Wednesday 21 August 2013

HISTORY OF DAWKI

                                          

          Dawki City History-Importance-Origin-Architecture

 

The tribes of Jaintia Hills had their own kingdom till they came under the British rule in the 19th century. Jaintia Hills was divided into 12 provinces which they named as ‘Elaka’ and those were ruled by the Dolois of the respective provinces. Doloi  of Nartiang was the power centre as the Nartiang province was the largest and was named as UKongsan. The cluster of these provinces formed the Jaintia Syiem ship, which was ruled by the King chosen by the approval of all the Dolois.

Due to the absence of written script, the history of the place was passed over from one generation to another verbally through legends. To rule different provinces properly without any rifts between different provinces of Jaintia Hills all the Dolois decided to choose a king. But they could not get a man suitable for the post of king for some years.

After some years Doloi of Nartiang got the message that there was a man named U LohRyndi from Sutnga village who is living with a woman named KaLidakha. It was told that these two were transformed into a human being from a fish. These couple had two daughters and three sons. So all the Dolois, decided to have one of the sons of LohRyndi as the king of Syiemship. Doloi of Nartiang along with two other Dolois reached the place to select one of the boys as king and after meeting the family, they decided to appoint Lakor Sing the son of the second daughter Rupanga  as the first  king who was just 14 years old, so that they could train him accordingly. So KaRupanga was recognized as the ancestral Queen mother of SutngaSyiem and her sister KaRupatong was entitled with ancestral queen mother for the KhadsawphraSyiem. From that time till the British rule, descendents of this ruled these cluster of provinces.

Meghalaya was incorporated into Assam in the year 1835. Due to treaty relationship with the British rule the region enjoyed semi-independent status. As soon as these provinces came under the British government, the office of the Syiem was abolished. Meghalaya was the part of Assam even after independence. On 21st January 1972 Meghalaya was chipped out of Assam to be made into a separate state consisting of United Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills. But Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills got separated from each other on 22nd February 1972.

Who Ruled the Place:The place was ruled by the
• Dolois of 12 provinces and altogether by a single Syiem(king). 

• Later by the British government till independence.

The place became famous due to its scenic beauty and for being one of the few road borders crossing and also for the suspension bridge across the river which was constructed in 1932 and is still motarable.
Dawki is a town in Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, India.It is located at 25°11′0″N 92°1′0″E.
It is on the border of India Bangladesh.


Dawki City Travel Guide:Dawki is a very popular tourist spot in Meghalaya state. The place Dawki is a well-known town near the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, as it is on the Indo-Bangladesh border. It is one of the few road borders crossing of India from where every day nearly many trucks pass carrying coal from India to Bangladesh along with other things.

This pristine beauty of Meghalaya is well known for Umngot River and Dawki Bridge. The umngot river is popular not only for its scenic beauty but also for the annual boat race which is conducted here in the month of March – April at Umsyiem. Due to the temperate climate, this place is the house of different kinds of flora and fauna, which becomes the point of attraction for many tourists.
The tourists visiting Dawki should not forget to taste the sweets and oranges of Dawki, as it is quite famous for the same.
The town of Dwaki at Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya is on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Dawki is at a distance of 82.4 Km from the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong. Umngot River flows through this town which creates a boundary between the Jaintia Hills and HimaKhyrim also known as Khasi Hills. Jaintia Hills is bounded by Bangladesh on the South and in the East by Khasi Hills . On its Northern and Eastern boundaries it has the state of Assam.

The main economy of the people at this place runs around agriculture, mining and fishing
The language spoken by most of the locals of Dwaki is more or less similar to standard Khasi language; some of them even speak Hmar or Biate language which is very similar to mizo language. Most of the people here follow Christianity and they have matrilineal system of society. Their dressing style is similar to Naga and Mizo tribes. The major festivals of this place are Diwali and Kali Puja. Dawki’s Kali temple which attracts lots of tourists.
There is a market place very close to Dawki-Tamabil border crossing, where you will get different foreign smuggled goods from Bangladesh to buy. There is a farmer market in Dawki, which was set up recently to up-lift the economic condition of the farmers as it is very close to the Indo-Bangladesh border, which is a major import-export center.

