Historical Capital of Gaud

The historical site of Gaud (also Gaur), some 100km from Rajshahi, is renowned for its many ancient mosques. These Islamic architectural wonders were constructed largely during the Muslim Sultanate and Mughal period when Gaud served as the capital of Bengal. Located along the Indian border with Bangladesh, the site of Gaud extends into both countries, and includes such noteworthy mosques as Chhota Sona Masjid, Darasbari Mosque, Khania Dighi Mosque, Madrassa and Tahkhana.

The site of Gaud became an important center during the rule of the Sena Empire. It was chiefly during Muslim rule that a large number of new structures were built, including palaces, mosques, forts, mausoleums, bridges and so forth. Gaud truly prospered under the rule of the Afghans, extending to over 32km squared. It also became an important hub for traders from all over Asia.

Muslim architecture was distinguished by features such as the mihrab, the dome and the minaret. Due to differences in building materials, climate and craftsmen, Muslim architecture in Bengal was adapted, with new techniques being used. The Pre-Mughal architectural style started in 1204, extending to 1575. Thereafter cultural influences from the West resulted in the imperial Mughal architectural style, which only ended in 1757 with the end of Muslim rule. Structures built during that first period in Gaud can no longer be seen.

From 1450 BCE to 1565 BCE Gaud was one of the region's largest cities. Today the ruins of Gaud and Pandua are concealed by verdant vegetation. Three cities have been identified at the site. Lakhnawti is the earliest, from the Pala and Sena dynasties. Next is Gaud and Pandua, of the pre-Mughal rulers. The streets of Gaud are quiet, in stark contrast to the bustling cities of Bangladesh.

One of the best known structures in Gaud is the Chhota Sona Masjid (Small Golden Mosque). The mosque boasts fifteen domes that were once overlaid in gold. This remarkable religious site was built by Wali Muhammad, with the exceptional stone carving on the walls being a highlight of the design.

Khania Dighi Mosque is also worth a visit. It has undergone a number of repairs. Situated a short way from the mud wall of Gaud, the brick mosque consists of a large single-dome prayer hall, with a three-domed verandah, demonstrating the changes in architecture from what used to be just a square single domed structure.

Bangladesh's historical site of Gaud is well worth a visit, and is second only to Bagerhat in the number of mosques that can be viewed.

The Fascinating Oriental Magpie Robin

With its statue of two birds with outstretched wings, Doyel Chatwar in Dhaka is a tribute to the national bird of Bangladesh – the Magpie Robin, or more specifically the Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) of the family Muscicapidae, order Passeriformes. Referred to locally as doyel or doel, this attractive little bird is displayed on the currency notes of Bangladesh and is a common sight throughout the country, in both rural and urban settings.

Kantojiu Temple – Terracotta Treasure

The ancient Hindu temple of Kantojiu is located in the Dinajpur District of Bangladesh. Constructed over a period of fifty years (1702-1752) the building of the temple was initiated by Maharaja Pran Nath and concluded during the reign of his son, Maharaja Ramnath. Kantojiu Temple originally featured nine spires typical of the nava-ratna architectural style, but the earthquake of 1897 destroyed the spires and they were never reconstructed. Nevertheless, the temple remains an architecture marvel featuring some of the best examples of terracotta adornment to be found in Bangladesh.