Rajshahi

This article is about the city. For the district, see Rajshahi District. For the division, see Rajshahi Division.

Rajshahi রাজশাহী
City
Nickname(s): Silk City
Rajshahi Location of Rajshahi in Bangladesh
Coordinates:
Country	Bangladesh
Division	Rajshahi Division
District	Rajshahi District
Establishment	1700
Municipality	1876
Granted city status	1991
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
• Body	Rajshahi City Corporation
• City Mayor	Md. Mosaddeq Hossain Bulbul
Area
• City	37.33 sq mi (96.68 km2)
Elevation	59 ft (18 m)
Population (2011)
• City	448,087
• Metro	472,775
Time zone	BST (UTC+6)
Postal code	6000,6100
National Calling Code	+880
Calling Code	0721
Website	Official Website

Rajshahi (Bengali: রাজশাহী; historically Rampur Boalia; nicknamed "Silk City") is a metropolitan city in Bangladesh and a major urban and industrial centre of North Bengal. It is the administrative seat of Rajshahi District and Rajshahi Division. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh-India border; the city has a population of 448,087 as of the 2011 census. The city surrounded by the elevated terrain of the Barind Tract.

Modern Rajshahi lies in the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Makhdum. The area hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century. The Rajshahi municipality was constituted during the British Raj in 1876. It was a divisional capital of the Bengal Presidency.

Rajshahi is a prominent commercial hub. The city is home to the Varendra Research Museum. The University of Rajshahi is the second oldest and one of the largest public universities in the country. The Rajshahi Agricultural Development Bank and the North Bengal branch of the Bangladesh Bank are based in the city. There is an "Assistant High Commissioner of India" in this city. It is served by the Shah Makhdum Airport, and is connected via road and rail to Dhaka, Khulna and the Port of Mongla.

History

Ruins at Puthia, Rajshahi

Rajshahi district was a part of the Pundra region of ancient Bengal. The capital of Vijay Sen, the king who led military operations in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia was located 9 miles (14 km) to the west of Rajshahi town. In medieval times, the region came to be known as "Rampur Boalia". The origin of the present name of "Rajshahi" is debated among scholars. Most say that it takes its name from Hindu Kings and zamindars (or "Rajas") as Raj and the persianized Shahi; both of which means Royal or Kingdom. The administrative district was established in 1772 and the municipal corporation in 1876. Rajshahi was dominated by various Maharajas, Rajas and Zamindars.

It was made a city corporation in 1991. During the British Raj, it was also known as "Beuleah" and was the administrative headquarters of Rajshahi district in Eastern Bengal and Assam. It was originally chosen as a commercial factory for the silk trade, which was being officially encouraged by the agricultural department of that time. The town contained a government college, and an industrial school for sericulture. Most of the public buildings were severely damaged by the earthquake of June 12, 1897. Throughout much of the early part of the twentieth century there was a daily steamer service on the Ganges which connected it to rail-heads that led to the then provincial capital of Calcutta as well as other cities in the province of Bengal. Along with all of Bangladesh, Rajshahi witnessed both great atrocities by the Pakistan army and heroic struggles by the freedom fighters during the liberation war in 1971. The largest mass grave in Bangladesh is located in Rajshahi University, which was used as an army camp during the war. On the other hand, one of the great battles of the war took place near Rajshahi. Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, who died in battle, was awarded the highest honor (Bir Shrestho) by the Bangladesh government after the war.

Climate

Under Köppen climate classification, Rajshahi has a tropical wet and dry climate. The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked with monsoons, high temperature, considerable humidity and moderate rainfall. The hot season commences early in March and continues till the middle of July. The maximum mean temperature observed is about 32 to 36 °C (90 to 97 °F) during the months of April, May, June and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 to 16 °C (45 to 61 °F). The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about 1,448 millimetres (57.0 in).

