Rajshahi history

The history of Rajshahi is rooted in deep antiquity, when this land was part of the prosperous Pundra Kingdom. Over the centuries, the region absorbed the culture of great dynasties such as the Mauryas, Palas, and Senas, leaving behind a rich and multi-layered legacy that is still palpable today. Although the city in its modern form took shape later, its historical significance as a centre of ancient Bengal is undeniable.

In the Middle Ages, this area was known as Rampur-Boalia. Historians believe the modern name was born from the fusion of two majestic words: "Raj", referring to Hindu rajas and zamindars (landowners), and the Persian "Shahi", which together can be translated as "Royal Land" or "Kingdom". The first mentions of the city linked to the founding of the modern settlement date back to 1634, as evidenced by inscriptions at the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. The district officially received administrative status in 1772 and became a municipality in 1876, during the British Raj.

A key role in the city's formation was played by its advantageous location on the northern bank of the mighty Padma River — one of the main distributaries of the Ganges. This made Rajshahi an important transport and trade hub. Beginning in the 18th century, thanks to the silk trade actively conducted here first by the Dutch and later by the British, the city gained global fame and its famous nickname — "The Silk City". Silk production became Rajshahi's hallmark, defining its economic development for many years.

Beyond trade, Rajshahi became renowned as an educational centre, earning another honorary title — "The City of Education". It is home to many prestigious educational institutions, including the Varendra Research Museum, the oldest in Bangladesh, founded in 1910. This museum houses priceless artefacts that tell the story of the rich history and culture of the entire region. The city's architectural appearance also reflects its centuries-old history: buildings from the colonial era have been preserved alongside more ancient monuments, creating a unique atmosphere where times and cultures merge.

Key Moments in the History of Rajshahi

• Ancient Period: The territory of the modern city was part of the prosperous Pundra Kingdom, one of the oldest state entities in Bengal.
• 1634: Considered the founding year of the modern settlement, then known as Rampur-Boalia, confirmed by records at the mausoleum of Saint Shah Makhdum.
• 18th Century: Dutch traders establish a trading post here, turning the region into a major centre for silk production and trade.
• 1772: The British administration establishes the Rajshahi District, laying the foundations for its future administrative importance.
• 1825: The British East India Company moves the district's administrative headquarters to Rampur-Boalia, recognising its strategic location.
• 1876: Rajshahi officially receives municipality status, marking an important step in its urban development.
• 1897: A powerful earthquake causes serious damage to many of the city's public buildings.
• 1910: The Varendra Research Museum is founded — the oldest museum in Bangladesh, preserving the region's priceless artefacts.
• 1947: Following the partition of British India, Rajshahi becomes part of East Pakistan.
• 1953: The University of Rajshahi opens, eventually transforming the city into one of the country's main educational hubs.
• 1971: The city becomes one of the arenas of the Bangladesh Liberation War, experiencing both tragic events and heroic battles.
• 1991: Rajshahi is granted City Corporation status, marking a new stage in its governance and development.

Stages of Rajshahi's Development

The development of Rajshahi is a story of transformation, turning it from a trading post into one of the most progressive and environmentally clean cities in Bangladesh. Key milestones reflect its economic growth, cultural enrichment, and urban planning successes.

• Rise of the "Silk City" (18th Century): The city's economic flourishing began with the arrival of European traders, primarily the Dutch, who established a trading factory here. Its location on the Padma River and favourable conditions for sericulture made the region a hub for silk production and trade, bringing it global fame and the nickname "The Silk City".
• Formation of an Administrative Centre (1772–1825): In 1772, the British administration established the Rajshahi District, and in 1825 moved its administrative centre to what was then Rampur-Boalia. This move cemented the city's status as an important political and administrative node in the region, facilitating its further urban development.
• Transformation into the "City of Education" (From early 20th Century): Rajshahi strengthened its status as a cultural and intellectual hub with the founding of the Varendra Research Museum in 1910 — the oldest in the country. This status was definitively secured with the opening of the University of Rajshahi in 1953, which remains one of Bangladesh's leading universities today.
• Agrarian Hub and "Mango Capital": Alongside silk, the city's economy is closely tied to agriculture. Rajshahi and its surroundings are famous for growing high-quality fruits, especially mangoes and lychees, earning it another unofficial title — "The Mango Capital".
• Obtaining City Corporation Status (1991): This administrative step granted the city greater autonomy in governance and development planning. It allowed for the more effective implementation of long-term projects regarding infrastructure modernisation, landscaping, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
• Ecological Transformation into a "Green City" (21st Century): In recent decades, Rajshahi has made an impressive leap in the field of ecology. Thanks to initiatives such as the "Zero Soil" project, massive tree planting, transport modernisation, and effective waste management, the city has achieved a significant reduction in air pollution levels. These efforts have received international recognition: the World Health Organization noted Rajshahi as the city with the most significant reduction in harmful air particles in the world between 2014 and 2016.

