Jessore history

Jessore, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is a city with a rich and multi-layered history. Its formation was influenced by a succession of rulers, a favourable geographical position, and the development of trade, making it an important administrative and cultural centre of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

It is believed that the territory of modern Jessore was part of the ancient kingdom of Vanga, and later Gauda. The first significant mentions of the settlement date back to the reign of Pratapaditya, a powerful ruler of the 16th century. The city's name is likely an Anglicised distortion of the Bengali word "Yashohar" (যশোহর), which can be translated as "depriving of glory," possibly hinting at its superiority over the capital of Gauda. Officially, the Jessore District was established in 1781 by the British East India Company, marking the beginning of its modern administrative significance.

Key Factors of Formation

A key role in the development of Jessore was played by its strategic position. Its location in the fertile Ganges Delta contributed to the prosperity of agriculture. After being established as the administrative centre of the district by British authorities in 1781, the city became a vital hub for governance and justice. This attracted officials and merchants to the region and fostered infrastructure growth. In the 19th century, the Jessore Municipality, founded in 1864, began actively developing the urban environment.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Jessore was known as a major trading centre. Trade in rice, jute, and especially raw date palm sugar (patali gur), renowned for its quality, flourished here. The city also became a centre for education and culture. In 1851, the Jessore Institute Public Library was founded, which remains one of the oldest and largest in the country today. Its early administrative importance facilitated the emergence of educational institutions and the formation of a local intelligentsia, laying the foundation for the cultural development of the region for years to come.

The history of Jessore is a kaleidoscope of shifting eras, from ancient kingdoms to a pivotal role in the formation of the independent state of Bangladesh. The city has journeyed from being an important regional centre to becoming a symbol of liberation.

Key Milestones in the History of Jessore

• 2nd Century — Archaeological finds, such as a terracotta tablet, indicate the existence of ancient settlements in this territory.
• 15th Century — The region becomes part of the kingdom of Pratapaditya, one of the powerful rulers of medieval Bengal.
• Late 16th - Early 17th Century — Pratapaditya, one of the twelve semi-independent landlords (Baro-Bhuyans), rules from this area and resists the invasion of the Mughal Empire, though the region was eventually conquered.
• 1781 — The British East India Company officially establishes the Jessore District, marking the beginning of the colonial period in the region's administration.
• 1851 — The Jessore Institute Public Library is founded, one of the oldest and largest in the country.
• 1860–1861 — Local farmers stage an uprising against the forced cultivation of indigo, becoming part of the broader "Indigo Revolt" in Bengal.
• 1864 — The Jessore Municipality is established, contributing to the further development of the city as an administrative centre.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, the Jessore District (excluding a few areas) becomes part of East Pakistan.
• 29 March 1971 — Bengali soldiers stationed in the Jessore Cantonment mutiny against the Pakistani army, marking one of the first acts of resistance in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
• 6 December 1971 — Jessore becomes the first district liberated from Pakistani forces during the Liberation War, serving as a significant symbolic victory.
• 1984 — As part of administrative reforms, the original greater Jessore District was divided into four smaller districts.

Major Stages of Jessore's Development

The history of Jessore is marked by several key transformations that have defined its modern appearance as an important economic, transport, and cultural hub in southwestern Bangladesh.

• Becoming an Administrative Centre (1781). With the establishment of the Jessore District by the British administration, the city acquired a capital status. This led to the emergence of government bodies, courts, and law enforcement, laying the groundwork for centralised urban development and population influx.
• Foundation of the Municipality (1864). The creation of the city municipality was a crucial step in infrastructure development. This allowed for systematic work on improvements: road construction, the organisation of public utilities, and the creation of public spaces, facilitating Jessore's transformation into a proper city.
• Construction of the Railway (1883). The laying of a railway line connecting Jessore with Calcutta (Kolkata) brought about an economic revolution in the region. The city became a major logistics hub for the export of jute, sugar, and rice, significantly strengthening its commercial importance.
• Development of Education and Culture (19th Century). The opening of iconic institutions such as the Jessore Zilla School (1838) and the Jessore Institute Public Library (1851) turned the city into a centre of enlightenment and intellectual life. This helped form an educated class and laid a solid cultural foundation.
• Modern Transport Hub. In recent history, the development of transport infrastructure has played a vital role. The presence of Jessore Airport has strengthened connections with the capital and other cities, while proximity to the Indian border supports its status as a key trade hub.
• Creation of the Tech Park (2017). The opening of the Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park marked Jessore's entry into the digital age. This project aims to develop the IT sector, attract investment, and create thousands of jobs, diversifying the city's economy and turning it into the technological centre of the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Jessore represents a visual chronicle of its history, where traditional Bengali motifs intertwine with majestic colonial heritage and the pragmatic forms of modern development. While the city may not boast a single uniform architectural style, its appearance is shaped by buildings from several key eras.