Nearby Cities:Dawki is 55 Km from Syllhet Bangladesh, 82.4 Km from Shillong and 177 Km from Guwahati Assam.Tamabil is another close by city to Dawki.


Dawki-Tamabil is one of the few road border crossings between India and Bangladesh. It is used mainly for coal transportation to Bangladesh. Some 500 trucks cross the border every day in peak season.Some shared transport is available from Barabazar in Shillong to the border post at Dawki every morning. Buses are also available for the 70 kilometres (43 mi) journey from Shillong. On the other side the Tamabil bus station, 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) away, has regular bus service to Sylhet 55 kilometres (34 mi) away.

 









How to reach Dawki By Bus-Car-Taxi-Train:

Dawki by Air:
Dawki does not have any airport; the closest airport is the Guwahati airport. Guwahati airport is well connected with other cities of the country. From Guwahati airport there are regular helicopter services by Pavan Hans to fly people from Guwahati to Shillong. From shilling Dawki can be reached easily by road.

Dawki by Rail:There is no railway station at Dawki, but tourists can take train upto Guwahati station, which is well connected with other places of the country. From Guwahati railway station you can reach Dawki by road via Shillong.

Dawki by Road:From Shillong head towards north-west – Motphran – NH40 – Shri Hanuman Mandir – NH40/44E – NH44/NH44E – MahadevKhola Dam –NH40/NH44E – Thangkiew Filling Station – NH40 – Laitlyngkot-Smit Road – NH40 – Pynursla Police Station – NH40 – Dawki.
If you are coming from Guwahati then follow the following direction till Shillong :
Guwahati – head north – Lokhra Road – NH37 –Jorabat Police Station –NH40 – Arphewmer -- NH40 – HP Petrol Pump – NH40 – Lumdiengjiri Police Station – NH40/NH44E – from here follow the same path which is mentioned from Shillong to reach Dawki.

Bus Route:There are bus services from Shillong to Dawki and there are some shared transports from Barabazar Shillong to Dawki every morning. On the other side just 1.5 Km away at Tamabil there are regular bus services to Syllhet Bangladesh from the bus station.

Best Tourist Places to visit in Dawki-Things to do:

Umngot RiverDawki Bridge,Bakur Bazar,Kali Temple,Tamabil Border.


Accommodation In Dawki:Unfortunately the town of Dwaki does not have much accommodation facilities for the tourists. There is one PWD bungalow at Dawki which needs to be booked in advance; you can even stay in the guest house at Maolinang, it takes only 30 minutes to drive to this place from Dawki. Tourists can even stay in the hotels of the state capital Shillong or if they are coming to visit the place from Bangladesh, they can stay in the hotels of Syllhet or Dhaka in Bangladesh.
                    
 1)Village Home Stays/Guest house,                                   
Mawlynnong,Dawki,Meghalaya
Ph:09436104844
Cost of Bamboo Hut: Rs1700 or 1800 per day


2) Village Home Stays/Guest house,
Mawlynnong,Dawki,Meghalaya
Ph:08014992189
Cost of Room: Rs1300 per day

3)  Dawki Police Station
Dawki - 793109,Meghalaya
Ph:: 03653-222222

4) State Bank of India    
Dawki - 793109,Meghalaya
Phone :- 03653-62218
Email :- sbi.05805@sbi.co.in

5) Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd
Dawki - 793109,Meghalaya
Ph:03653-222226

6) Sub-Post office                                                    
Bakur Bazar,Dawki-793109,Meghalaya
Ph: 03653-222221



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Blog was Created by Mridul Nandy.



History of Hojai,Assam

                                     HOJAI-LAND OF DIMASA KACHARI







Hojai  is a city and a municipal board in Nagaon district in the Indian state of Assam.Hojai is located at 26.0°N 92.87°E. It has an average elevation of 59 metres (193 feet).Hojai was a part of Dimasa Kachari Kingdom in medieval times. According to Ahom Buranjee, Dimasa Kachari Kingdom stretches from Dikhu river to Kallong river.The Dimasa Kacharies living in Hojai are known as "Hojai- Kacharies" to others. "Hojai" is one of the clans(Sengphongs) of Dimasa tribe, probably The city "Hojai" got its name from this clan.As of 2001 India census, Hojai had a population of 35,722. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Hojai has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 74%. In Hojai, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age..There is also the largest rural hospital in its kind i.e. Haji Abdul Majid Memorial Hospital and Research Centre and a number of small scale industries,it is also known for its trade hub,there is also lots of big markets and with much of monopoly and competition and there is boom in all trades.Hojai is part of Nowgong (Lok Sabha constituency).




