Tahkhana Complex
Type: Palace
Contributed By: Nayeem
Brief
Tahkhana Complex is located on the bank of a pond called Zahedulbala at a distance of 500m. towards north-west of Chhoto Sona Mosque. Two-storeyed in plan, the building called Tahkhana measures 35.35 x 11.58 m. On its first floor, there are 17 rooms of which two are octagonal. The octagonal room on the north-west was used for performing Salah, while the rest for different purposes, viz-saloon, recreation, dining, meeting hammam etc. The hammam complex proper is located on the south if the Tahkhana. There is a staircase in the south-east corner which leads down to the water level of the pond. There were provisions of supplying both cold and hot water following a channel of terracotta pipe, to the hammam complex. The entire building was constructed with small bricks laid in lime mortar. The wall of the building is decorated with niches and different kind of art motifs at its different points.
There are two views regarding the construction of this building. Firstly, Shah Shuja used to come and stay here for his administrative visit, rest and recreational purpose and to meet his spiritual guide Shah Niamatullah (R). Secondly, to provide residential accommodation to Shah Niamatullah (R) during the year 1655 AD. A mosque and tomb of Shah Niamatullah (R) are located on the north-west and north of the building respectively. At present, these buildings are protected monuments by the Department of Archaeology.
How to go
Tahkhana Complex is located in Shibganj Upazila of Chapai Nawabganj district. Referred how to reach Chapai Nawabganj from Dhaka. For directions to Shibganj Upazila see http://bit.ly/1h01qn7
How To Reach: Chapai Nawabganj
All the buses start from Dhaka to Rajshahi, go to Chapai Nawabganj. For example, Hanif Enterprise, Modern Enterprise, Shyamoli Paribhaban etc.
NAME OF SERVICE DEPARTURE TIME Phone No.
Green Line (Volvo) 08:30AM, 03:15PM, 11:30PM 01730-060080
Hanif Enterprise 04:30AM to 11:30PM (with every 30 minutes interval) 0173-402670
Shyamoli Paribahan 05:00AM to 12:00Pm (with every 1 hour interval) 02-900331, 02-8034275.
Modern Enterprise 06:00AM to 12:00Pm (with every 1 hour interval) 9123743, 327293, 806099
The major transportation system in this town is the bus service to different districts and towns. The main transportation route is Nawabganj-Rajshahi. The bus transportation service is off three types which are gate-lock, direct and local service. The others bus routes are Nawabganj-Shibganj, Nawabganj-Naogaon, Nawabganj-Nachol, Nawabganj-Rohanpur.
The BRTC bus service serves for the long intra-district route to almost all important districts of Bangladesh. The most important long route is the Nawabganj-Dhaka. This route has ample bus service. There are two bus stoppages. The biggest one is called Chapai Nawabganj Bus Terminal and the other is the Dhaka Bus Terminal. Sona Mosjid-Rajshahi-Sona Mosjid bus Service are on at 7.15am to 5.15pm every 1 hour after.
In the past, the main transport system was based on the water path. The river Padma (Ganges), Mahananda River, Pagla, Moraganga and some beels (marshland) were used for intra-district transport system. The water level went down due to adverse effect of Farakka Barrage on Padma (Ganges) river, and therefore, water transport has lost its popularity. But still rivers are used for transportation of daily goods from different parts of the district. Still the transportation from the villages in western and eastern parts of the district depends on the boat. In the Shibgonj Upazila have a small river name [pagla].
There are limited railway services with Rohanpur and Rajshahi. One of the international rail line passes through the district to Malda, West Bengal, India. There are few services of local train from different stations of Chapai Nawabganj such as Nawabganj Sadar, Amnura, Nachole, Nijampur, Rahanpur to Rajshahi and other parts of Bangladesh and also has a shuttle service from Nawabganj to Rajshahi for the intercity train service from Rajshahi to other part of Bangladesh.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels to stay, such as Government Rest House (Rohanpur Upazila), Johrul Cottage (Shahabazpur Upazila), Hotel Al-Hera, Hotel Al-Nahid etc. in the city area.
1. Hotel Rose
Manager/Owner: Anwar Hossain Anu
Capacity: Room- 56, Seat- 73
Address: Station Road (Mohananda bus stand), Lakherajpara, Chapai Nawabganj Sadar.
Mobile: 01761855471
2. Lal Bording
Manager/Owner: Md. Sentu Mia
Capacity: Room- 16, Seat- 33
Address: Dhaka bus stand, Chapai Nawabganj Sadar, Chapai Nawabganj
Mobile: 01718279841
3. Hotel Shopnopuri
Manager/Owner: Md. Babul Hasnat Durul
Capacity: Room- 18, Seat- 8, double- 9
Address: Arambag Mor, Bissho Road, Chapai Nawabganj
Mobile: 01711416041
4. Nababganj Boarding
Manager/Owner: Advocate Kashem Mia
Capacity: Room: 7, double: 8, Seat: 26
Address: Hospital Road, Chapai Nawabganj Sadar, Chapai Nawabganj
Mobile: 01715167646
5. Hotel Al Nahid
Manager/Owner: Alhaz Rofiqul Islam
Capacity: Room- 28, Seat- 40
Address: Shantimor, Arambag, Chapai Nawabganj Sadar, Chapai Nawabganj
Mobile: 01713376902
6. Hotel Rangdhonu
Manager/Owner: Mosharraf Hossain
Capacity: Room- 12, Seat: 17
Address: Lakheraj Para, Mohananda bus stand, Chapai Nawabganj Sadar, Chapai Nawabganj
Mobile: 01712339687
7. Hotel Nazma
Capacity: 22 persons
Address: Kansat, Shibganj, Chapai Nawabganj
Things to do
- Pray in the mosque and mazar.
- View the traditional Mughal architecture.
Eating Facilities
If you are hungry you may search for restaurants or fast food shops nearby. You may also carry your own food.
Travel Tips
You can contact Mr. Enamul as a guide.
Phone: 01739925386
