Egara Sindhur Village, located in the Pakundia Upazila of Kishoreganj, is a rich historical site, full of ancient architecture, culture, and heritage. The village is home to many significant historical remnants, reflecting the rich past of the area.
Historical Significance of Egara Sindhur:
This area was once the site of the fort of Ishakha, the chief of the Bar Bhuiyans, a powerful confederation of local rulers in medieval Bengal. The famous battle between Ishakha and the Mughal general Man Singh also took place here. The region’s red soil makes it one of the oldest in the country, with various ancient tombs and mosques as evidence of its history. Notable among these are the Shah Mahmud Mosque and the Sadi Mosque, both important architectural landmarks.
Egara Sindhur Fort:
One of the significant historical sites in Egara Sindhur is the Egara Sindhur Fort. There are differing opinions about the fort’s builder. Some believe it was built by King Azahaba, others by Bebud Raja, and some say it was constructed by King Gour Govinda. After the Sultanate era, the region was taken over by the Koch Hazo people. The Bar Bhuiyan chief, Ishakha, defeated the Koch Hazo rulers and seized the fort, making it famous. It was from this fort that Mughal general Raja Durjan Singh, and later Raja Man Singh, were defeated. Over time, the fort came to be known as Ishakha’s Fort.
In 1897, a devastating earthquake nearly destroyed the fort, and today, only a burial site and a mound remain as evidence of the fort’s former grandeur.
Shah Mahmud Mosque:
Another significant structure in Egara Sindhur is the Shah Mahmud Mosque and Balakhana, which dates back to the early 17th century. The mosque, built in a square shape, measures 32 feet on each side, with four minarets at each corner and a large central dome. The mosque also features two narrow minarets on each side and three Mihrabs (prayer niches) on the western wall. The mosque was named after Shah Mahmud, who is credited with its construction.
Sadi Mosque:
Another important mosque in the area is the Sadi Mosque, built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1642. This mosque, made entirely of brick, features exquisite terracotta decorations and is a single-domed square structure. The four sides each measure 27 feet, and it has four minarets at the corners. The mosque has three beautifully decorated Mihrabs and several entrances, each adorned with terracotta artwork. The mosque is named after Sadi, the son of Sheikh Nirur, who initiated its construction.
Bebud Raja’s Pond:
Among the ancient traditions of the area, Bebud Raja’s Pond holds a special place. Bebud Raja, a local king from the Hazo dynasty, is said to have dug a large pond spanning fifty acres to help his people during a severe drought. However, the pond initially lacked water. In a dream, the king was told that if his queen entered the pond, it would fill with water. The queen agreed, and as she entered the pond with a bowl of milk, betel leaves, and vermilion, the pond miraculously filled with water, though the queen was unable to emerge. Her hair twisted in a circular motion and became submerged.
After this incident, the pond was known as Bebud Raja’s Pond. It is said that objects such as dishes and utensils could be found on the pond’s edge the next morning, but only if returned properly, as per local belief. However, after someone violated this rule, the items stopped appearing.
How to Visit:
To reach Egara Sindhur Village, you can take a direct bus from Mahakhali in Dhaka through Jalsidha and Onnanya Transport, which go to Pakundia. From Thanarghat, it’s easy to travel to Egara Sindhur.
Alternatively, the fort is located about 8 kilometers from Pakundia. Pakundia’s Government Dakbangla offers accommodation if you wish to stay overnight in the area.
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