11th July, 1964 will go down as a landmark in the history of Hojai as it heralded the intellectual dawn in this small town, with only 126 students in PU. (Arts) Hojai College began its journey to the future and it is gingerly stepping in to the threshold of one of its proudest and happiest moment - its golden jubilee year in 2013-14. Since its inception this college has been guided by the concepts of excellence in academic and co-curricular aspects of students’ life under the able guidance of a host of dedicated teachers. The college enjoys the reputation of being a truly cosmopolitan institution of learning.
During the span of 48 years this institution has promoted the cause of higher collegiate education. It has to its credit a good number of meritorious students who have made a mark in academics and have proven their worth in different spheres of professional career, particularly in Central and Civil Services, The growth of an institution is a matter of gradualism, and it is through this process that the college has registered an impressive growth both in terms of infrastructure as well as student and faculty strength. Now a provincialised college, it was accredited with Grade B by NAAC in 2005.
The college now boasts of having about 2000 students in all the three faculties i.e. Arts. Science and Commerce. Moreover, to assist the on job personnel to enhance their academic achievement, the college has established IGNOU study centre in 2008 under the convergence scheme & a study centre of IDOL (Institute of Distance & Open Learning) under Guwahati University is going to be opened from the current academic session to afford opportunity for those students who can’t pursue regular courses to acquire a graduate degree. Hojai College has become the most favoured destination for students of the southern part of Nagaon District and adjoining tribal areas of Karbi Anglong for the quality of education imparted and for the altitude of “caring and sharing” demonstrated by the teachers as well as for the ambience of camaraderie and Catholicism that prevails among its students.
 Hojai is also famous for Hojai College.





 Delay in upgradation of Hojai to district status resented
 HOJAI, Jan 17 – Discontentment is brewing over the upgradation of Hojai civil subdivision to a district even after 25 years of creation of Hojai as an administrative subdivision in August 15, 1983 inspite of the fact that it has all the required components to be a fullfledged district. Since 1990, the ‘Zila Dabi Sangram Samity’ which is spearheading the movement submitted a memorandum to the state government many times urging it to declare Hojai as a district for greater administrative conveniences in view of the fast changing demographic structure to an unexpected level. The president of the district demand committee, who is also a freelance reporter, recently, published a district demand charter with facts and figures on the geographic, demographic, socio-economic-political-educational aspects of this subdivision and made a strong plea to declare Hojai as district which has the edge on districts like Morigaon, Dhemaji, Hailakandi, Udalguri, Chirang and Baska on all fronts.

As mentioned in the booklet, the copy of which has been sent to the State government, Talukdar mentioned that Hojai has a long and chearned history behind it evoking the image of a colourful past. Scholars have opined that a sovereign powerful Kachari kingdom ruled this land for a longtime early in the 8th century and the relics of that advanced enlightened era are found in the archaeological preservation sites of Jugijan-Rajabari, Kenduguri, Na-bhanga, Akashiganga etc. The famous Dobak and Kadoli kingdom (present days Doboka, Kandali) were situated in the close proximity to the Kachari kingdom till it was annexed by the famous Kamrupa kingdom which was earlier known as Durjyagarh in the Puranas.

The present Hojai has a distinguished reputation as being a cosmopolitan area where history has merged with present days hopes and aspirations. This track of fertile agricultural land lured thousands of immigrant people mostly from Cachar and Sylhet district among whom there were a reasonable number of Manipuri community and from the middle of last century waves after waves of immigrants settle here.