Climate data for Rajshahi
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	30.0 (86)	35.4 (95.7)	40.3 (104.5)	45.1 (113.2)	44.8 (112.6)	43.6 (110.5)	39.7 (103.5)	35.5 (95.9)	39.2 (102.6)	35.3 (95.5)	34.3 (93.7)	30.3 (86.5)	45.1 (113.2)
Average high °C (°F)	25.4 (77.7)	28.0 (82.4)	33.5 (92.3)	35.9 (96.6)	34.8 (94.6)	33.3 (91.9)	32.0 (89.6)	32.0 (89.6)	32.3 (90.1)	31.9 (89.4)	29.5 (85.1)	26.1 (79)	31.23 (88.19)
Daily mean °C (°F)	18.5 (65.3)	20.6 (69.1)	25.7 (78.3)	28.8 (83.8)	29.1 (84.4)	29.4 (84.9)	28.9 (84)	29.1 (84.4)	29.1 (84.4)	27.6 (81.7)	23.5 (74.3)	19.4 (66.9)	25.81 (78.46)
Average low °C (°F)	10.2 (50.4)	13.3 (55.9)	18.0 (64.4)	21.7 (71.1)	23.5 (74.3)	25.5 (77.9)	25.9 (78.6)	26.2 (79.2)	25.9 (78.6)	23.4 (74.1)	17.6 (63.7)	12.8 (55)	20.33 (68.6)
Record low °C (°F)	1.8 (35.2)	3.9 (39)	8.6 (47.5)	10.8 (51.4)	14.4 (57.9)	20.3 (68.5)	19.4 (66.9)	18.3 (64.9)	12.6 (54.7)	11.4 (52.5)	7.0 (44.6)	4.2 (39.6)	1.8 (35.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	13 (0.51)	15 (0.59)	27 (1.06)	39 (1.54)	129 (5.08)	272 (10.71)	301 (11.85)	261 (10.28)	234 (9.21)	112 (4.41)	14 (0.55)	2 (0.08)	1,419 (55.87)
Average relative humidity (%)	40	35	37	40	51	79	88	85	80	66	62	59	60.2
Source: WeatherBase.Com

Economy

See also: Rajshahi silk

Apart from the usual agricultural products of Bangladesh, such as rice, wheat, potatoes and lentils, Rajshahi and its neighboring regions are specially suited from various crops such as Watermelons, Sugarcanes, Mangoes and Lichies. In spite of being an important city and located on a riverbank, industrial development in Rajshahi has not taken place to any great extent. Though locals have claimed that this is due to lack of attention from the central government in Dhaka, business community of the city also responsible for lack of initiative to build industries in the private sector.In the 60's an Industrial Park had been established in Rajshahi, which is now mainly home to industries producing products of the famous Rajshahi silk. Rajshahi is also home to number of jute mills, textile mills, sugar mill and mango based industries. Two 50MW power plants have already been built at Katakhali to meet the growing electricity demand of the city. Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, a nationalized bank with its head office at Rajshahi is working in a mission to help the agriculture sector of Rajshahi and Rangpur Division.

Arts and culture

Rajshahi is known for its educational, literary and artistic heritage.It is knownfor its characteristic sweetmeats, not to be found anywhere else in the country. These special preparations include Roshkodom, Khaja, Raghobshahi and Kachagolla (Natore is specially known for this particular sweetmeat). Along with neighbouring Chapai Nababganj, Rajshahi is the home of the regions best mangoes and lichis. Rajshahi is also the location of Barendra Museum which is known for its collection of local sculpture and other artifacts dating from medieval times, and of Rajshahi silk, the finest silk produced in Bangladesh. Rajshahi also has Rajshahi College which is 142 years old. It also has some important structures that has made by the British like The T Dam.

Points of interest

• Banks of the Padma River: A lovely sight of one of the largest rivers in South Asia. During the Monsoon season, the water level rises, along with its beauty.
• Varendra Research Museum: Established in 1910, the museum is dedicated to ancient history and culture. It is recognised as the oldest museum in the country. It has a rich collection of artefacts, relating to Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. Some of these date back to the 16th century. It is maintained by the University, located in the heart of town.
• Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum(Rh.) :A Majar (shrine) was established to mark the resting place of Hazrat Shah Makhdum in 1635. He was the first preacher of Islam in the region. Legend has it that he arrived by riding down the Padma on 2 crocodiles. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are kept in the pond next to the shrine. edit
• Central Park and Zoo: The park is a wide area with lush green trees and grass. The zoo houses a variety of different animal species. It is located by the bank of river Padma.
• Shahid Zia Park :An amusement park for pleasure. It has mono rail, bumping cars and many other exciting things for amusement. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation.
• University of Rajshahi : You must see this well-planned beautiful green campus before leaving Rajshahi. It is within a few kilometers from the city centre and easily accessible.
• Ghoramara : The oldest part of Rajshahi City, consisting most of oldest (70- to 100-year-old) buildings. edit
• Borokuthi:In the compound of the Barakuthi there is a small cemetery with groves dating back to the years of the nineteenth century. There are 14 tombs with thirteen epitaphs within the cemetery. Here also some natural calimetari which make people enjoy for time being.

