The Pabna district is a haven of breathtaking scenery. In addition to the captivating natural beauty, this area is home to a large number of charming, historical structures.
Pabna is home to many tourist attractions, including the Pakshi Hardinge Bridge, Pabna Mental Hospital, Shilaidaha Ghat, Ishwardi Railway Junction, Gaznar Bil, Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant, Chalanbil, Lalon Shah Bridge, Jor Bangla Temple, Bharara Shahi Mosque, Suchitra Sen Memorial, the ancestral home of Promath Chaudhury, Indira Patti, Tarash Zamindar Bari, Shithlai Zamindar Bari (or Edrock Limited), Pabna’s traditional weaving industry, Chatmohar Shahi Mosque, Azim Chowdhury Zamindar Bari, Tantiband Zamindar Bari, Sri Sri Anukul Chandra Thakur’s Ashram, and the Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Center.
Chatmohar Shahi Mosque: Chatmohar, an upazila (sub-district) located around 30 kilometers from Pabna, is known for its ancient mosque. Historically, because to Pabna’s central location in the country, 54 rivers ran through this area, particularly via Chatmohar, which was controlled by the Chalan Beel wetland. As a result, barges, steamers, and boats moved through this upazila. Taking advantage of this accessibility, the important leader Syed Abul Mohammad Masum Khan set aside monies in 1581 for his younger brother, Mohammad bin Turki Khan, to build this mosque. The mosque was constructed during the time of Emperor Akbar. As a result, the mosque’s architecture resembles that of the Sultanate period. This mosque has three big domes and measures 45 feet long and 22.5 feet wide. The mosque’s distinguishing feature is that it was built with small, thin bricks known as ‘jafari.’ The most captivating part, however, are the old statues and beautiful embellishments on the walls. It is one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most archaeologically significant mosques.
Bharara Shahi Mosque: The Bharara Shahi Mosque was constructed in 1757 during the reign of Emperor Shah, by Asalat Khan, the son of Daulat Khan. This mosque, adorned with three domes, is primarily enclosed by these domes. Despite its age, the mosque’s architecture and location remain remarkably beautiful. Originally situated on the banks of the Padma River, the mosque is now approximately 5 kilometers away from the river’s current course.
To the east of the mosque lies a rather long tomb known as the Fakir Shah Mazar. According to local folklore, this mosque was constructed in a single night. The Bharara Shahi Mosque stands as a testament to the rich heritage of the past.
Shomaj Shahi Mosque: Mosques are symbols of worship and legacy for the Muslim community. Countless mosques have withstood the test of time around the world. The Samaj Shahi Mosque in Pabna is one such mosque, albeit one that has been neglected for some time. This mosque, built in 1552 during the reign of Sultan Salim, son of Emperor Sher Shah, is located in Samaj village in the Chatmohar Upazila of today’s Pabna district. This 471-year-old medieval mosque is located 10 kilometers from Chatmohar Thana, beside the Kortoa River. After being abandoned for a long period, it was rebuilt in 1980 under the supervision of Bangladesh’s Department of Archaeology. Before India’s partition in 1947, the Indian government had previously rebuilt this old mosque in 1942. While the original structure was preserved during the reconstruction, the mosque’s age was much diminished.This 30-hand towering mosque measures 34 hands long and 15 hands broad. It features three domes of differing diameters. The two black marble pillars in its veranda are a testament to the historic architectural style. The walls are covered with lovely decorations that immediately capture the attention of visitors. During the 1942 renovation, two inscriptions, one above the mihrab and the other on the south wall, were moved to an Indian museum. One inscription identified the mosque’s building date, while the other carved a verse from the Holy Quran, Surah Mulk. The Samaj Shahi Mosque, standing tall in all its glory, continues to proclaim the grandeur of the golden age of Islam and civilization.
Indira Patti: Indira, once a famous and scenic feature in Pabna, has since faded into obscurity. It has been replaced with a traffic island. Despite its physical demise, the name ‘Indira’ remains. During the British colonial time, great writer Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay sat near this Indira and wrote his famous story “Sati”. Around 1919, Sharatchandra traveled to Pabna and stayed at his friend Harish Ukil’s residence, which was about 150 yards north of Indira More. This house has since been converted into an AR Corner and a market. While sitting close Indira, he wrote the story “Sati”.The narrative opens by describing Harish as a “respected and good lawyer of Pabna, not only as a lawyer but also as a human being.” Many visitors still come here to connect with Sharatchandra’s history and contemplate on the location’s literary value.
Jor Bangla Temple: The Jor Bangla Temple stands as a prominent historical landmark in Pabna, nestled in the village of Raghbpur. Although the exact construction date remains a mystery due to the lack of concrete inscriptions, local folklore suggests it was built around the mid-18th century. According to local accounts, Brajmohan Kror, the tax collector of the Nawab of Murshidabad, is believed to have overseen the completion of this magnificent structure.
