Jiyat Kunda

Jiyat Kunda

Of the historic places in Khetlal is Khosh Badan's Mazhar. Hinda Jame Masjid and Harunja Gramer Mazhar are also places of great interest in Khetlal. History reveals the name of Kalu Shah who was a Sufi saint in whose name was built the village of Kahalu.

The Kherua Masjid with three domes and four minarets was built in the year 1582 CE, Bibi Mosque (1628 CE), Khondkar Tola Masjid (1632 CE) was built during the rule of Sher Shah and Shahid Shah Turkhan’s memorial grave (mausoleum), Mosque of Farrukh Siyar, built in the year 1719 CE, are great historic sites.

During 1763 to 1787 CE, Mahasthan became the headquarters of the theatre of the famous Faqir leader Majnoo Shah. For almost twenty years Majnoo Shah was forcing funds out of the treasury of the Zamindars of the villages of Bogra, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Maldah, Coochbihar and Mymensingh. His continuous attack kept the British at Bay. Shah Majnoo built a fort in Mahasthan.

In the year 1765 Pir Fateh Ali came to Bogra. His mazhar is here. Large number of people became his follower (Chalaa) and thus the city took the name of “Chalo” from “Chalaa”, which lies as an ancient city on the eastern side of river Karatoa.

A dedicated Sufi saint named Faqir Abdul Samad initiated building a Jame Masjid in the Tola Mahalla of Sherpur but he had no means to build a Masjid, so he approached Nawab Murad Khan Kakshal. The nawab was a pious Muslim who did not hesitate to come to the assistance of the Sufi. Thus with his help the Masjid was eventually completed. Within 50 yards there are three other Mosques in existence.

The history of Mahasthan as of Bangladesh is marked by ancient traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Over the years superstitions, folklore and mythology has enshrouded the true glory of our past. I have tried to clear up some mist of ignorance and superstition which has crept into our traditions.

The Message of Islam is very simple, clear and unambiguous. I believe that we can revive our past glory by going back to the traits of our forefathers by applying the same zeal of adventure, morality and sense of justice to the new world of technological innovation, investment, creativity, education and enhancement of moral and spiritual values to enhance our quality of life which makes a nation great.

[ I will pause here with a request to others to continue my efforts. Please feel free to correct spellings of names ( I used Bangla names and wrote them in English, hence there is room for error), other facts, names, dates and incidents. I would like to express my gratitude to Janab Shafiqul Alam Saydee Khander, author of the book “Bogura Zillar Otit O Bortoman”]

Jiyat Kunda:(the well of life) This 3rd century BC archaeological site in Bogra is still held to be of great sanctity by Hindus