Hojai subdivision consists of 1684 sq km area, three revenue circles, 8 mouzas and 374 revenue villages. Though the population figure of 2001 is not available, as per 1991 census it was 5,89,194 which would be more than double with density of population 900 plus per sq km. The revenue collection from the eight mouzas is Rs 40,94,097. Besides, Hojai subdivision has 7 police stations with Hojai and Lumding PS as class I, NF Rly Divisional HQ, 2nd Assam Police Task Force head office, 3 block, 67 GP, FCI godown with huge storage facility, State Warehousing Corporation godown No 3, four cement industry, 1 mini cotton mill, 1 cold storage, 1 bidi factory, 1 steel factory (proposed), Treasury office, Banks, educational institutions, community and public health centres, 300 bed modern private hospital, divisional offices of Forest, PHE, Irrigation 3 branches of Judiciary, 3 Legislative Assembly Constituencies with 4,91,075 total voters among others.

The entire subdivision is agriculturally rich with rice, sugarcane, vegetables as surplus products and wealthy with valuable forest resources. This tract can better be called the Jamuna-Kopilee valley and several tributories crisscrossed the land. Hojai is famous for chira, muri, gur and also internationally known for higher value yielding agar industry. Famous Manipuri shawls, Laching Phee handloom products are another thriving cottage industry besides a large number of fish seeds firms with modern eco-hatchery system producing and supplying fish seeds stretching a long 15 km from Nilbagan to Podumoni.

Hojai, therefore is no less important than that of districts as mentioned from land area, population, revenue earnings and other factors. Further Hojai, Lanka, Lumding, Doboka township serve as gateway of Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura to that of the Brahmaputra Valley. The upgradation to a district would further strengthen the better relationship not only with the two hill districts of Assam but also with the three neighbouring states.

The president of the district demand committee, hopes that during the tenure of the present Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi consider the just and legitimate demand of the people of Hojai by upgrading Hojai to a district as people here feel that Hojai subdivision was created by the then Congress government and the district too, be announced by the Congress led State government in power.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS -HOJAI

1)  Hojai College, Hojai , Nagaon(ASSAM)
     PIN:782435
    College Office:-03674-252163
    Fax:-03674-251303
    Principal's Residence:-9134453482
   Website
:- http://www.hojaicollege.org
   E-mail:- hojaicollege@gmail.com

2) SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGES,
Hojai,Nagaon, Nagaon, Nagaon - 782435

3 ) Hojai Police Station
Shiva Temple Road, Hojai Naya Bazaar,
Near Shiva Temple,Hojai- 252125
Phone:(3674) 252125

4) Hojai Fire Station,
Hojai,Nagoan,Assam
Ph:03674-252119 

5)  Mr. M. Chamua (Inspector).   
Officer-in-Charge Hojai Police Station,
Hojai,Nagaon,Assam    
Ph:03674-261433
Mobile:9435019322 

6) Sri Jyoti Ranjan Nath, APS    
Sub-Divisional Police Officer,
Hojai,Nagaon,Assam   
Ph:03674-252172
Mobile:9401146803


7) Ranuj Barkakati, ACS    
SDO(Civil), Hojai,Nagaon,Assam
Ph:03674-284455(O), 284466( R), 284032(F)
Mobile:98640-16069

8) Ananta Kr Gogoi , ACS
Election Officer, Hojai,Nagoan,Assam    
Ph: 03674-284450
Mobile:94354- 82009

9) P. Hazarika    
I/c Deputy Inspector of Schools,
Hojai,Nagoan,Assam
Mobile:98642-49975

10) Pradeep Ghose    
Chairman, Hojai Municipal Board,
Hojai,Nagoan,Assam
Ph:03674-252140
Mobile:98643-64555

11) Deshbandhu Girls Vidyapith High School
   1, Shanti Ban Road, Near Shanti Ban,Hojai- 782447
      Phone:  (03674) 252443

12) Deshabandhu Boy's Vidyapith High School    
      Station Road,Near Shanti Ban,Hojai- 782447
      Ph:03670-252161

13)  Dakshin Hojai High School,
       Gita Mandir Road, Hojai, Assam
      Ph:9401615897