Pre-colonial and Early Colonial Period

Before the arrival of the British, the region's architecture was primarily represented by traditional Bengali structures. A striking example of heritage from that time is the Chanchra Rajbari palace complex, founded in the 17th-18th centuries. Although many parts are in ruins today, surviving elements display characteristic features such as the use of red brick and terracotta decorations. Near the palace, there are temples built in the traditional Bengali "at-chala" style, distinguished by their curved cornices.

British Colonial Period (Late 18th – Mid 20th Century)

This period left the most noticeable mark on Jessore's architectural landscape. With the city's transformation into an administrative centre in 1781, the construction of buildings in European and mixed styles began. Key structures of this era include:

• Jessore Collectorate Building: Built in the late 18th to early 19th century, this monumental two-storey red brick building is a gem of the city's colonial architecture. It is distinguished by strict symmetrical forms, arched doorways, and massive walls, characteristic of neoclassicism adapted to local conditions.
• Public Buildings: Structures erected in the 19th century, such as the Jessore Institute Public Library and the old blocks of the Jessore Zilla School, also bear traits of the colonial style, combining functionality with decorative elements borrowed from European architecture.

Modern Period (From 1971 to Present)

After Bangladesh gained independence, urban planning focused on functionality. In residential and commercial development, modern functionalism using reinforced concrete structures prevails. In recent decades, examples of the latest architecture have also appeared in the city. A landmark object is the Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park, symbolising Jessore's aspirations for the future. Its design, utilising glass, steel, and modern geometric forms, contrasts sharply with the historical buildings and serves as an example of postmodernism and high-tech architecture.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Jessore

The land of Jessore has given the world many talented and influential people who have left a significant mark on the history, culture, and social life of Bengal and the entire subcontinent. Below are some of the most iconic figures whose lives and work were connected to this city and its surroundings.

• Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824–1873) — Poet and playwright. One of the greatest figures of the 19th-century Bengali Renaissance. Born in the village of Sagardari, in the modern Jessore District. He radically changed Bengali literature by introducing the sonnet and blank verse into poetry. His epic poem "Meghnad Badh Kavya" is considered a masterpiece.
• Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861–1944) — Chemist, entrepreneur, and educator. Born in the village of Raruli-Katipara, which was part of the Jessore District at the time. He is known as the "Father of Indian Chemistry." He founded India's first pharmaceutical company, Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, and authored the fundamental work "A History of Hindu Chemistry."
• Munshi Mohammad Meherullah (1861–1907) — Islamic scholar, poet, and social reformer. Born in the Jessore District, he became known for his oratory and writing aimed at defending Islam in public debates with Christian missionaries in the late 19th century. His activities contributed to strengthening the self-awareness of the Muslim community in Bengal.
• Jatindranath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin) (1879–1915) — Revolutionary. One of the key leaders of the movement for India's independence from British rule. Although born in another district, he spent part of his childhood in his ancestral home in an area historically belonging to the Jessore region (Jhenaidah sub-district). He was the main leader of the Jugantar revolutionary party and played a central role in organising armed resistance.
• Golam Mostafa (1897–1964) — Poet, writer, and musician. Born in the village of Manoharpur, then part of the Jessore District. His work, dedicated to themes of love and religion, made a significant contribution to Bengali literature. He was also known as a talented singer.
• Mashiur Rahman (1920–1971) — Politician and lawyer. Born in the village of Singhajhuli in the Jessore District. He was one of the founders of the Awami League and an active participant in the Bengali Language Movement. In 1970, he was elected a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and in March 1971, he led the non-cooperation movement in Jessore. He was killed during the Bangladesh Liberation War.