MALDA , GURU , PANDUA |
CONNECTIONS: | |
Malda:
Besides the historic spots of Gaur and Pandua, Malda is famous for its mangoes and silk weaving. There is a museum in Malda.
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Places to see Gaur: Gaur was the capital of Bengal, under the Buddhist Pala Dynasty and the Hindu Sena Dynasty, from seventh century A.D. till the establishment of Muslim rule in Bengal in the thirteenth century. In 1537, during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Shah, the city was destroyed by Sher Shah Suri. The city has many historic structures built during the Muslim rule. The mosques of Gaur have some beautiful chiseled brick work. The Bara Sona Masjid (Baradwari) was built by Sultan Naseeruddin Nusrat Shah in 1526 AD. Other attractions include the Dakhil Darwaza (the entrance to the Gaur fort), the ruins of the Gaur Fort, the Feroze Minar, Kadam Rasul, Chika Masjid, Lukochuri Darwaza, Lattan Masjid, Kotwali Darwaza are some of the attractions of this historic town. Pandua: |
MALDA: CONNECTIONS : From Calcutta: Malda is 347 kms from Calcutta. Gaur is 16 kms south of Malda. Pandua is 18 kms north of Malda By train from Sealdah or Howrah to Malda Town. Malda is also connected to North Bengal, Assam and other parts of the country by train. By bus directly from Calcutta. Local Transport: Lodging: WBTDC Tourist Lodge, Rathbari, English Bazaar. For reservations contact WBTDC, 3/2 BBD Bagh East, Calcutta 700 001. There are several other private hotels in Malda. |
The Malda region of Bengal has
been the crossroads of many dynasties and religions. Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic
(Afghan, Pathan, Mughals) and the British influence has left its imprint in this region. Gaur
and Pandua the two capital cities of early Bengal are in this region. Malda is
situated near the confluence of Mahananda and Kalindi rivers. Its
natural port made it an important trading center during its heydays. However many of the
attractions are in ruins today. Malda is part of the urban agglomeration of English Bazaar
which is the district headquarters. 
Pandua is another ancient
capital of Bengal. It's name is derived from Paundrabardhan. It has a few historic
monuments and ruins. The most famous attraction is the Adina Mosque built by
Sikandar Shah (1358 - 1390) around 1370 AD. It was once the largest and one of the
most imposing mosques in the subcontinent. The Eklakhi Mosque (it took one lakh
i.e. 100,000 rupees to build) is the other notable spot in Pandua. Other places include
the Badi Dargah, Choti Dargah and Qutubshahi Masjid.