindra Sangeet Sammelon Porishad is 1990. This organization is working on Bengali music, discussion forum.

Abol Tabol Sishu Songothon: This organization is one of the most popular now. It was established in 1994. Just like the name, there is no doubt that it works with kids. It offers a wide range of activities for little children like drama, music, dance, reciting etc. Beside cultural activities it also has some co-curricular and social activities. Such as, collecting and providing blood, cloth collection for flood affected people etc. it was established in 1994.

Mukto Paath Chokro: Mukto Paath Chokro was established in 2000. They are mainly known for educational and book related activities. Book fair, research, exhibition of old books etc.

Lokkhikol Lalon Songothon: It offers cultural activities like tabla, recite, music etc. It is located in Lokkhikol and was established in 2003.

Rajbari Abriti Parishod: Rajbari Abriti Parishod was established to enlarge the reciting sector. The organization also arranges shows related to reciting. It was established in 2003.

Mata-Pita Baul Sangeet Sikkhaloy: This one is mainly a music related organization. It offers spiritual music, Lalon music, Murshidi, Jari-shari, Harmonium, Violin, Mandira, Drums, Flute and many more. This organization was established in 2004.

Lalon Baul Sangeet Academy: Lalon Baul Sangeet Academy started its journey in 2004. It offers spiritual songs, Lalon songs and instrumental music.

DolonChapa Sangeetangan: This organization is well known for Spiritual songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, other Bengali songs, music shows etc.

Dorpon Baul Sangeet Sriti Songho: Dorpon Baul Sangeet Sriti Songho offers Lalon music, Murshidi, Jari-shari music and explanation. This organization is mainly focused on music.

Priotomashu Abriti Niketon: This organization has been serving the kids with reciting. They also arrange shows often. It was started in 2008.

Rajbari Zilla Baul Parishad: The main activities of Rajbari Zilla Baul Parishad are Lalon music, Spiritual songs, Murshidi and Jari-shari. It was established in 2009.

Geography & Climate

Weather

Annual average temperature of this district is maximum 35.8°C and minimum 12.6°C. Annual rainfall is 2105 mm.

Major Rivers

• Padma River
• Jalangi
• Kumar River
• Garai River (Or, Garai)
• Madhumati River
• Harai
• Chandana

Agriculture

Crops

Paddy, jute, sugarcane, turmeric, ground nut, oil seeds, pulses, onion, garlic etc.

Fruits

1. The Mango or Aim (Mangifera indica);
2. The Guava or Peyara (Psidium);
3. The Jamun or Jam (Syzygium cumini);
4. The Custard-apple or Aata (Annona reticulata);
5. The Tamarind or Tetul (Tamarindus indica);
6. The Grapefruit or Batabi nebu (Citrus grandis);
7. The Jackfruit or Kathal (Artocarpus heterophyllus);
8. The Papaya or Pepe (Carica papaya);
9. The Badam (Terminalia catappa);
10. The Banana or Kala (Musa × paradisiaca);
11. The Cocoanut or Narikel (Cocos nucifera);
12. The Lichi or Lichu (Litchi chinensis);
13. The Pomgranate or Dalim (Punica granatum);
14. The fig or Dumur (Ficus hispida);
15. The Haritaki (Terminalia chebula);
16. The Palm or Tal (Borssus flabel lifer);

Main Exports

Sugarcane, ground nut, jute and vegetables.

Information & Communication

Postal codes of Rajbari District

See also: Bangladesh Post Office Online

Zip Codes are a system of postal codes used by the Bangladesh Postal Service. It is also known as Post codes or Postal codes. In Bangladesh, there are many Zip codes, Thanas and sub offices. Zip Codes of Rajbari District are submitted below.

Thana (Police Station)	Sub Office	Zip/ Post Code
Rajbari Sadar	Rajbari Sadar	7700
Rajbari Sadar	Goalanda	7710
Rajbari Sadar	Khankhanapur	7711
Pangsha	Pangsha	7720
Pangsha	Ramkol	7721
Pangsha	Ratandia	7722
Pangsha	Mrigibazar	7723
Baliakandi	Baliakandi	7730
Baliakandi	Nalias	7731

Tourism & Historical Places

See also: Tourism in Bangladesh

Raja Surjo Kumar’s House

We already know that Rajbari was named after King Surjo Kumar. The house he and his family used to live still called the king’s house among the people. It is located in Lokkhikol, not so far from the main town. It was a long time ago. So, right now there’s nothing much left. But it is indeed a historical place of Rajbari.