14)GANDHI VIDYAPITH High School,
Hojai,Nagaon
Ph:9435710460

15) Kumrakata School
Near Kumrakata Post Office, Naya Bazaar Road Kumrakata,
Hojai, Nagaon - 782435
Ph: (03674) 260005

16) Rashtrabhasa Me School
New Market, Hojai, Nagaon - 782435
Ph: (03674) 250425

17)Swagat Hotel
44, Hojai Main Road,Near State Bank Of India - ATM,
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon.
Phone:(03674) 254560

18) Hotel Ashok
1, Roy Bahadur Lane,Near Sharada Guest House,
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon.
Phone:(03674) 253755

19) Hotel Metro
33, Hojai Main Road,Near Lucky Cinema Hall,
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon
Phone:(03674) 250956

20)  Hotel Madhumilan
Hojai Main Road, Hojai Bazaar,Near Lucky Cinema
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon
Phone:(03674) 252544

21 ) Taj Mahal Hotel
87, Hojai Main Road, Near Selection Sarees,
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon
Phone:(03674) 250470

22) Hotel MDS
65, Hojai Main Road,
Near State Bank Of India,
Hojai- 782447,Nagaon
Phone:  (03674) 253369

23) Railway Information Office
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon
Ph:03674-252136/139

24) STATE BANK OF INDIA
HOJAI-782435,NAGAON ASSAM
PH: 03674-252193, 253016

25)Axis Bank
J. K. Kedia Road, Opposite To SBI,
Hojai-782435,Nagaon,Assam
Ph:0361-2340029
26) HDFC Bank Ltd.
J. K Kedia Raod, Hojai-782435,
Nagaon,Assam
Phone:9957193333
Fax:03674254945

27)  United Bank Of India
Hojai- 782435,Nagaon,Assam
Ph:(03483) 264236 

28) Icici Bank Ltd.
Jk Kedia Road,Hojai- 782435, Nagaon, Assam
Ph: 9706045077

29) Hamm Hospital & Research Centre
19,Pachim Dhaniram Pather,Main Road, Hojai- 782435 , Nagaon
Ph:(03674) 252130

-This Blog is created by Mridul Nandy

Uttpal Dutta - A Great Actor from Shillong



                                                         Utpal Dutta


                     



Primarily a theatre personality, Utpal Dutta was prominent actor of Bengali and Indian cinema. Dutta was born on 29th March, 1929 in Shillong. His father's name is Girijaranjan Dutta. Initially went to St. Edmont School in Shillong for schooling, and completed Matriculation in 1945 from St. Xaviers Collegiate School. In 1949, he graduated with English Honours from St. Xaviers College.

In 1950, acted in the film 'Michael Madhusudan' in the role of Michael Madhusudan. He was connected to Shakespearean International Theatre Company, later became active member of Gananatya Sangha. He formed Little Theatre Group and staged many drama under this group in Minerva Theatre. He also formed Peoples Theatre Group, Arjo Opera and Bibek Yatra Samaj. He was well efficient in creating and directing Yatra Pala (kind of Bengali folk drama) too. Dutta is considered a specialist in Shakespeare. Not just English, he learned other languages like Hindi, Spanish, German, French and Latin. He continued to teach English in South Point High School for a long period of time.
Along with Benglai, Utpal Dutta acted in many Hindi films too. In 1948, he formed 'Brecht Society' which was presided by Satyajit Ray. Dutta wrote many dramas, Yatra script and articles. He received many awards including the Bharat Puroshkaar in 1969 for his work in the film 'Bhuban Som'. In 1960, he married actress Sobha Sen. Utpal Dutta died on 19th of August, 1993.
Utpal Dutta acting in Othelo
Othelo

Utpal Dutta in the shooting of Aguntuk, a film of Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray's film 'Aguntuk'

