Sights in Rajshahi Division
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Baro Kuthi
A block southeast of Rajshahi Government College, on a high bank of the Padma River, is a historic structure known as Baro Kuthi. It's one of the last remaining examples of the indigo kuthis (factories) that once flourished in the region. The simple buildings are of little architectural interest but their history is fascinating.
In the early-19th century Baro Kuthi was built by the Dutch for the silk trade, and served as a fort in times of emergency. Some rooms were probably used as a prison and for mounting cannons. After 1833, when Baro Kuthi was taken over by the British East India Company, it was used for the indigo trade, which lasted about 25 years. It is reputed to…
reviewed
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Nawab Syed Abdus Sobhan Chowdhury Memorial Museum
Two blocks east of Sat Mata, the Nawab Syed Abdus Sobhan Chowdhury Memorial Museum is one of only a handful of furnished rajbaris in Bangladesh. The mosaic ceiling of the audience hall is impressive, and the rooms have mannequins dressed to impress in both Bengali and British fashions. The last room you’ll see is dedicated to modern art – it’s a compelling display, but the lack of English explanation leaves it somewhat obscure. Look out also for the rare gharial (a type of crocodilian). We’re sure you’ll agree that they look far better nailed to the wall here than they would do in the wild…
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Martyrs' Memorial Museum
The collection of Liberation War mementos at the Martyrs' Memorial Museum at RU is a reminder of the dreadful days of the 1971 war. Unfortunately, the dilapidated state of the museum, with its dusty collection of war artefacts, is more likely to make one feel that the country has forgotten its heroes.
Among the exhibits are blood-stained uniforms, a pen used by a fighter to write his last love letter, the deed papers of surrender by the Pakistani forces, and remains recovered from a mass grave of victims, among whom were intellectuals from RU.
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Paharpur Museum
The small museum gives a good idea of the range of cultures that have used this site. Stucco Buddha heads unearthed here are similar to the Gandhara style of Indo-Hellenic sculpture from what is now northwestern Pakistan. Sculptural work includes sandstone and basalt sculptures, but the stonework of Hevagara in passionate embrace with Shakti is the collection’s finest item. The most important find, a large bronze Buddha, is usually away wooing fans on a seemingly endless world tour.
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Varendra Research Museum
Founded in 1910 with the support of the maharaja of Dighapatia, the Varendra Research Museum is managed by Rajshahi University (RU), and is the oldest museum in the country. The predominantly British-style building has some interesting Hindu-Buddhist features, including a trefoil arch over the doorways and windows. A small rekha temple forms the roof.
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Tajhat Palace
The domineering Tajhat Palace is one of the finest rajbaris in Bangladesh. During the regime of General Ershad (1982–91), the palace was used by the High Court division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, but today it houses a small museum stuffed with old manuscripts and bits and bobs from Paharpur and Mahasthangarh.
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Govinda Bhita Hindu Temple
Outside the Citadel, opposite the museum, the remains of a 6th-century Govinda Bhita Hindu Temple overlook a picturesque bend in the river. The temple, which looks like a broken-down step pyramid, is a quiet spot to get away from everyone. Opening hours are as for the Mahasthangarh Site Museum.
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Humanitarian Agency for Development Services
If you're interested in seeing what local NGOs are doing, visit the office of the Humanitarian Agency for Development Services (HADS) and its farm on the southwestern edge of town. To arrange a visit drop by the HADS Guesthouse (which we don't recommend you stay in).
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Rajshahi Government College
Near the centre of Rajshahi are some Raj-era buildings. Rajshahi Government College, which dates from 1873 when several maharajas donated money for its establishment, is an elegant two-storey edifice with beautiful semicircular arched windows.
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Kantanagar Temple
Set in the graceful heart of gorgeous countryside, the rouge sandcastle of Kantanagar Temple is a stunning block of religious artwork, and is surely one of the most impressive Hindu monuments in Bangladesh.
reviewed
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New Market
If the town centre isn't bewildering enough then check out the cube of chaos that is the New Market, on the way to the train station. It's most active in the morning, and it's a photographer's paradise.
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Mahasthahgarh Site Museum
This small but well-maintained museum has a lively set of objects discovered in the antique rich surroundings.
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