Chandradwip

Chandradwip or Chandradvipa is a small region in Barisal District, Bangladesh. It was once the ancient and medieval name of Barishal.

History

The history of Chandradwip goes back to the Pre-Pala Period.

Chandradwip was successively ruled by the Mauryas, Guptas and the Palas. Towards the end of the 10th century A.D., the Chandra Dynasty gave this region a "distinct political identity."

The Chandras were succeeded by the Deva Dynasty. After a brief period of confusion, the Deva Dynasty occupied this region and established their capital at Kachua. They were followed by the Basu and Mitra Mazumdar families. During the latter's rule, Chandradwip was auctioned off.

Until the 18th century A.D., the Hindu rulers of Chandradwip were independent. After that this kingdom became a Zamindari, while the greater part of Chandradwip was named Bakerganj after a Muslim adventurer, Bakar Khan.

Chandradwip was one of the Hindu Kingdoms that survived the Muslim Invasion and Conquest. The presence of mighty rivers and canals prevented the Muslims from conquering this region. It maintained its independence under the Kayastha rulers.

The prosperity of this kingdom reached its zenith during the time of Kandarpanarayan Rai. Many Chinese and European travelers left interesting accounts about this kingdom. The earliest Chinese accounts describe this region as " a famous place for the worship of the Hindu-Bauddha-Tantrik deity Tara" The Temple of Tara was situated near the seashore. It was visible from the sea. Chandragomin, the famous grammarian of the 6th century, wrote his hymns on Tara from this place. In a manuscript of 1015 A.D., the region of Chandradwip was mentioned with the Tara-Temple. It was there during the rule of the Chandra kings.

During the Mughal Period, this region came to be known as Bakla-Chandradwip.[1]

Rabindranath Tagore wrote Bou Thakuranir Haath, a famous book about the Basu Maharani of Chandradwip which was later filmed as Bou Thakuranir Haat.

Geography

This region was famous for its "paddy, rivers and canals".

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References
  1. Aksadul Alam (2012). "Chandradvipa". In Sirajul Islam and Ahmed A. Jamal (ed.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

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