Pandooah

 Pandooah, a small mofusil town in Hooghly district of West Bengal better Known for its Minar (tower).  A five storied tower (38.10 meters)  built in 1340, might be a tower of victory of Muslim Sultan of Delhi, Feroz Shah Khilji over Pandu Raja ( from whom the name Pandooah came) who leaved at Mahanad ( at present about 8 km from Pandooah). Ruins of a Musjid  called Bais Darwaza is also an added attraction which was built from a Hindu Mandir demolished by the Muslims.

History said that, on the first part of 14^th century, Pandu Raja, a descendant of Lord Gautama Buddha ruled here. He was a powerful Hindu ruler. Only five Muslim families leaved in his kingdom. One of these Muslim family sacrificed a cow on their son’s birthday ceremony.  The king get annoyed and killed that boy. The deceased’s father was carried the dead body to the court of Feroz Shah at Delhi and ask for justice. The Sultan sent a huge force to teach a lesson to Pandu Raja. The army led by his nephew Shah Sufi . Though Pandu Raja is having a small army but strategically he was able to counter the huge one.

Soon a rumour spread out in the enemy camp that there is a pond which is having a strange power to bring a dead man alive. A secret plan chalked out in Delhi army camp to bribe a man to contaminate the sacred pond by throwing  a chunk of beef.  The plan was successfully carried out and the pond lost its strange power and it was a matter of time to demolish the resistance of Pandu Raja. Pandu Raja committed suicide in the Ganges at Tribeni along with his family.

Though  there is a difference of opinion between the historians over this matter,  you can explore the the  Minar and the Bais Darwaza Musjid which are the unique piece of Mediaeval Bengali Architecture. The five storied Minar which is having 161 spiral staircases is under lock & key condition and entry is totally prohibited. The tower narrows as it goes up and  on the top there is a small dome. Two engraved stones, taken from the Hindu Mandir are placed at the entry point of the tower.

                                                                Bais Darwaza Mosjid

Pillars from Hindu Temple

The Minar

Taken from Hindu Temple

 The Bais Darwaza Muszid  just opposite  of the Minar is in dilapidated condition. Cows and dogs are roaming here freely. Contrary to the name, the Musjid contains 24 doors (21 in front side and 3 on the side). Entire roof is collapsed. Only the thick brick walls and few arches are standing here to proclaim the ancient glory. Black stone pillars are scattered here and there (taken from the Hindu Mandir) shows the sign of Hindu Architecture.

 The Archaeological Society of India just  performed their duty by erecting two sign boards in front of the two artifacts. Sign of negligence is everywhere.  

Though it is a Muslim dominated place, the little area in front of the Minar complex turns into a fair  ground in the Bengali month of Magh in the occasion of Magh Mela (started in 1904).  Local people participate in it irrespective of caste and creed and create a classic example of communal harmony.

How to go : Pandooah is Bandel-Bardhaman Main line and around 45 km from Howrah. One can go via G T Road also.