Utpal Dutta in the film Bhuban Som
Film: Bhuban Som

Utpal Dutta in the film Chorus
Film: Chorus

Utpal Dutta in Darao Pathikbar
Dnarao Pathikbar

Utpal Dutta in Othelo
Othelo

Utpal Dutta in Tiner Talwar
Tiner Talwar

Utpal Dutta in the film Saat Hindustani
Film: Saat Hindustani

Utpal Dutta in the film Saat Padma Nadir Maajhi
Film: Padma Nadir Maajhi

Utpal Dutta : film list
Utpal Dutta : drama list






















Pramathesh Barua - A Assamesse Royal Clan from Assam

                                                           Pramathesh Barua

Director, actor Pramathesh Barua made huge contribution and impact in the early stage of film making in India. Barua was born in 1903 in the state of Assam. In 1920, completed Matriculation (10th grade) from Hare School and then did Bachelors of Science from Presidency College. First acted in a silent film named 'Panchashar'. Barua was a vivid photographer and went abroad to learn about the technical details of photography. He invested money in Dhiren Ganguly's Dominian Films and acted under their banner too. With recommendations from Rabindranath Tagore, he went to Mr. Rogers in Paris to learn camera operation and cinematography. Established a studio in Calcutta named as Barua Film Studio. In 1935, the film 'Devdas' was released which took him to the pinnacle of popularity. Acted and directed many movies in both Bengali and Hindi. Barua died in 1953.







  





  

                                                            

Sylheti-Nagari

 

                 Sylheti Nagri Literature    Syloti-Nagri


Sylheti Nagari or Syloti Nagri (Silôṭi Nagôri) is the original script used for writing the Sylheti language.It is an almost extinct script, this is because the Sylheti Language itself was reduced to only dialect status after Bangladesh gained independence and because it did not make sense for a dialect to have its own script,its use was heavily discouraged. The government of the newly formed Bangladesh did so to promote a greater "Bengali" identity. This led to the informal adoption of the Eastern Nagari script also used for Bengali and Assamese. The Sylheti-Nagari Script is more older than The Bengali Language ,which history is just 1000-1200 years old.


The traditionally story of the origin of the Syloti-Nagri alphabet is about 5000 years back. In the time of Mahabharata,when Sylhet or Sreehatta was a part of  Bhagadatta's Kingdom  and also traces of Sylheti-Nagari Script can be found in Puranas.According to a late text, Kalika Purana (c.7th–8th AD), the earliest ruler of Assam was Mahiranga Danav of the Danava dynasty, which was removed by Naraka who established his the Naraka dynasty. The last of these rulers, also Naraka, was slain by Krishna. Naraka's son Bhagadatta became the king, who, it is mentioned in the Mahabharata, fought for the Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra with an army of kiratas, chinas and dwellers of the eastern coast.In the late 17th century, Persian became the official language of
the Delhi Sultanate and the Perso-Arabic script was used in all official documents.
The Sylheti language and alphabet continued to be used by the ordinary people for everyday matters. In the 1860s, a Sylheti by the name of Moulvi Abdul Karim spent several years in Europe and learnt the printing trade. After returning home, he designed a woodblock type for the Syloti-Nagri alphabet and founded the Islamia Press in Sylhet Town in about 1870. Other Sylheti presses were established in Sunamgonj, Shillong and Calcutta. These presses fell out of use during the early 1970s. Since then the Syloti-Nagri alphabet has been used mainly by linguists and academics.

