OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, LEARNING HISTORY: A tour as a prelude to the Odommo Chattagram festival takes students to Cheragi Pahar in Chittagong yesterday. Photo: STARSchoolchildren of Chittagong have passed through the Andarkilla area many times before. But they never realised that some if its dusty, old structures held in them a rich history.
Around 250 kids of eight schools yesterday embarked on a journey to the history of Chittagong and discovered that they did not know many things about Andarkilla -- a place they thought they knew so well.
The daylong "Journey to the heritage of Andarkilla" was organised as a prelude to The Daily Star's "Odommo Chattagram" festival to be started from March 30 to highlight the history, culture, heritage and future prospect of the port city.
Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Manjur Alam inaugurated yesterday's programme at Fulki auditorium, with Premier University Vice-chancellor Prof Anupam Sen in the chair.
Shamsul Hossain, former curator of Chittagong University museum, made a power point presentation on Andarkilla, and also briefed on the ancient history and architectural characteristics of some other monuments.
After winning in the battle of Karnaphuli on January 26, 1666, the Mughals took control of the Andarkilla. Exactly when and who built it still remains to be known, said Shamsul.
In 1667, Buzurg Umed Khan built the "Jame Sangin," locally known as Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque, on the hilltop following directions of his father Nawab Amir-ul-Umar. It was the first mediaeval architecture in the then Bengal.
In the 1660s, there were two forts in Chittagong -- one on the hills at Deang and the other on Rangmahal Pahar. The one on Rangmahal Pahar is known as Andarkilla.
An important monument of the area is the tomb of "Badr Auliya," which is the oldest masonry building of the city. The shrine embodies the architectural excellence of the Sultan era (1206-1526).
The histories of Kadam Mubarak Mosque, Laldighi, Laldighi Maidan and Chittagong court building were also presented on large screen.
Fulki Principal Shila Momen and The Daily Star Chittagong Bureau Chief Raisul Haque Bahar, among others, spoke at the programme. Fulki is an alternative educational institution.
Terming the "Journey to heritage of Andarkilla" a unique initiative, Prof Sen said it was a matter of pride that minting of coins started in Chittagong from the seventh century. Even then a port had existed in the city.
Shamsul Hossain said no work had been done before to highlight the heritage and history of any city in the country.
Terming The Daily Star initiative "first of its kind," he said these kinds of events are organised in every country in modern times, including in most Saarc countries.
"There are at least nine monuments of pre-medieval, medieval and colonial periods in Andarkilla," he added.
Mayor Manjur Alam said the initiative would help students know the real history of the port city.
"The monuments should be preserved for the coming generations to uphold the culture and heritage of the city," the mayor said.
After the programme, the students started their journey to Andarkilla.
CU lecturer Adnan Mannan and Dristy president Masud Bakul accompanied the young learners.
Ishrat Jahan, a student of Sunshine Grammar School, said she had seen the "Cheragi Pahar" and "Shah Sundar Majar" many times but did not know their history.
"We've come to know many things from the programme," said Sabrina Tasnim of Saint Scholastica High School.
The participating schools were Saint Scholastica School, Elementary School, Chittagong Collegiate School, Sunshine Grammar School, Chittagong Government High School, Ideal School, Child Heaven School and Kapasgola Girls' High School.
Students of other schools will take a journey to Andarkilla on March 27. The expedition will begin at 10:00am from Fulki premises.
