Rajshahi originally Rampur Boalia; nicknamed Silk City or the City of Education is a major urban, commercial, cultural, business, and educational center of Bangladesh. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, the city is surrounded by the satellite towns of Nowhata and Katakhali. Rajshahi is often considering the cleanest and green among the cities of Bangladesh. Rajshahi established in 1634, hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century. It is a historic center of silk production.
The region’s sericulture accounts for almost the entire silk output of Bangladesh. Cottage industries include weaving, metalworking, woodworking, and pottery. Varendra Research Museum, the oldest of its kind in Bangladesh, is located in the city. The city is home to many renowned educational institutions of Bangladesh. Rajshahi was a part of the Pundra region of ancient Bengal ruled by the Pundra Kingdom. The capital of Prince Vijaya, the king who led military operations in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia was located 14 kilometers to the west of Rajshahi town.
Rajshahi was dominated by various Maharajas, Rajas, and Zamindars. During Deo Raja’s period, the region was known as Mohakalgarh was defeated by Shah Makhdum Repos. It was known as “Rampur Boalia” after the establishment of administrative office in 1825. During the British raj, it was also known as “Beulah” and was part of the Eastern Bengal and Assam division. There was a daily steamer service on the Ganges which connected it to rail-heads that led to the then provincial capital of Calcutta as well as other cities like Dhaka.
Rajshahi is the home of the region’s best mangoes and litchis. Well connected by road, rail, air, and river with all major towns, Rajshahi is home to many governments and private educational institutions. There are numerous parks in and around the city including Puthia Temple Complex, Varendra Research Museum, Khania Dighi Masjid, Chhoto Sona Mosque, Pancharatna Gobinda Temple, Bara Ahnik Mandir, Bagha Mosque, Navaratna Temple, Shrine of Shah Makhdum Rupos, Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo, Shahid Zia Park, Shaheb Bazar, Ghoramara, Boro Kuthi, Upashohor model town, Motihar mango groves, Kashia-Danga, Santal Para, and Bangabandhu Novo Theatre.
There are also numerous monuments in and around the city that are worth visiting. There are numerous hotels, resorts, loges that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. The restaurants serve delicious cuisine at good prices the street food scene of Rajshahi is great with a variety of items available. The city is a shopper paradise with numerous shopping mall and markets that sell everything.
