Logo courtesy: Prof. Rebanta Goswami (HOD, Dept. of Graphic Design, Govt. Art College, Kolkata)

Monday, July 12, 2010

GOUR - PANDUA (Malda Dist, West Bengal)

THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF BENGAL IN 14th CENTURY

Gour-Pandua is an historical city in Malda district of West Bengal

Understand

Gour-Pandua is the medieval capital of Bengal. They are twin towns located to the north and south of Malda town, 340 km from Kolkata, in West Bengal. Malda is the base for a visit to Gour-Pandua. The area saw three eras of glory - the Buddhist Palas, the Hindu Senas and the Muslim Nawabs. The Senas, the last Hindu kings of Bengal, were displaced by the Muslims in the beginning of the 13th century. They ruled till the Battle of Palashi in 1757. There is no trace of any shrine or structure of the Buddhist or Hindu periods. Even those of the Muslim period are virtually in ruin.

Get in

By train

It is about 7-8 hours from Kolkata. All trains going to North Bengal stop at Malda. Convenient connections – Gour Express from Sealdah, Janshatabdi and Intercity Express from Howrah.

By bus

Rocket service from Esplanade for Siliguri.

By car

The normal route is to take NH 34, which links Siliguri with Kolkata, but the longer route via Durgapur Expressway from Dankuni, Grand Trunk Road from Saktigarh to Panagarh bypassing Bardhaman town, and then taking the Panagarh-Moregarm Expressway up to Morgram on NH 34 is a more comfortable and enjoyable option.

Get around

Hired cars are available.

See

At Gour

  • Ramkeli – 14 km south of Malda- contains footprints of Sri Chaitanya on stone.
  • Chamkati Mosque - Noted for enamelled bricks in its cornices. This small mosque with a single dome and a three extranced verandah in front was probably built during the reign of His Majesty Sultan Shamsuddin Yusuf Shah (1474 - 81 AD). It may have some association with 'CHAMKATTI' (Skin-cutter) class of Muslims.
  • Bara Sona Masjid – Half a kilometre from Ramkeli, it is also called Baro Duari Masjid. It was, started by Allaudin Shah and completed by his son, Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah in 1526. The Indo-Arabic style of architecture and the ornamental stone carvings make Baroduari a special attraction for tourists.
  • Dakhil Darwaza – Built in 1425 and also known as Salami Darwaza it was once the main entry for the fort. It is more than 21 metres high and 34.5 metres wide.
  • Feroze Minar – A kilometre away from Dakhil Darwaja, it was built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah during 1485-89. 26 metres high and 19 metres in circumference, it resembles the Qutub Minar of Delhi.
  • Chika Masjid - Sultan Yusuf Shah built the Chika Mosque in 1475. The beautifully ornate carvings on the walls and the images of Hindu idols on the stonework of doors and lintels are still partly visible.
  • Kadam Rasul - Half a kilometre from the Feroze Minar, this mosque was built by Sultan Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah in 1530. It contains the footprints of Hazrat Muhammad on stone.
  • Tomb of Fateh Khan - Opposite the Kadam Rasul Mosque this 17th century tomb of a commander of Aurangzeb's army is an interesting structure, built in the Hindu chala style. Who was sent by the Emperor to kill Saint Shah Nimatullah suspected of advising Sultan Shuja to rebel. On arrival at gaur, Fathe Khan is believed to have vomit with blood and died on this spot at 1707 AD.
  • Gumti Gate - Built by His Majesty Sultan Hussain Shah (1493 - 1519 AD). This single domed structure embellished with enamelled bricks was used as an eastern gate into the citadel of Gour.
  • Tantipara Masjid – a short distance away has intricate terracotta work.
  • Lukochuri Darwaja – Located to the south-east of the Kadam Rasul Mosque, this is a place where the sultans played hide and seek with the begums. There is a difference of opinion as to who built this gate, some say that Shah Shuja built it in 1655, others opine that it was built by Allauddin Hussein Shah in 1522. The innovative architectural style makes it an interesting place to visit.
  • Kotwali Darwaja (Between 1235 and 1315 AD) - About 30' high and 17' wide, this arched gateway now in ruins was the southern entrance into the outer ramparts of Gour. Approximating in style to early Delhi architecture. it was probably built between the earliest inscription found at Gour (1235 AD) and His majesty Sultan Alauddin Khilji's death (1315 AD) when influence of Delhi predominated at Gour. Eventually this gate is situated at the No Man's Land of India and Bangladesh now.
  • Mahadipur Indo-Bangladesh Border – International border and No man's land of INDIA and BANGLADESH. You can reach upto the N-M-L without BSF or BDR permission. But remember, in this high sensitive zone, photography is strictly NOT allowed and even for media reasons too. If you are keen to capture some photographs there, you'd have to get permission from the Indian Foreign Ministry at New Delhi.

