The flow was greatly enhanced
after the fall of Baghdad. Since then Muslim Scholars, Scribes,
Sufis and Poets started to flock to Bangladesh: Their destination
being the independent Muslim sultanate. Mahasthan was conquered
by Balkhi Mahisawar but history reveals the existence of Muslims
(in this case a person name Burhanuddin) in this area.
In the 13th century a famous preacher named Baba Adam came
to Adamdighi In the service of Islam. Here he built an Asthana
and started spreading the Message of Islam. The place, called
Adam Dighi, takes its name from Baba Adam and the Dighi (tank)
he dug.
Ronbagha is situated in Kahalu Upazila. Ghazi Kalu, the famous
army chief of Sultan Shamsuddin Firoj Shah of Gaur had a battle
with Mukut Roy here. Other Mazhars (Mausoleum) in Bogra are
Mazhar of Boro Pir (village: Mazhihotto), Syed Mina (village:
Dampara), Mazhar of Aat Pir (village: Chalunza), Mazhar of
Pir-e-Arab (village: Pirob) and the famous Shah Bondegir Mazhar.
The bricks and stones of these mazhars are centuries old which
make many historians believe that these people were the Sufi
saint contemporaries of Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar.
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.
