Barisal history

Origins and Foundation

The territory where modern Barisal is located has an ancient history rooted in the era of the Chandradwip kingdom. However, the city itself began to form as a significant administrative center in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A turning point was the year 1801, when the British colonial administration moved the headquarters of the Bakerganj district here. Before this time, the settlement was known as Gird-e-Bandar (The Port), but with the change in status, it began to grow rapidly, transforming into the region's main city.

Key Development Factors

The city's development was predetermined by its unique location and economic potential. Historians highlight several factors that played a decisive role in the birth of the "Venice of the East":

• Geography of the River Delta: The city grew on the banks of the Kirtankhola River. The labyrinth of rivers and canals made this place an ideal natural port, protected from sudden land invasions and open for trade.
• Salt Trade: There is a popular theory that the city's name comes from the words "Bari" (big) and "Sal" (warehouse or hall). Large salt warehouses controlled by European merchants were located in this area, making the city a crucial commercial hub in Bangladesh.
• Administrative Reform: The authorities' decision to move the management center from the town of Bakerganj to Barisal was dictated by the need for better control over river routes and protection against raids by Portuguese and Arakanese pirates (Mughs), who frequently attacked the southern coastal areas.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its existence, Barisal was formed as the "Granary of Bengal." Fertile alluvial soils ensured rich harvests of rice, coconuts, and betel, which were sent via rivers to other parts of the country. The city's cultural appearance was formed from an intertwining of traditions: the heritage of the Hindu Rajas of Chandradwip mixed with the Islamic culture of the Mughal era and European influences brought by British administrators and Christian missionaries. This created a unique atmosphere of tolerance and enlightenment, which later allowed the city to become a major educational center.

Key Milestones in the History of Barisal

The history of Barisal is a chronicle of ups and downs, from ancient kingdoms to a modern administrative center. Known as the "Venice of the East," the city has played an important role in the cultural and economic life of Bengal for centuries. Below are the key events that shaped its appearance.

• Early Middle Ages: The territory of modern Barisal is part of the ancient kingdoms of Vanga and Samatata, and later becomes known as Bakla-Chandradwip, an important center in the Ganges delta.
• Early 13th Century: The region is conquered by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji, marking the beginning of Muslim rule.
• 14th Century: Local ruler Danujmardana Deva founds the independent Hindu kingdom of Chandradwip.
• 16th-17th Centuries: During the Mughal Empire era, Barisal (then Bakla) becomes an important river port and a center for trade in rice, salt, and fabrics.
• 1780: By order of Rani Durgavati, mother of the local Raja, the huge Durga Sagar pond is dug, which is one of the attractions today.
• 1797: The British administration officially establishes the Bakerganj district, named after the influential landowner Aga Baker Khan.
• 1801: The administrative center of the district is moved from the Bakerganj settlement to Barisal, cementing its capital status.
• 1876: Barisal receives municipality status, which contributes to the development of urban infrastructure and governance.
• 1947: After the partition of British India, the city becomes part of East Pakistan.
• 1971: As a result of the War of Independence, Barisal becomes part of the newly formed state of Bangladesh.
• 1993: The Barisal Division is established as one of the country's administrative units with the capital in the city of the same name.
• July 25, 2002: The municipality receives the status of a City Corporation, reflecting its growth and significance.

Stages of Barisal's Development

The development of Barisal is the story of a trading settlement transforming into a dynamic regional center. Key transformations in its economy, culture, and urban structure defined the modern look of the "Venice of the East."

• Emergence as a Major River Port. Even during the Mughal era, Barisal turned into a bustling river port thanks to its strategic location on the Kirtankhola River. This laid the foundation for its economy: the city became a center for trade in rice, jute, and salt, which determined its commercial significance for centuries.
• Transformation into an Administrative Center (1797). With the establishment of the Bakerganj district and the subsequent transfer of its capital to Barisal, the city acquired a new status. This served as a catalyst for planned construction, the appearance of administrative buildings, and the formation of basic urban infrastructure under the influence of the British administration.
• Founding of Cultural and Educational Institutions. A crucial milestone was the opening of Brojomohun College (BM College) in 1889. This institution turned Barisal into one of the leading educational centers of Bengal, strengthening its reputation as a city of intelligentsia and cultural traditions.
• Obtaining Municipality Status (1876). The official establishment of the municipality gave the city tools for self-governance and planned development. This contributed to the improvement of sanitary conditions, the organization of public services, and further population growth.
• Strengthening the Status of Regional Capital (1993). The creation of the Barisal Division with the capital of the same name strengthened the city's administrative role. This attracted state investment, contributed to the modernization of management, and infrastructure development within independent Bangladesh.
• Transformation into a City Corporation (2002). Receiving the highest status for Bangladeshi cities, City Corporation, was a recognition of its significant growth and the complexity of the urban economy. This status expanded the powers of local authorities in matters of urban planning and attracting major investments.
• Modernization of Transport Infrastructure. In the 21st century, the construction of major bridges, including the Padma Bridge, significantly reduced travel time to the country's capital, Dhaka, and other regions. This gave a powerful impulse to the development of trade, logistics, and the economic integration of Barisal into the national economy.