Mango round about

• Rajshahi Cantonment is located beside this area. There are Government primary school (Upashahor Government Model Primary School) and a High school (Government Satellite High School) in this area. There is a graveyard and 3 mosques. The main one is named Upashohor Koroitola Boro Moszid (mosque). Six playgrounds and an Eidgah are situated there.
• Motihar: Motihar is nearly declared thana under Rajshahi city corporation. Some parts of Charghat Thana is also included in its area. The Rajshahi University is situated here on large campus surrounded by mango groves that presents a panoramic view.
• Kashia-Danga :From this area massive mango tree garden area of Rajshahi starts. Anyone can have a glimpse of famous mangoe's tree of Rajshahi from this area. The area is at the west part of the city, near to Rajshahi court railway station.
• Santal Para :Located inside the Mahish-Bathan Area. Some santal tribes people lives here. Anyone can have a look to their tribal life.

Sports

There are three 15000+ capacity stadium in the city. One at the center of the city which is normally called the Rajshahi District Stadium, another is inside the Rajshahi University and the last one basically used for cricket is located at Terokhadia called Quamruzzaman Stadium. There is also an international standard Tennis complex and few sports training academy in the city.

Football

The last football league in Rajshahi took place in 2010-11. Rajshahi has produced many world class level footballer such as arguably the best goalkeeper in Bangladesh history, "Saidur". The City is the home of several national level club team like Digonto proshari and Sonali Otit. There are also a few football training academies including one in the central eidgah of Rajshahi and in the Zilla stadium.

Cricket

Rajshahi is an important place for cricket in Bangladesh. As regular supplier of cricketer in the national team, it is also the home of Bangladesh Premier League team Duronto Rajshahi. The city has two cricket academies Banglatrack and Clemon, to grow and train upcoming cricketers.

Hockey

Rajshahi is known for hockey. There are many local hockey practice clubs that gives opportunity to play in National level, Inter University, college, School levels. There are National Team hockey players from Rajshahi. Late Mintu was one of them and by his name there is "Mintu Chottor" at lokkhipur mor, Rajshahi.

Administration

Rajshahi City Corporation building (Nagar Bhaban)

Rajshahi is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. A mayor and 30 ward commissioners are elected for a five-year period by direct votes. Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu, was the first elected mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation. The present mayor is Md. Mosaddek Hosain Bulbul. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) is responsible for all the administrative work related city governance under its jurisdiction.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headed by a Commissioner, controls law and order as well as traffic movements within the city. Deputy Commissioner (DC) who is the administrative chief of Rajshahi District and other district level civil servants have their offices. There is offices for District judges as well as Metropolitan courts. Divisional Commissioner, who is the administrative chief of Rajshahi Division, DIG for Rajshahi division and other divisional civil servants have their own offices in the city, which functions as part of the government administrative set up.

In addition, a governing body called Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) plans the development of the city and coordinates the development related works. RDA owns one of the major markets of Rajshahi, which is known as RDA market. Rajshahi WASA is responsible for water supply and drainage system within city area. It started functioning very recently in 2010.

Transport

The Rajshahi railway station

Rajshahi is well connected to the rest of country through roads, air and rail. There are plenty of rikshaw and autorikshaw available to travel within the city and adjacent area. Public buses and taxi's also available, though not plentiful. The horse driven cart was once a popular mode of transportation in this city, though rare to see nowadays.

Road

There are two intercity bus terminal in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital. A number of bus services, including air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses, are available to and from Dhaka. Bus services to other major cities and districts headquarter are also available from Rajshahi.

