Rajshahi (, ) 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. It is also the largest city of North Bengal. 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 of Paba Upazila, which together build an urban agglomeration of about 1 million population.
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 is situated in the city. The Shah Makhdum Airport and Rajshahi railway station serves Rajshahi.
According to The Guardian, Rajshahi is the cleanest city of Bangladesh,
History
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.
Rajshahi district was a part of the Pundra region of ancient Bengal ruled by the Pundra Kingdom. The capital of Prince Vijaya, the king who led military operations in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia was located 14 kilometres (9 mi) to the west of Rajshahi town. Rajshahi was dominated by various Maharajas, Rajas and Zamindars. During Deo Rajas period, the region was known as Mohakalgarh. In 1288-89 the Raja was defeated by Shah Makhdum Rupos. The administrative district was established in 1772 and the municipal corporation during the British Raj in 1876.
Its wealth peaked under the Pala Empire, when the Barind area became an important agricultural and cultural zone. In the Mughal period, the area gained further prominence for its silk production. Rajshahi Raj was the largest zamindari (feudatory kingdom) during the British Raj which occupied a vast position of Bengal. When Nawab Murshid Quli Khan divided the Bengal Subah into 13 divisions in 1717, Rajshahi was included as one of the divisions .
During the British raj, it was also known as "Beuleah" and was the administrative headquarters of the Rajshahi district in Eastern Bengal and Assam. It was originally chosen as a commercial factory for the silk trade, which was being officially encouraged by the agricultural department of that time. The town contained a government college and an industrial school for sericulture. Most of the public buildings were severely damaged by the earthquake of 12 June 1897. Throughout much of the early part of the twentieth century there was a daily steamer service on the Ganges which connected it to rail-heads that led to the then provincial capital of Calcutta as well as other cities in the province of Bengal.
Rajshahi was made a city corporation in 1991.
Etymology
The region came to be known as Rampur Boalia after the establishment of an administrative office in 1825. The origin of the present name of "Rajshahi" is debated among scholars. Most say that it takes its name from Hindu Kings Rajshahi Raj (or "Rajas") as Raj and the persianised Shahi; both of which mean "royal" or "kingdom".
Geography
Topography
Geographically Rajshahi is situated within Barind Tract, 23 m (75 ft) above sea level, and lies at . The city is located on the alluvial plains of the Padma River, which runs through the southern side of the city. It is bounded on the east, north, and west by Paba Upazila (a subdivision of a district) of the district.
Rajshahi District is bounded by Naogaon District to the north, Natore District to the east, and Chapai Nawabganj District and the river Padma & Kushtia District to the south.
Although once noted for its air pollution, since 2014 the levels of particulates have been dramatically reduced by various efforts to switch to cleaner fuels and to battery-powered vehicles, to pave earth streets, to encourage walking and bicycle transport, and to plant vegetation. The levels of PM10 dropped by 67% and PM2.5 which are particularly harmful to human health, dropped from 70 to 37 micrograms per cubic meter between 2014 and 2016. to provide residents a place to enjoy the views of the Padma river. The points of interest in the city include: banks of the Padma River, Varendra Research Museum, shrine of Shah Makhdum Ruposh, Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo, University of Rajshahi, Boro Kuthi, Shahid Zia Park, and Bangabandhu Novo Theatre.
Administration
thumb|right|[[Rajshahi City Corporation headquarter|256x256px]]
Rajshahi is the headquarters of one of the eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. The Divisional Commissioner, who is the administrative chief of the Rajshahi Division, the DIG for the Rajshahi Division, and other divisional civil servants have their offices in the city, which function as part of the government administrative setup. Deputy Commissioner (DC) who is the administrative chief of Rajshahi District, Civil Surgeon, other district-level civil servants have as well as district judges and Metropolitan magistrates have their offices within the city.
Rajshahi is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. One mayor and 30 ward commissioners are elected for five-year terms by direct votes. Rajshahi City Corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to city governance under its jurisdiction.
Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho/Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) plans and coordinates the development-related works within the metropolitan area. Rajshahi WASA is responsible for the water supply and drainage system within the city area.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), headed by a Commissioner, controls law and order as well as traffic movements within the metropolitan area.
Rajshahi Cantonment is a military base and the headquarters of the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment. The city is home to two battalions of BGB, a battalion of Bangladesh Ansar, a headquarter of RAB and a camp of River Police.