The architectural appearance of Barisal is an eclectic canvas where traces of different eras and cultures have mixed. Its urban development did not follow a single plan but rather adapted to the natural landscape—a dense network of rivers and canals, for which the city was nicknamed the "Venice of the East." Instead of classical European styles, colonial, Islamic, and modern functional buildings prevail here, forming a unique and diverse urban landscape.

Colonial Era and Indo-Saracenic Style

The British colonial period had a significant influence on Barisal's appearance. With the city's transformation into an administrative center in the late 18th century, buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style began to appear here. This style combined European functionality (Neo-Gothic, Neoclassicism) with decorative elements of Indian and Mughal architecture, such as arches, domes, and carved lattices. A vivid example of this heritage is the main building of Brojomohun College (BM College), founded in 1889. Many old administrative buildings, schools, and missionary institutions, such as the Oxford Mission Church, were also built in this style.

Religious and Local Architecture

Religious structures play an important role in the city's architectural landscape. Here one can find ancient mosques built in the traditional Bengali style with influences from Mughal architecture. One of the most famous, albeit modern, architectural wonders is the Guthia Mosque (Baitul Aman Jame Masjid). This grand complex, opened in 2006, was designed based on the motifs of the most beautiful mosques in the world and includes a tall minaret, lakes, and lush gardens, becoming a true symbol of modern Barisal.

Modern Urban Planning

After Bangladesh gained independence, Barisal's architecture followed the path of functional modernism, characteristic of many developing cities. Active construction of multi-story residential and commercial concrete buildings began, which today define the look of most of the city. Urban development in the 21st century is focused on improving transport infrastructure. The construction of bridges and the expansion of the road network help link scattered districts separated by rivers and integrate Barisal into the country's economy. However, despite modern changes, the city's life is still closely tied to water, and river ports and embankments remain its most important public and economic spaces.

Prominent Figures Associated with Barisal

The city of Barisal and its surroundings have given the world many outstanding politicians, poets, reformers, and cultural figures whose legacy has had a huge impact on the history and development of all Bengal. Here are just a few iconic names:

• A. K. Fazlul Huq (Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq) — a prominent political figure of the first half of the 20th century, known by the nickname Sher-e-Bangla ("Tiger of Bengal"). He was the first Prime Minister of Bengal in British India and played a key role in the region's political life. His activities were aimed at protecting peasants' rights and developing education.
• Jibanananda Das — one of the greatest poets in the history of Bengali literature, a bright representative of modernism. Born in Barisal in 1899, his poetry, permeated with love for the nature of Bengal, melancholy, and deep philosophical reflection on life, is considered a classic and is studied in schools and universities.
• Aswini Kumar Dutta — an outstanding educator, philanthropist, and public figure of the late 19th – early 20th century. In 1889, he founded Brojomohun College in Barisal, named after his father, which became one of the main educational centers of the region.
• Kamini Roy — a poetess, social worker, and one of the first feminists in British India. She was born in a village near Barisal and became the first woman in India to receive an honors degree. Her work and social activities inspired many women to fight for their rights and receive an education.
• Sufia Kamal — an influential poetess, writer, and social activist. Born in Barisal in 1911, she was an iconic figure in the women's rights movement and the liberation struggle of Bangladesh; after her death, she was accorded state honors—an honor no woman in the country had received before her.
• Abdul Gaffar Choudhury — a renowned writer, journalist, and author of the lyrics to the song "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano," which became the unofficial anthem of the Bengali Language Movement. This song remains a symbol of cultural identity and the struggle for the mother tongue in Bangladesh to this day.