The temple’s architectural style bears striking similarities to the renowned Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur. The intricate terracotta plaques adorning its walls showcase exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs. The temple’s grand entrance, flanked by two imposing pillars, hints at its royal connections. Its brick-built main altar and the rear exit door further contribute to its architectural grandeur.
Today, this historical gem is under the watchful care of the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Jor Bangla Temple not only stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Pabna but also serves as a captivating destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Landlord Azim Chowdhury’s palace: Approximately 250 years ago, in the village of Dulai, Sujanagar Upazila, Pabna, a grand zamindar bari (manor house) was established. While the house is named after Zamindar Azim Uddin Chowdhury, the lineage can be traced back to his father, Zamindar Rahim Uddin Chowdhury, who was the true founder of this influential family. The zamindari experienced significant growth under Azim Chowdhury’s stewardship, leading to the house being named after him. During his reign, he established three indigo plantations in Dulai, a testament to his economic prowess.
The zamindar bari was a sprawling estate, featuring a two-story palace, numerous doors, and gates. It was surrounded by a vast pond, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere. Within the complex, there was a mosque and a pond, while the inner quarters housed a separate pond exclusively for the use of the zamindar’s wives. To ensure the safety and grandeur of the estate, the main gate was guarded by two elephants and a cannon, symbolizing the wealth and power of its inhabitants.
Tarash Bhaban: Pabna, renowned as one of Bangladesh’s oldest district towns, is steeped in history. From British-era structures to grand zamindar (landlord) houses, the district boasts a rich architectural heritage. Nestled in the heart of Pabna is the 200-year-old Tarash Bhavan, the historic zamindar house of Bonmali Ray Bahadur. This rare building, constructed in the style of ancient Greek architecture, is one of the few of its kind in the country.
Erected in the 18th century by Zamindar Bonwari Lal Ray, Tarash Bhavan remained abandoned for many years. Currently, it is under the care of the Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The history of the zamindari can be traced back to the early 17th century when Basudeb Talukdar (also known as Narayandev Chowdhury) established it in what is now Tarash Upazila of Sirajganj district. Basudeb was a highly trusted employee of Islam Khan, the Subadar of Dhaka. In recognition of his loyalty and dedication, Islam Khan granted him the Tarash Mahal and bestowed upon him the title of Ray Chowdhury.
Bonwari Lal Ray, who was awarded the title of Ray Bahadur by the British government, succeeded his adopted son Bonmali Ray as the zamindar of Tarash after his death in 1882. It was during this period that the magnificent Tarash Bhavan was constructed. Facing east, this two-story building is situated on approximately 1.5 acres of land. Supported by four Roman columns, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the past. The house is surrounded by a boundary wall, and a grand, arched entrance with four pillars marks the main entrance. Adorned with intricate carvings, the zamindar house boasts 16 rooms on both the ground and first floors. To ensure adequate ventilation and lighting, the building has a total of 80 doors and 53 windows. A wooden staircase on the northern side connects the ground and upper floors. Given its historical significance, the Bangladesh government declared Tarash Bhavan a protected antiquity in 1998 through a gazette notification.
Bonmali Ray Bahadur made significant contributions to various developments in the greater Pabna district. He was involved in establishing educational institutions, temples, and charitable organizations, promoting education, culture, and entertainment. His contributions earned him the title of Ray Bahadur from the British government. Bonmali Ray is often referred to as the greatest zamindar of greater Pabna. The Bonmali Institute in Pabna is a testament to his legacy.
Sree Sree Tagore Anukul Chandra satsang (ashram-temple): The Satsang ashram, a spiritual retreat and temple dedicated to Sri Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra, is situated in Hemayetpur village, near the town of Pabna. Anukul Chandra, a revered spiritual leader, hailed from this very village, where his parents, Shivchandra Chakrabarty and Yukta Monomohini Devi, resided.
Initially, the ashram was constructed with a simple design, lacking intricate architectural details. However, the square-shaped main building featured a distinctive roof with four progressively smaller triangular sections. The temple’s pinnacle was adorned with an elegant kalash finial. Adjacent to the temple lies a small shrine dedicated to Anukul Chandra, characterized by a dome, arched cornice, and four ornate pinnacles at its corners.
This sacred space was built as a memorial to Anukul Chandra’s parents, and the words “Smriti Mandir” (Memorial Temple) are inscribed on a stone plaque at its entrance. Anukul Chandra was a humanitarian who founded the “Satsang” organization, dedicated to the welfare of society. He generously donated his land and possessions for the betterment of mankind.
The memorial temple remains remarkably well-preserved compared to other structures of its age. Recently, a newly constructed complex, encompassing the Satsang, ashram, and temple, has become a prominent landmark, attracting visitors from far and wide. Grand celebrations are held annually to commemorate Anukul Chandra’s birth and death anniversaries, drawing a large congregation, including devotees from India. It is estimated that nearly a million people attend these events.