During the Hindu reawakening at the time of Sri chaitanya (1486-1533), when sanskrit in Devanagari script was being widely used, Muslims started writing books in their newly devised Sylheti Nagri. A printing press with Sylheti Nagri typefaces was established in Sylhet sometime between 1860-1870 which helped spread the use of the script. Moulvi abdul karim designed the typeface and founded the Sylhet Islamia Printing Press, which was the first to print Sylheti Nagri. Later, other presses such as Sylhet Sharada Printing Press, Sialdah Hamidi Press in Kolkata, and General Printing Works on Gardiner Lane also printed books in Sylheti Nagri. Two primers, Sylheti Nagrir Pahela Ketab (The First Book of Sylheti Nagri) and Sylheti Nagri Likha (Writing in Sylheti Nagri), helped the script gain a footing.
The language of the puthis written in Sylheti Nagri and in dobhasi is identical, lacking the use of tatsama (Sanskrit) words. Many Persian and Arabic words are used in puthis written in Sylheti Nagri. In the fashion of dobhasi puthis, those written in Sylheti Nagri were paginated from right to left.
The earliest extant manuscript written in Sylhet Nagri is Talib Huson by Gholam Huson (1549). Other manuscripts include Ragnama (1727) by Fazil Nasim Mohammad, Noor Nosihat (Enlightened Teachings, 1819), Ragnoor and Sat-kanyar Bakhan by Syed Shah Noor (1730-1854), Bhedsar by Shah Huson Alam (1750-1850), Mushkil Taran, Hasar Taran, Ragbaul, Keyamatnama, Shitalangi Rag by Shitalang Shah (1800), Haruful Khaslat (1875) by Nasim Ali (1813-1920), Halot-un-Nobi (Account of the Prophet, 1855), Mahobbat Nama, Hasor Michil, Raddequfur by Munshi Mohammad Sadeq Ali etc. Puthis such as Kadinama, Chhadchhi Machhla and Sonabhaner Punthi by Abdul Karim were extremely popular. According to an estimate there are about 150 extant Sylheti Nagri texts, in print or manuscript, by about 60 people. Anonymous puthis include popular texts such as Harinnama, Hushiyarnama, Safatunnabi, Abu Sama, Nur Najat, and Penchar Galpa.
Sylheti Nagri is found inscribed on Afghan coins that were minted towards the close of the sixteenth century and the beginning of the seventeenth. Some deeds written in Sylheti Nagri are preserved in the Sylhet District Archives and Sub-Registry Office in maulvi bazar. [Muhammad Ashraful Islam]

Notable features

  • The alphabet is written in horizontal lines from left to right, but Sylheti books are paginated from right to left. This means that the front cover of a Sylhettan book is where the back cover of an English book would be.
  • This is a syllabic alphabet in which consonants all have an inherent vowel. Other vowels are indicated with diacritics or separate letters. The inherent vowel can be muted with a special diacritic called a hasanta.
  • Vowels can be written as independent letters, or by using a variety of diacritical marks which are written above, below, before or after the consonant they belong to.
  • When consonants occur together in clusters, special conjunct letters are used. The letters for the consonants other than the final one in the group are reduced. The inherent vowel only applies to the final consonant.

Used to write:

Sylheti, an eastern Indo-Aryan language spoken by around 10 million in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh and in parts of India. Sylheti is closely related to Bengali (Bangla) and most speakers are bilingual in Sylheti and Bengali.
Syloti-Nagri vowels and diacritics

Note

  • The dvisvara sign can attach to consonants to form the diphthong /oi/ with the inherent vowel, or it can also combine with dependent or independent vowels to form other diphthongs. Those diphthongs can also be written with the independent vowel i.
Syloti-Nagri consonants

Bengali alphabet for Sylheti

Bengali alphabet for Sylheti

Latin alphabet for Sylheti

Latin alphabet for Sylheti
Information about the Sylheti scripts and pronunciation compiled or corrected by Wolfram Siegel

Links

Information about Syloti-Nagri alphabet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylheti_Nagari
Syloti-Nagri fonts
http://www.sylheti.org.uk/page5.html
http://www.wazu.jp/gallery/Fonts_SylotiNagri.html
Sylheti Translation and Research - a London-based research organisation dedicated to studying the folk literature of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh: http://www.sylheti.org.uk
Sylhet Nagri Texts Documentation Archive
http://www.compcon-asso.in/projects/sylhet/
http://www.compcon-asso.in/projects/sylhet/manuscripts/
Bengali and Sylheti Language Services
http://www.bengaliandsylheti.com

Indo-Aryan languages

Awadhi, Assamese, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Chakma, Dhivehi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Kotia, Kutchi, Maithili, Marathi, Marwari, Modi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Romany, Saraiki, Sindhi, Sinhala, Sourashtra, Sugali, Sylheti, Urdu

Languages written with the Bengali alphabet

Bengali, Garo, Manipuri, Mundari, Sylheti
Also used to write: Bishnupriya, Bodo, Chakma, Chiru, Koda, Nisi, Deori, Dimasa, Hajong, Koch, Khasi, Kudmali, Tiwa, Sauria Paharia, Miri, Chothe Naga, Thangal Naga, Moyon Naga, Maring Naga, Rabha, Rangpuri, Santali, Sadri, Oraon Sadri, Sulung, Panchpargania, Tippera, Kok Borok, Toto and Usui.