Jamai Pagol Mazar

In 1960 there was a man in Rajbari named Jamai. For his unusual behavior he was known as Jamai Pagol. It is believed that he had super human powers. There is a saying that once he pushed a dumb girl to the pond and right after that the girl started talking! After his death, a mausoleum has been made in his memory. It is about 5 km away from the main town in south-east direction.

Nolia Paired Temple

There is a paired temple in Nolia village in Baliakandi subdivision. The temple was built in 1700 A.D. The structure of the temple is different from others. Though, it is almost ruined now.

Shah Pahloan’s Mazar

In the 16^th century Shah Pahloan and some other like him came to Rajbari for religious broadcasting purposes. Shah Pahloan stayed in Faridpur region in between 1480 to 1510. He built his house near Chandana river and started his worship there. There is an old saying that before his death he told his fellow men to bury him in east-west direction but they didn’t listen to him and buried him in local direction. But the next day they found out that the grave has automatically changed the direction to east-west. It is believed that Shah Pahloan is the very first religious broadcaster in Faridpur/Rajbari region. The mazar is right beside the river.

Dadsi Khodai Mazar

Dadsi Khodai Mausoleum (dorga) is in the east side of Rajbari district. The distance is about 1 km from the center of the district. While setting up the rail line from Rajbari to Goalanda, this mausoleum was found inside a jungle. It was found engraved. So, this mausoleum is known as khodai dorga (engraved mausoleum). A Muslim religious broadcaster named Kamal Shah came in 16^th century. So, the mausoleum is known as Kamal Shah’s mausoleum.

Others

• Sawdagar Divi (mound). It is the marks the Chand Sawdagar who is a leading hero of the epic Manasamangal.
• Tomb of Kamal Shah Awlia (darvish).
• Tomb of the sufi devotee Shah Jui.
• An old porch at Mathurapur.

Festivals

There are so many festivals arranged in Rajbari. Such as, fair (in the town and villages), Circus, Snake dance, Doll dance, Stick show, Boat race, Bengali new year festival, Maharram, Durga Puja, Bauddhapurnima, Eid festivals and Eid fair. These are most popular. Actually festivals of a region represent its culture. There are also some other festivals like Poush Parbon, Shiv Ratri, Shab-e-Barat, Orosh, New year celebration, Agri fair, Ekushe Book fair, Horse race, Tree fair, Trade fair.

There are some traditional festivals too. Like Jaari nach, Dheki nach, Kirton, ‘Burir Mela’ etc. It is a fair that has been arranged for more than 200 years or more. It is a continuation since the time of ruler Surjo Kumar. It is said that this fair was so crowded back then. His son Kumar Bahadur continued that. From that it became a tradition. The fair starts generally in the first month of Bengali year. But to be honest, day by day it is losing popularity. But overall, Rajbari is a festive city. You will find yourself in a great place after being into one of these.

Food Items

There are some places in Rajbari you would not wanna miss at all. In fact you will have to go there over and over again.

Sohidul’s chotpoti: Sohidul’s chotpoti is the most popular store for fast foods in Rajbari. Beside chotpoti, you will get few more items here. Such as, Chicken fry, Samosa, Vegetables, French fries, Alu chop etc. These will not cost you much. You won’t believe, even if you want all items single piece, it won’t cost more that 100tk. All delicious foods, you will enjoy here I guess. This is situated in the main town. The place is known as Segunbagan. Get a rickshaw and tell him to take you to Sohiduls’s chotpoti. Everyone knows the place.

Jamai tea store (Jamai er cha): If you want to get the real taste of tea you must go to Matipara at least once. This man Jamai (Everyone calls him with this name) can make great tea. You cannot forget the taste. It is at Matipara bazaar, a few km away from the main town.

