Rajshahi

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

Clockwise from top: Rajshahi University, Shabash Bangladesh, Rajshahi Central Park, Partajan Motel, Mango Roundabout and Varendra Research Museum
Nickname(s): Silk City
Rajshahi

Location of Rajshahi in Bangladesh

Coordinates: 24°22′N 88°36′E / 24.367°N 88.600°E / 24.367; 88.600Coordinates: 24°22′N 88°36′E / 24.367°N 88.600°E / 24.367; 88.600
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 Nizam Ul Azim
 • Police commissioner Md. Shamsuddin
Area[1]
 • City 37.33 sq mi (96.68 km2)
Elevation 59 ft (18 m)
Population (2011)[2]
 • City 763,952
 • Density 20,000/sq mi (7,900/km2)
 • Metro 878,500
Time zone BST (UTC+6)
Postal code 6000,6100
National Calling Code +880
Calling Code 0721
Website erajshahi.gov.bd/index/

Rajshahi (Bengali: রাজশাহী; historically Rampur Boalia; nicknamed Silk City) is a metropolitan city in Bangladesh and a major urban,commercial and educational centre of North Bengal. It is the administrative seat[note 1] of Rajshahi Division & Rajshahi District . Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh-India border; the city has a population of over 763,952 residents.[3] The city is surrounded by satellite towns like Katakhali & Nowhata,which together build the urban metro area of about 1 million population.

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.[4] The Rajshahi municipality was constituted during the British Raj in 1876. It was a divisional capital of the Bengal Presidency.

Rajshahi is an important administrative, educational, cultural & business centre in Bangladesh today. It is a historic center of silk production. 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 is based in the city. The city is served by the Shah Makhdum Airport.

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 persianised Shahi; both of which means Royal or Kingdom.[5] The administrative district was established in 1772 and the municipal corporation in 1876. Rajshahi was dominated by various Maharajas, Rajas and Zamindars.[6]

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 12 June 1897.[7] 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 honour (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).[8]

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

Although once noted for its air pollution, since 2014 the levels of particulates have been dramatically reduced by various efforts to switch to cleaner fuels and to battery-powered vehicles, to pave earth streets, to encourage walking and bicycle transport, and to plant vegetation.[9] The levels of PM10 dropped by 67% and PM2.5 which are particularly harmful to human health, dropped from 70 to 37 micrograms per cubic metre between 2014 and 2016.[9]

Economy

See also: Rajshahi silk

Apart from the usual agricultural products of Bangladesh, such as rice, wheat, potatoes and lentils, Rajshahi and its neighbouring 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. There is an Industrial Park 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, pharmaceutical 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 nationalised 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. Rajshahi is famous for Rajshahi silk,which has a special status as clothing material in Indian subcontinent. 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 artefacts 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

Mango round about

Sports

There are three 15000+ capacity stadium in the city. One at the centre 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

Rajshahi has produced many world class level footballers such as arguably the best goalkeeper in Bangladesh history. The city is the home of several national level club teams like Digonto proshari and Sonali Otit. There are also a few football training academies including one in the Rajshahi's central eidgah (large open ground used on special occasions for Muslim prayers) 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 Rajshahi Kings. 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 the headquarter of one of the eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. 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 setup.Deputy Commissioner (DC) who is the administrative chief of Rajshahi District, Civil Surgeon and other district level civil servants have their offices in the city.District judges as well as Metropolitan magistrates have their offices within the city.

Rajshahi is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. One Mayor and 30 Ward Commissioner's are elected for a five-year term by direct votes. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) is responsible for all the administrative work related to city governance under its jurisdiction. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headed by a Commissioner, controls law and order as well as traffic movements within the metropolitan area. Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho/ Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) plans and coordinates the development related works within metropolitan area . Rajshahi WASA is responsible for water supply and drainage system within city area.

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

Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi

Shah Makhdum Airport is the primary airport serving the city,named after the Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated at Nowhata,which a commuter town of the city. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, US-Bangla Airlines operates domestic flights to & from Dhaka.

Public Transport

Cycle rikshaw,Auto rikshaw & Electric rikshaw is the main mode of transport within city & metro area.There are bus & minibus service in limited number of routes. Plenty of "Rent A Car" agencies operate, where anyone can hire a Car/SUV/Microbus either by hourly or whole day basis .

Healthcare

The city has many government, private & NGO run 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 is a children's hospital, one chest hospital, a district level government hospital & a Christian missionary hospital within the city area. There are two private medical college hospital 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

Administrative building of Rajshahi University
Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the liberation war.
Rajshahi College, one of the educational Institutes of Rajshahi

Rajshahi is an important educational centre and termed as 'Education city' of Bangladesh.It is home to many government & private educational institution.University of Rajshahi is the second oldest university of the country,which 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.

Major educational institutes include:

Notable residents

Twin towns and sister cities

Rajshahi's twin town and sister city is:

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Government of Bangladesh refers to administrative seat of its divisions and districts as headquarters and not as capital

Citations

      1. ↑ "Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava −2001" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
      2. ↑ "Statistical Pocket book 2008, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics"
      3. ↑ "Rajshahi (Bangladesh): City Districts and Subdistricts - Population Statistics in Maps and Charts".
      4. ↑ "Rajshahi - Bangladesh".
      5. ↑ Saifuddin Chowdhury (20 January 2012). "800 years of Rajshahi city" (Print). The Independent. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Retrieved 8 July 2011. However, some scholars assume that Rajshahi is named so because of its Hindu kings and zamindars (Raj) and Muslim rulers (Shahi). Blockman, the British historian, thinks that during the Muslim rulers of Goura in the 15th century, the zamindar following the tradition of naming places according to their name or dynasty, for example, Mahmudshahi and Barbakshahi were named after Sultan Mahmudshah and Barbakshah respectively, Ganesh, Hindu king of Bhaturia (Raj) and his son Jalal Uddin who was converted into Muslim and took the title 'Shah' led to the fact of naming the region as Rajshahi. It means the word 'Raj' from 'Raja' (king) and its Persian synonym 'Shahi' connote the name 'Rajshahi'. But Henry Beverage discarded the anticipation of Blockman saying that the geographical distance between Rajshahi and the parganah of Bhaturia (the district of Dinajpur at present) is too much. Secondly, only one of the nineteen sarkers and six hundred forty-two parganahs in the revenue collection list of Raja Todarmal was familiar as Rajshahi. There is no mention of Rajshahi in the description of Ain-e-Akbari written by Abul Fazal, the most reliable reference book during the rule of Emperor Akbar. Even a parganah, let alone a sarker or mahal was named as Rajshahi. William Hunter thinks that the zamindary area of Ramjiban, king of Natore was known as Rajshahi and that name was adopted to name the district during the British rule. None of the explanations from the historic point of view can be accepted as authentic elements.
      6. ↑ Singh, Nagendra Kr (1 January 2003). "Encyclopaedia Of Bangladesh (Set Of 30 Vols.)". Anmol Publications Pvt. Limited – via Google Books.
      7. ↑  Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Rajshahi". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
      8. ↑ "bbsgov.org".
      9. 1 2 Graham-Harrison, Emma; Doshi, Vidhi (17 June 2016). "Rajshahi: the city that took on air pollution – and won". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 July 2016.

      External links

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