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Rajshahi

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Rajshahi

Rajshahi (Bengali: রাজশাহী, pronounced [radʒ.ʃaɦi] ) is a metropolitan city and a major urban, administrative, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. It is also the administrative seat of the eponymous division and district. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh–India border, the city is surrounded by the satellite towns of Nowhata and Katakhali, which together build an urban agglomeration of about 1 million population. Modern Rajshahi lies in the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. The area hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century. The Rajshahi municipality was constituted during the British Raj in 1876.

Rajshahi is a historic center of silk production. Varendra Research Museum, the oldest of its kind in Bangladesh, is located in the city. Sometimes the city is referred to as the City of Education, on account of being home to many renowned educational institutions of Bangladesh. The head office of Rajshahi Agricultural Development Bank and Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is situated in the city. The Shah Makhdum Airport serves Rajshahi.

According to The Guardian, Rajshahi is the cleanest city of Bangladesh, and it is also the most environmentally friendly city in the country.

The name "Rajshahi" originates from the Bengali words "Raj" (meaning "kingdom") and "Shahi" (meaning "royal"), reflecting its historical association with ruling dynasties and governance. The region was historically part of the Pundra Kingdom and later saw rule by various empires, including the Maurya and Gupta empires.

Rajshahi has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region was a significant center during the Mauryan period, and archaeological evidence suggests it was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. The area was later part of the Pala Empire, which contributed to its Buddhist and Hindu heritage. It was also under the rule of the Sena dynasty before the Muslim conquest in the 13th century.

During the medieval period, Rajshahi came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Bengal Sultanate. The region saw the influence of Persian and Mughal culture, which is still reflected in its architecture and traditions. The Mughal Empire played a crucial role in developing Rajshahi as a trade center, especially for silk production.

Under British rule, Rajshahi became an important administrative and commercial hub. The British established educational institutions and modern infrastructure, including railways, which boosted trade and connectivity. The region was particularly known for its silk industry, which flourished under British patronage. However, it was also a center of nationalist movements, with local leaders actively participating in the struggle for independence.

After the partition of India in 1947, Rajshahi became part of East Pakistan and later, following the Liberation War in 1971, an integral part of independent Bangladesh. The city continued to grow as a major educational and cultural center, housing prestigious institutions such as the University of Rajshahi. Today, Rajshahi is recognized for its contributions to education.

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