Shankar Mistanno Vandar: Rajbari is famous for sweets. Shankar Mistanno Vandar is famous for its sweets. Not only in Rajbari but also it is popular in some nearer districts (Faridpur, Kushtia, Pabna etc). You will get all kinds of sweets from here including Rosgolla, Chomchom, Kalojam, Ras malai, Rajvog, Jilapi, Laddu and many more can’t recall right now. Beside sweets you can take your breakfast from here with Parota and vegetables in the morning. The taste is unique. Singara, Kochuri and some other items are also available here. All food items of this hotel are 100% vegetarian. No non-veg. It is situated in the main bazaar.

Nirmol Mistanno Vandar: There are some sweet stores in Rajbari making best quality sweets. Beside Shankar Mistanno Vandar there is another one Nirmol MIstanno Vandar famous for sweets. You will get all kinds of sweets from here as well. Owner of these two shops are brothers. They have been dominating Rajbari since many years. Beside sweets there are some other delicious items available here. Parota, Singara and Puri are great. Just like the other one, all items are vegetarian.

Gallery

• 
  The nameplate of Rajbari Rail Station
• 
  The main entrance of Rajbari Govt. College, Rajbari
• 
  Main Cemetery of Rajbari
• 
  A village home yard of Rajbari, situated at College-Para, Rajbari
• 
  The little children living beside rail station
• 
  The Sun Set
• 
  Central Corpse Dissecting House of Rajbari
• 
  R.S.K High School
• 
  Husking Pedal
• 
  College Play Ground
• 
  A rail way signal post just beside the rail-line
• 
  A green field
• 
  Village scenery of Rajbari
• 
  Cultivation land
• 
  Railway Platform at a free day
• 
  Main road going form rail-crossing to Boro-Pool
• 
  A scenery just in front of girl's school
• 
  Boro Pool roundabout
• 
  Bashundhara Cinema Hall
• 
  Eid Gah
• 
  Local Fishing Trawler at Padma River
• 
  Water Pump watering cultivating fields

Educational Institutes

Total No. of Primary School: 419
Total No. of High School: 144
Total No of Colleges: 22
Some names are mentioned as follows.

College

1. Rajbari Govt. College
2. Baliakandi College
3. Mir Mosharraf Hossain College
4. Jamalpur College
5. Baharpur College
6. Goalundo Kamrul Islam College
7. Rabeya Idrish Mohila College
8. Pangsa College
9. Machpara College
10. Mrigi Shaheed Dianot Degree College
11. Kalukhali College
12. Majhbari Jahanara Beugm College
13. Dr. Kazi Motaher Hossian College
14. Alhaz Amzad Hossain College
15. Bangabandhu College
16. Pangsha Mohila College
17. Ideal Girls College
18. Kolimohar Mahabiddalaya
19. Dr. Abul Hossain Degree College
20. Govt. Adarsha Mohila College

Higher Secondary College

1. Ankur Collegiate Higher Secondary School
2. Baharpur College
3. Bangabandhu College
4. Belgachhi Alimuzzaman School & College
5. Ideal Girl's college
6. Kalimohar Johurunnesa Higher Secondary School
7. Liakat ali smiriti School and College
8. Munsur School and College
9. Rabeya Idrish Mohila College
10. Rajbari Homoeopathic Medical College

School

1. Rajbari Govt. High School
2. Rajbari Govt. Girls High School
3. Rajbari Town Moktob Govt. Primary School
4. Baliakandi High School (Estd: 1917)

Madrasa

Religion

Religion in Rajbari District
Religion			Percent
Islam			82%
Hinduism			17.6%
Christianity			0.4%
other religions			0%

The Rajbari district contains 596 mosques, 270 temples and 2 churches.

Transportation

• Railway
• Roads & Highways
• Rural communications

Traditional Transport

Palanquin (extinct), bullock cart and horse carriage (nearly extinct), country boat.

Media and Telecommunications

Further information: Telecommunications in Bangladesh

See also: List of Bangladeshi television and radio channels

Print media:

• Prothom Alo (National)
• The Daily Kaler kantho (National)
• The Daily Samakal (National)
• The Daily Janakhanta (National)
• The Daily Jugantar (National)

Telecommunications:

• Airtel, BTCL, Bangla Link, Teletalk, Grameen Phone etc.

See also

• Districts of Bangladesh
• Dhaka Division
• Faridpur District

External links

• National Web Portal of Bangladesh
• Wikimedia Atlas of Bangladesh
• Banglapedia Regional Map Data