There are a number of other places that one can visit if one has the time.

At Pandua

Situated 15 km north of Malda town.

  • Adina Masjid - built in 1369 by Sultan Sikander Shah it was one of the largest mosques in India. Carved basalt masonry from earlier Hindu temples is said to have also been used.
  • Qutb Shahi Masjid - locally known as the Chhoto Sona Masjid, built to honour Saint Nur Qutb-ul-Alam. The ruins of his shrine are nearby, along with that of Saint Hazrat Shah Jalal Tabrizi, collectively known as the Bari Darga.
  • Eklakhi Mausoleum is the most elegant monument in Pandua, with a carved Ganesh on the doorway. It is a tomb of the son of a Hindu Raja, who converted to Islam.
  • Dear Park - Around 5kms from Adina Masjid.

Do

Relax in your place of stay - the visit to the historical sites will be tiring.

Buy

Nothing special about Malda but those who are very keen can look for Murshidabad silk. Those who are traveling by car can look for fresh vegetables, particularly extra-large aubergines.

Eat

There are some good sweet-meat shops with local varieties. Rajani Gandha(Continental Lodge, Purbanchal, Fiza (Kalinga Hotel), Rojgere (Chanakya Hotel), Payel restaurant...

Drink

Normally drinks are available in the hotels but those who are particular about it should preferably carry it.

Sleep

  • Malda Tourist Lodge (West Bengal Tourism), Telephone +91 3512 220 123, +91 3512 220 991, Rooms Rs. 150-600, Dormitory Rs 80.
  • Purbachal, Telephone +91 3512 220 183, Rooms Rs. 250-650
  • Continental, Telephone +91 3512 220 388, Rooms Rs. 200-500
  • Hotel Purbanchal, Telephone +91 3512 266 183, +91 3512 267 187
  • Hotel Landmark, Telephone +91 3512 221 184
  • Hotel New Heaven, Telephone +91 3512 252 735
  • Hotel Chanakya, Telephone +91 3512 266 694
  • Hotel Meghdoot, Telephone +91 3512 266 216
  • Hotel Kalinga, Telephone +91 3512 283 567
  • New Circuit House, for booking write or fax to: District Magistrate, Malda – 732101, Telephone +91 3512 252 330, Fax +91 3512 253 092, +91 3512 253 049
  • Hotel Mallika, Telephone +91 3512 258345 / 273594
  • ROYAL PARK, Near Rabindra Bhavan, Telephone +913512 252178 / 220723 / 645723, FAX +913512 220723. Please scroll down to see Royal Park's hospitality.

Out and About

  • Farakka Barrage – about 35 km south of Malda. It is on NH 34 and those travelling by road from Kolkata will cross it.
  • Murshidabad – about 140 km from Malda
  • Siliguri – about 250 km from Malda
  • Kolkata – about 347 km from Malda

Information: Mr. P. K Neogi & Sumanta Chattopadhyay

Photography : Sumanta Chattopadhyay & Kinjal Chakrabarty

Editing : Vivek Mukherjee & Sumanta Chattopadhyay


A Village House at ILambazar State Highway




We the tourer with our machine





Gateway of Malda town



Eklakhi Mausoleum (1412 - 1415 AD)



Eklakhi Mausoleum is the most elegant monument in Pandua, with a carved Ganesh on the doorway. It is a tomb of the son of a Hindu Raja, who converted to Islam.



Inside view of Eklakhi Mausoleum




Adina Mosque (1369AD)



Adina Masjid - built in 1369 by Sultan Sikander Shah it was one of the largest mosques in India. Carved basalt masonry from earlier Hindu temples is said to have also been used.






