A History Written in the Waters of the Jamuna: Hemonagar Zamindar Bari:

Alkama Sikdar: Hemonagar Zamindar Bari: A History Written in the Waters of the Jamuna Like many other places in Bangladesh, Tangail District is home to numerous historical landmarks. The district’s reputation for its rich heritage is well known, and one such remarkable historical site is the Hemonagar Zamindar Bari (Hemonagar Estate), located in the northern part of Tangail, within the Gopalpur Upazila, not far from the banks of the Jamuna River.

Historical Background: From Padmalochan Roy to Hemchandra Roy

The roots of the Hemonagar Zamindar Bari trace back to Bangla 1254 (approximately 1850 AD), when Padmalochan Roy of Ambaria, a landowner from Mymensingh, purchased a two-anna share of the Pukhuria pargana (a traditional administrative region) from Bhairabchandra. After Padmalochan’s death, his son Kalichandra Roy bought the remaining four-anna share in 1261. Under Kalichandra, the estate’s fame spread throughout the region.

When Kalichandra passed away, his son Hemchandra Roy expanded the family’s holdings further, purchasing the Joyenshahi pargana (a large tract of land), competing with Muktagacha’s Maharaja Surya Kanta Roy. Over time, Hemchandra’s estate grew to cover almost four lakh acres in the northern parts of Tangail and Sirajganj districts. Hemchandra eventually became known as Hemchandra Chowdhury.

Conflict with the Nawab of Dhonbari

Hemchandra’s relations with the nearby Muslim Zamindar Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury of Dhonbari deteriorated due to disputes over land, boundaries, and the rights of tenants. Hemchandra, a devout Brahmin, was deeply committed to his religious practices, while Nawab Ali was a symbol of Muslim aristocracy, holding the post of Education Minister of undivided Bengal and Assam under British rule. The tensions between these two powerful figures escalated over time, especially in the late 19th century.

Relocation and the Rise of Subarnakhali

In 1880, Hemchandra Chowdhury left his ancestral Ambaria Rajbari and moved to Subarnakhali, located in the Jhawail Union of Gopalpur Upazila. Subarnakhali, situated on the banks of the Jamuna River, was a prominent river port and trading hub of the time. The proximity of Subarnakhali to Kolkata made it an ideal location for business, as river navigation allowed easy access to the capital of British India.

Hemchandra, along with several other Hindu Zamindars, played a key role in the 1905 expansion of the railway line from Mymensingh to Jagnnathganj Ghatt, establishing a direct connection from Kolkata to the central parts of Bengal. This contributed significantly to the regional transportation infrastructure.

However, by the end of the 19th century, the Jamuna River began to change its course, leading to the submergence of the Subarnakhali port and eventually Hemchandra’s Rajbari. In response, Hemchandra constructed a new, grand two-story palace in Shimalapara Mouza in 1890, which came to be known as the “Peri Dalan” (Fairy Palace).

Peri Dalan: The Jewel of Hemonagar

The Peri Dalan is a majestic structure, notable for its elaborate carvings and sculptures, including two flying fairies adorning the main section of the palace. The building was beautifully designed with floral motifs and intricate stonework, creating a captivating architectural masterpiece. The palace’s courtyard was surrounded by large ponds, some of which were also designed by Hemchandra for his relatives. The southern side of the estate eventually developed into a thriving marketplace. Over time, the region became known as Hemonagar, derived from the name of the Zamindar.

The Post-Partition Era and Legacy

After the Partition of India in 1947, Hemchandra’s family migrated to Kolkata. The Hemonagar Zamindar Bari gradually fell into disuse but later gained recognition as an educational institution. Today, it is known as the Hemonagar Khondkar Asaduzzaman Degree College, a college that occupies the premises of the former estate.

Despite the passage of time, the Hemonagar Zamindar Bari remains an iconic symbol of the region’s cultural heritage, attracting numerous visitors who come to admire its architectural grandeur and learn about the rich history of the Zamindari system in Bengal.

Conclusion: A Timeless Heritage

The Hemonagar Zamindar Bari is a timeless testament to the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Its architecture, cultural significance, and the story of its construction reflect the profound impact that the Zamindars had on the landscape of Bengal. Although the estate is no longer in use as a residence, it continues to inspire admiration and curiosity, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of aristocratic life.

For anyone interested in exploring the rich history and heritage of Tangail and Bangladesh, a visit to the Hemonagar Zamindar Bari is an unforgettable experience that connects the past with the present.

The post A History Written in the Waters of the Jamuna: Hemonagar Zamindar Bari: appeared first on Tv Today.