The architectural landscape of Rajshahi represents a multi-layered canvas upon which different eras and cultures have left their mark. From ancient Hindu and Muslim structures to majestic colonial-era buildings and functional modern constructions, the city's appearance reflects its rich history and urban development.

Pre-Colonial Period: Temples and Mosques

Unique examples of medieval Bengali architecture have been preserved in the Rajshahi region. Not far from the city lies the famous Puthia Temple Complex, built primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries by local zamindars (landlords). These structures demonstrate a variety of Hindu temple styles, including the "char-chala" style characteristic of Bengal (a four-sloped roof imitating a bamboo hut) and "pancha-ratna" (five towers). Temples such as the Govinda and Shiva temples are richly decorated with terracotta tiles featuring intricate ornaments and mythological scenes, which is a hallmark of the local architectural school. Also located in the city's vicinity is the Bagha Mosque (16th century), which is a striking example of Bengal Sultanate architecture with its ten domes and skilful terracotta carving.

Colonial Era: Indo-Saracenic and Neoclassical Styles

With Rajshahi's transformation into a key administrative centre of British India in the 19th century, its architectural appearance began to change rapidly. During this period, the Indo-Saracenic style dominated — an eclectic movement combining elements of European Neo-Gothic and Neoclassicism with motifs of Indian (including Mughal) architecture. The brightest example of this style is the main building of Rajshahi College. Other iconic structures, such as the Varendra Research Museum, administrative buildings, and mansions along the Padma River embankment, also bear the imprint of the colonial era, forming the city's historical centre.

Modern Period: Modernism and Urban Planning

After gaining independence, the city's architectural development followed the path of modernism, characterised by functionality, simple geometric forms, and the use of modern materials. This was most notably manifested in the planning and construction of the University of Rajshahi campus, founded in 1953. Its buildings and public spaces became a model of post-war functionalism. In the 21st century, Rajshahi's urban development focuses on ecology and creating a comfortable urban environment, earning it fame as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Bangladesh. Modern architecture blends organically into the existing landscape, complementing it with new public buildings, parks, and landscaped recreation zones.

Notable Figures Associated with Rajshahi

The city of Rajshahi, known as an educational and cultural hub, has been the birthplace or centre of activity for many iconic figures who left a significant mark on the history, politics, and art of Bengal and the entire subcontinent.

• Akshay Kumar Maitreya (1861–1930): Historian, lawyer, and social activist. One of the founders of modern Bengali historiography, he played a key role in the establishment of the Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi — the first museum in Bangladesh. Maitreya dedicated his life to studying and preserving the history of Bengal, debunking certain colonial myths, particularly regarding the "Black Hole of Calcutta". His scholarly works and efforts in collecting artefacts laid the foundation for future generations of researchers.
• Abul Hasnat Mohammad Kamaruzzaman (1926–1975): Politician, one of the national leaders of Bangladesh. A native of Rajshahi, he was one of the key organisers of the Liberation War and served as the Minister of Home Affairs, Relief and Rehabilitation in the provisional government of Bangladesh in 1971. His political career was closely linked to the Awami League party, and he remains one of the most revered figures in the country's modern history.
• Ritwik Ghatak (1925–1976): Film director and screenwriter. Although born in Dhaka, Ghatak spent his youth in Rajshahi, where his father was a district magistrate. This period had a profound influence on his work. Ritwik Ghatak is considered one of the greatest directors of Indian cinema, whose films, permeated with themes of the partition of Bengal and social upheaval, received global acclaim.
• Hasan Azizul Huq (1939–2021): Writer and philosopher. One of the most distinguished short story writers in Bangladeshi literature. He spent most of his life teaching philosophy at the University of Rajshahi. In his works, Huq masterfully depicted the lives and struggles of ordinary people, especially from rural areas, for which he received numerous literary awards, including the prestigious Ekushey Padak.
• Ila Mitra (1925–2002): Social activist and peasant movement leader. Known as "Rani Ma" (Queen Mother) among peasants and the indigenous Santal people, she led the famous Tebhaga peasant uprising in the Rajshahi region between 1946 and 1950. Her selfless struggle for the rights of landless farmers made her a legendary figure in the history of social movements on the subcontinent.
• Sir Jadunath Sarkar (1870–1958): Historian. A distinguished Indian historian specialising in the Mughal era. Although not a native of the city, his academic activities were closely linked to Rajshahi's educational circles. His fundamental works on the history of India are still considered classics and are highly valued in academic communities.
• Andrew Kishore (1955–2020): Singer. One of the most popular and prolific singers in the history of Bangladeshi cinema, having performed over 15,000 songs. He was born and raised in Rajshahi. For his contribution to music, he was awarded the Bangladesh National Film Award eight times.