Rajshahi

Rajshahi is one of the major cities of Bangladesh, located in the northwestern part of the country, on the banks of the Padma River. It is the administrative center of Rajshahi Division and Rajshahi District. The city is often called the “Education City” or “Silk City” for its remarkable educational institutions and silk industries.Rajshahi is one of the major cities of Bangladesh, located in the northwestern part of the country on the banks of the Padma River. It is the administrative center of the Rajshahi Division and one of the country’s oldest and most culturally rich cities.Rajshahi is one of the major cities of Bangladesh, located in the northwestern part of the country on the banks of the Padma River. It is the administrative center of the Rajshahi Division and one of the country’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Rajshahi has a rich and ancient history that reflects the cultural and political evolution of Bengal. The region has been an important center of education, trade, and religion for centuries.

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Ancient Period

The area now known as Rajshahi was part of the ancient Pundra Kingdom, which existed around 700 BCE. Archaeological evidence shows that the region was inhabited by advanced civilizations long before recorded history. It was influenced by the Maurya and Gupta Empires, which spread Buddhism and Hinduism in the area.

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Medieval Period

During the Muslim rule, Rajshahi became a significant administrative and cultural center under the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. The Bagha Mosque, built in 1523 by Sultan Nasiruddin Nasrat Shah, stands as a testimony to the city’s glorious past.

The area also became famous for its silk production, which later earned it the name “Silk City.”

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British Colonial Period

In 1793, the Permanent Settlement Act introduced by the British affected the local zamindars (landlords) and farmers. Rajshahi gained importance as a trading post for silk, indigo, and agricultural goods.

In 1876, Rajshahi was officially declared a municipality, marking the beginning of its modern urban development. The British also established educational institutions, such as Rajshahi College (1873), which became one of the earliest colleges in Bengal.

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Post-Independence Era

After the Partition of India in 1947, Rajshahi became part of East Pakistan. The city continued to grow as an educational and administrative center. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Rajshahi expanded rapidly and became the headquarters of Rajshahi Division.

Today, Rajshahi is known for its clean environment, educational institutions, mangoes, silk industry, and historical heritage.

Rajshahi is a major metropolitan city in northwestern Bangladesh, and the administrative seat of the eponymous division and district. It's often known by a few distinct titles:

• "Silk City": Rajshahi is historically famous for its production of high-quality silk, with the region accounting for almost the entire silk output of Bangladesh.
• "City of Education": It is home to many renowned institutions, including the University of Rajshahi, one of the country's largest and oldest public universities.
• "City of Mangoes": The region, particularly with the neighboring Chapainawabganj district, is renowned for its production of sweet, high-quality mangoes, and other fruits like lychees. Several varieties of mango, including Fazli, Khirsapat, and Langra, have received Geographical Indication (GI) status.

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Rajshahi, often called the "Silk City," is also famous for its distinct food culture, which combines traditional Bengali cuisine with unique local specialties, especially those derived from its abundant agricultural produce.

Here are some of the most traditional and famous foods of Rajshahi:

1. Kalai Ruti & Bhorta (The Signature Dish)

This is arguably the most famous and unique traditional food of the Rajshahi region.

• Kalai Ruti: A thick, large, flatbread (Ruti/Roti) made from the flour of Maash Kalai (Black Gram or Urad Dal) mixed with wheat flour.
• Bhorta: It is always served with a variety of spicy, mashed vegetable and protein side dishes called Bhorta (or Bharta). The most common companions are:
  • Begun Bhorta (Mashed Roasted Eggplant/Aubergine)
  • Morich Bhorta (Spicy Chili Mash)
  • Dimer Bhorta (Mashed Boiled Egg)
  • Duck Meat Bhuna: Often served as a popular non-vegetarian accompaniment to the Kalai Ruti.

2. Sweet Delicacies (Mishti)

The dairy industry in the northern region contributes to Rajshahi's reputation for high-quality sweets.

• Misti Doi (Sweet Yogurt): Rajshahi is particularly famous for its rich, creamy, and distinctively flavored sweet yogurt.
• Roshkodom: A unique milk-based sweet from the region, often featuring a small, soft, syrupy sweet (like a mini-Rasgolla) coated in a layer of dried Kheer (condensed milk).
• Kachagolla of Natore: While Natore is a district near Rajshahi, this sweet, made from a fresh, soft cottage cheese (chhana) mixed with sugar, is a beloved delicacy widely available and associated with the greater Rajshahi division.

3. Mangoes and Seasonal Delights (The King of Fruits)

Rajshahi is globally renowned as the Mango Capital of Bangladesh. The mango varieties are not just a fruit but a central part of the food culture during the summer season (May to July).

• Famous Varieties: The region produces world-class mangoes like Fazli, Langra, Himsagar, and Aamrapali.
• Mango-based foods: During the season, the fruit is enjoyed fresh and used extensively in:
  • Aam Shotto (Sun-dried Mango Pulp/Leather)
  • Aam Achar (Mango Pickle - both sweet and sour)

4. Street Foods & Snacks

Rajshahi has its own variations of popular Bengali snacks:

• Bot Porata: A popular evening street food, particularly around the university areas. "Bot" refers to a spicy, dry beef or mutton curry/fry (often made from offal) served with hot Porata (a type of flaky flatbread).
• Kaliza Singara: A variation of the popular singara (samosa), where the filling is made of spiced potato mixed with tiny pieces of chicken or beef liver (kaliza).
• Seekh Burger: A local fusion snack where a spicy Seekh Kebab (usually beef or chicken) is wrapped in a soft, smoked bun or bread, often served with a special coriander sauce.
• Fuchka & Chotpoti: The popular street food of crispy puffs filled with spicy tamarind water (Fuchka/Pani Puri) and a tangy chickpea and potato salad (Chotpoti) is a staple.

5. Pithas (Rice Cakes)

Like the rest of Bengal, pithas (traditional rice cakes and sweets) are highly popular, especially during winter and harvest festivals.

• Bhapa Pitha: Steamed rice cakes filled with jaggery (date palm or sugar cane) and scraped coconut.
• Chitoi Pitha: Plain steamed rice cakes, often eaten with spicy bhorta or a date palm jaggery dip.