Gateway of Adina Mosque



Inside view of Adina Mosque






Mihrab (Place for prayer of His Highness Imam)



Mihrab




Prayer ground for general people (on that period the ground was completely covered by designed roof)




Adina Mosque





Seems to be Lord Shiva




Inside view of Adina Mosque








Talented local boy busy with his RAP




Badsah Ki Takht (Royal Throne of His majesty The Emperor)





Designed stone of 14th century



Chamkati Mosque (Circa 1475AD)



Chamkati Mosque - Noted for enamelled bricks in its cornices. This small mosque with a single dome and a three extranced verandah in front was probably built during the reign of His Majesty Sultan Shamsuddin Yusuf Shah (1474 - 81 AD). It may have some association with 'CHAMKATTI' (Skin-cutter) class of Muslims.



Inside view of Chamkati Mosque



Walls of Chamkati Mosque








Kadam Rasul Mosque (1531 AD)



Kadam Rasul - Half a kilometre from the Feroze Minar, this mosque was built by Sultan Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah in 1530. It contains the footprints of Hazrat Muhammad on stone.



Inside view of Kadam Rasul Mosque




Fathe Khan's Tomb opposite of Kadam Rasul (1658 - 1707 AD)




Kadam Rasul




Design at the walls of Kadam Rasul










JAIL




Back view of the JAIL




Gumti Gate (Circa 1512 AD)



Gumti Gate - Built by His Majesty Sultan Hussain Shah (1493 - 1519 AD). This single domed structure embellished with enamelled bricks was used as an eastern gate into the citadel of Gour.




Back view of Gumti Gate



Kotwali Darwaja (Between 1235 and 1315 AD) - About 30' high and 17' wide, this arched gateway now in ruins was the southern entrance into the outer ramparts of Gour. Approximating in style to early Delhi architecture. it was probably built between the earliest inscription found at Gour (1235 AD) and His majesty Sultan Alauddin Khilji's death (1315 AD) when influence of Delhi predominated at Gour. Eventually this gate is situated at the No Man's Land of India and Bangladesh now.



Kotwali Gate and the International border of India Bangladesh




India Bangladesh border with barbed wire at Mahadipur (Gaur)







Firoz Minar (1486 - 1489 AD)



Feroze Minar – A kilometre away from Dakhil Darwaja, it was built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah during 1485-89. 26 metres high and 19 metres in circumference, it resembles the Qutub Minar of Delhi.


Skyline at Ilambazar bridge



It was a nice ride


____________________________



Let’s Go : Visit India recommends ROYAL PARK the grand 2 STAR hotel of Malda.

It is situated b
eside of Malda Rabindra Bhawan at Krishnakalitala, N.H 34, Malda - 732101. Telephone +913512 252178 / 220723 / 645723, Mobile 9434052195. FAX +913512 220723.

Royal Park is offering you the ultimate hospitality and the wooden designed suits with pure taste of Nawab's suite.

  • Cost of suites are around Rs.1800 - 2200 per day with 24hrs check in/out facility.
  • Also this lavish hotel is offering you Deluxe rooms, Double / triple bed AC / non AC rooms with corporate meeting hall.
  • Cost of Deluxe rooms are around Rs.1000 - 1500 per day with 24hrs check in/out facility.
  • Cost of Double or Triple bed AC rooms are around Rs.700 - 900 per day with 24hrs check in/out facility. And the cost of non AC Double or triple bed rooms are around Rs. 500 - 700 per day with 24hrs check in/out facility.
  • Royal park owns a delightful restaurant with really tasty foods and beverages.
  • Car parking is available.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE SUITES AND ROOMS OF ROYAL PARK


Nawabi Suite 1st angle



Nawabi Suite 2nd angle



Nawabi Suite Bathroom




Nawabi Suite 3rd angle




Nawabi Suite Baithak Khana (Common room) 1st angle




Nawabi Suite Baithak Khana (Common room) 2nd angle



Deluxe Room 1st angle



Deluxe Room 2nd angle




Deluxe Room 3rd angle



Corporate Meeting Hall 1st angle


Corporate Meeting Hall 2nd angle


AC Rooms




Reception

7 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. The presence of the Shiva Linga inside the ruins is intriguing !

    Thoroughly enjoyed and very good blog.... keep up the good work Sumanta & team !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome Sumanta ! The pictures are mind blowing ! It is a real treat for us, who have never been to these places !

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice reading. You people are doing a great job. Keep it up. Please keep on posting similar stories (travelogues).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice reading. You people are doing a great job. Keep it up. Please keep on posting similar stories (travelogues).

    ReplyDelete

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