Kanaipur Zamindar Bari Shikdar Bari

The zamindars ruling Faridpur district have a rich history. The Shikdar clan of Kanaipur is also one of the famous zamindars of Faridpur. About 400 years ago, zamindar Kumar of Shikdar clan built a zamindar bari to live on the banks of the river, which came to be known as Kanaipur Zamindar Bari (Kanaipur Zamindar Bari). But local residents of Faridpur district know it as Shikdar Bari.

Sikdar Bhavtarini of the Shikdar clan acquired considerable fame and wealth as a zamindar. But Bhavatarini's only son Satish Chandra Shikdar was not at all a good ruler like his mother. Later the zamindari was divided between Satish Chandra Shikdar's two sons, Surendra Nath Shikdar and Niradbaran Shikdar. As the eldest son, Surendra Nath inherited the majority of the zamindari. After Surendra Nath's death, his sons migrated to Kolkata and due to economic problems, the government confiscated their zamindari.

It should be noted that in 1818, the Farayzi movement started under the leadership of Haji Shariatullah against the injustice of these zamindars. Later Haji Shariatullah's son Dudu Mia Faraiji led the movement.

Faridpur can be reached by bus and train from the capital Dhaka. Comfort Line, Royal Paribahan, Suryamukhi Paribahan, Golden Line, Anand Paribahan, South Line, Ajmeri Enterprise etc. buses from Gabtali Bus Stand ply via Padma Bridge on Dhaka-Faridpur route. The bus fare will cost 400-500 taka depending on the standard. Besides, you can reach Faridpur by Sundarban Express, Madhumati Express and Benapole Express trains from Dhaka Kamalapur railway station. Train fare will be 305 to 696 taka per seat. From Faridpur you can reach Kanaipur Bazar by bus or easybike and walk for 7-8 minutes or take a van to Kanaipur Zamindar Bari or Shikdar Bari.

There are several decent residential hotels in Faridpur city. Among them are Hotel Raffles, JK International, Padma Hotel and Hotel Jhil View.

Other sightseeing and historical places of Faridpur district are; Village Poet Jasimuddin's House, River Research Institute, Hazrat Shah Farid Mosque, Jagadbandhu Sundar's Ashram, Atarshi Biswa Zaker Manzil, Baish Rashi Zamindar Bari, Mathurapur Deul, Patrail Mosque etc.

Feature Image: Saidul Islam