Railway

Bangladesh Railway's western zone head office is located in this city. Three Inter-City train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, named "Silk City Express", "Padma Express" and "Dhumketu Express" between Dhaka and Rajshahi regularly. There are other inter-city, mail and local trains operated from here to connect Khulna city and other part of the country.

Air

File:Shah mokhdum airport.JPG

Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi

Shah Makhdum Airport is the primary airport serving the city. It is named after the Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city. Domestic flights from Dhaka and Saidpur are available. Now US-Bangla Airlines flight is available Rajshai to Dhaka.

Healthcare

The city has many private and government hospitals. Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) is a tertiary level public hospital with teaching facility in graduate and postgraduate medical education. Other than RMCH,there are children hospital, chest hospital, Sadar hospital run by government. There is a Christian missionary hospital in the city area. There is one private medical college and another two are under construction in the city

Religion

Shiva Temple at Puthia, Rajshahi

Islam makes about 86% of total population and about 13% people follow Hinduism, 1% follow other religion like Buddhist, Jain, Sikh and Christianity. There are 5000 mosque in that region. Shiv Temple at Puthia is the most famous temple not only in Rajshahi but also all over the world.

Parks and zoo

Rajshahi Central Park

A central park 'Shahid Qumruzzaman central park' and zoo is one of the main attractions of Rajshahi city. A wide area with lush green trees and grasses also houses different animal species. It is located by the bank of river Padma. There are other parks in the city such as Bhubon Mohon park, Captain Monsur Ali park etc.There is a park specially designed for the children's amusement called 'Shahid Zia children's park'. Bank of the Padma river along the city is also very popular destination for recreation too.The bank is planned zone in many parts of the city to accommodate city dwellers for recreation purposes. As example Munsguard park near magnificent old Dutch borokuthi building and Lalonshah park near shahmukhdum eidgah are recently build to give city people a nice place to enjoy the magnificent views of padma river.

Education

File:Ru admin.jpg

Administrative building of Rajshahi University

Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the liberation war.

Rajshahi College, One of the educational Institutes of Rajshahi

University of Rajshahi is another breathtaking institution of Bangladesh. It is the second oldest university of the country and was established in 1953. It has a huge campus of an area of 753 acres. It is like a park of natural beauty. Rajshahi College is another oldest educational institution of Bangladesh.It has some very old historical structure by the British. Rajshahi is also an important educational center and termed as 'Education city' of Bangladesh. There were there brother called Prem Nath, Bhola Nath, Lokh Nath. they made three big school for the people of Rajshahi city. Major educational institutes include:

• University of Rajshahi
• Rajshahi College
• Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology
• Rajshahi Medical College
• New Government Degree College, Rajshahi
• Rajshahi Government City College
• Rajshahi Government Women's College
• Teacher's Training College
• British Council Test Center Uposhahar
• Higher Secondary Teacher's Training Institute
• Silk Research and Training Institute
• Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute
• Udayan Dental College, Rajshahi
• Varendra University
• North Bengal International University
• Sarda Govt. Pilot High School, Sarda, Charghat, Rajshahi

Notable residents

• Akshay Kumar Maitreya, noted Indian historian and social worker from Bengal.
• A.H.M Quamruzzaman, Politician, National Leader and former Home Minister of Bangladesh.
• Ila Mitra, the leader of peasants and indigenous Santhals.
• Andrew Kishore, Singer
• Hasan Azizul Huq, Linguist, Author, Story-writer.
• Khaled Masud Pilot, Former Captain of Bangladesh Cricket Team
• Mohammad Shamsuzzoha, academic, participant of Bengali Language Movement.
• Ritwik Ghatak
• Sir Jadunath Sarkar
• Sabbir Rahman, international cricketer
• Selina Hossain, Novelist, Present Director of Bangla Academy
• Mrinal Haque, Sculptor

Twin towns and sister cities

Rajshahi's twin town and sister city is:

• Kristiansand, Norway

References

Citations

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: 
• FinancialExpress-bd.com, News about LSE survey
• Betar.org.be, Radio Bangladesh Website for Information on Bangladesh Betar
• World-Airport-Codes.com, Information on Shah Mokhdum Airport

External links

• Map of Rajshahi District
• E-Rajshahi (in English), An online portal for information and government services managed by Rajshahi City Corporation