The ‘Kalupol Gandharb Roy Rajar Bhita,’ now turned into a museum, is an archeological site of the Sultanate period. However, it is on the verge of collapse due to lack of proper maintenance.
The remains of two architectural structures, along with various archeological artifacts, were found after excavating the site. Although the excavation is complete, the palace of the king is in ruins as it is not maintained properly. The museum is closed as well.
The tourists who come to see the historical place from various corners of the country go back after visiting it for a few minute as they become disappointed. There is only one night watchman who looks after the museum and the site. This place can be developed into a tourist spot if all kind of facilities can be ensured.
The ‘Kalupol Gandharb Roy Rajar Bhita’ is situated at the bank of Chitra River in Kalupol village under Goraitupi union in Chuadanga sadar upazila. This is an archeological site of Sultanate period of 14th to 15th AD.
The archeological mound was found during an archeological survey and exploration in 2016. Bangladesh Department of Archeology excavated the site on 2018 and found the remaining of two architectural structures along with various archeological artifacts. Among the artifacts, there were building walls, terracotta utensils such as cooking wares, Ghot (jar), plates, bowls, water pitchers, oil lamps, lamp holders, Dhupti (incense holders), Motka (earthen water pot), counting tokens, Shil-Nora (millstones), decorated bricks, bangles, coins, low-value stone beads, plaques, weighting stones, stone tablets and earthenware, all of which are from Sultanate period.
The artifacts and remains found on the site have similarities with artifacts and remains found at Khalifatabad (Bagherhat) and Muhammadabad (Barbazar) archeological site, which are two cities of Sultanate period during the middle age. The archeological artifacts from the Sultanate period found at the site are preserved in the museum.
Although the excavation of the palace is complete, it is on the verge of destruction due to a lack of proper maintenance. The brick of the two architectural structures are coming off. The site has become a grazing land for cattle and people move through the site freely as there is no boundary wall. If the palace of King Kalupol can be modernized and all kind of facilities can be ensured, tourists from various areas of the country will come to visit it.
Although a small number of tourists come to visit it, they go back as they become disappointed. All type of facilities including boundary wall, construction of new road, seats for the tourists, shades, security system, toilets are needed.
Although there is no information about King Gandharb Roy in the history books, the locals know it as the palace of Gandharb Roy. One of the four Auliyas, Hazrat Malik-ul-Gaus had a war with Kind Gandharb Roy. Hazrat Malik-ul-Gaus (RA) was a follower and associate of Hazrat Khan Jahan (RA). It was learnt that, King Gandharb Roy was a regional king or ruler contemporary to Khan Jahan (R.) during the 14th to 15th century AD.
Toursit Mamun, hailing from Khulna town, said I have come to visit the historically rich site with my family. It needs to have all kind of facilities for the tourists.
Rahmat Ali, an elder from Joyrampur village in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga, said we will be able to visit the museum if it is opened. The government will get revenue as well if it is developed as a tourist area.
Majedur Rahman from Goraitupi village of Chuadanga said the history of the king’s palace was recovered from the edge of extinction. The works, including the excavation, need to be finished soon.
Former Chairman of Goraitupi union in Chaudanga sadar upazila, Shafikul Islam Raju, said the King’s palace has a history. Kings used to live here. It’s history was discovered by excavating the site. It will create interest among people if the beauty of the place is enhanced. Arrangements must be made for both local and foreign visitors so that they can learn about its history.