Syllabic alphabets / abugidas

Ahom, Badaga, Balinese, Batak, Baybayin (Tagalog), Bengali, Brahmi, Buhid, Burmese, Chakma, Cham, Dehong Dai, Devanagari, Dhives Akuru, Ethiopic, Evēla Akuru, Fraser, Gondi, Grantha, Gujarati, Gupta, Gurmukhi, Hanuno'o, Javanese, Jenticha, Kaithi, Kannada, Kharosthi, Khmer, Khojki, Kulitan, Lanna, Lao, Lepcha, Limbu, Lontara/Makasar, Malayalam, Manpuri, Modi, Mongolian Horizontal Square Script, New Tai Lue, Oriya, Pahawh Hmong, Pallava, Phags-pa, Ranjana, Redjang, Shan, Sharda, Siddham, Sindhi, Sinhala, Sorang Sompeng, Sourashtra, Soyombo, Sundanese, Syloti Nagri, Tagbanwa, Takri, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Tibetan, Tikamuli, Tocharian, Tolong Siki, Tulu, Varang Kshiti.


Bibliography  Shivprasanna Lahiri, Sylheti Bhasatattver Bhumika (Introduction to Sylheti Dialect), Dhaka, 1961; Syed Murtaza Ali, 'Sylheter Nagrilipi O Bangla Sahitya' (Sylheti Nagri and Bangla literature), Sahitya Patrika, Dhaka, 1961; GA Chowdhury, Sylheti Nagri Parikrama (Introduction to Sylheti Nagri), 1978; Golam Kadir, 'Sylheti Nagri: Pathan-Pathan' (Readings in Sylheti Nagri), Dhaka Visvavidyalaya Patrika, June 1982; Dewan Nurul Anwar Hussain Choudhury, Amader Sangskrtik Svadhinata : Uttaradhikar O Musalmani Nagri (Our Cultural Independence: Heritage and Muslim Script), Dhaka, 2001.


Sylhet Nagree
  Brief on Some Poets of Nagree Literature

Munshi Sadeq Ali
Munshi Sadeq Ali is a famous poet of Nagri literature. There is no disagreement on the place of his birth, that is village Daulotpur near Longla, but the opinions are different regarding the year he was born-1798,1800 or 1801. According to ‘Sylheter Nagree Lipi O Bangla Shahitya’ by Syed Mortuza Ali, this poet was born in 1801. Dewan Nurul Anwar Hossain Choudhury’s opinion is that birth of Munshi Sadeq Ali happened in 1800 A.D. or 1207 B.E. (Bengali Era). On the contrary Dr. S.M. Golam Quadir has said Sadeq Ali was born in 1798 A.D. He is in favor of considering 1205 B.E. instead of 1250 as appears in the brief identity given by the poet in his book Haltunnabi, a narrative account of the Prophet Muhammad (SM). Dr. Quadir apprehends that 1250 is a printing mistake rather it should be 1205 otherwise other events do not qualify the timeline. Last one has also been supported by Choudhury Golam Akbar Sahityabhushon.
The poet was a Hindu by birth. His name was Gour Kishore and Govind Sen was his father. He served as Munsef of the then Hingazia collectorate under Moulvibazar for eight years from 1823 to 1830. He lost his parents early and was brought up by his paternal uncle whose death influenced him so much that he finally converted himself to a Muslim in 1235 B.E. He married daughter of Hazir Thakur, a noble man and settled in Lamu village of Ita porgonah where his descendants are still living.
His famous books are-Haltunnabi, Hashor Micheel, Roddey Kufur and Mohabbat Naama. The poet composed Roddey Kufur probably at the age of fifty and Halunnabi at fifty seven followed by Mohabbat Naama and Hashor Micheel. Famous Haltunnabi was composed while he was staying in Tahaarlamua village near Rajnagar.
Deen Vobananda
Vobananda was born at Nortton under Longla more than two hundred years ago and attained extraordinary learning in Hindu scripture. Truly, his scholarly virtue is apparent from the language and details of his songs.
Vobananda was a henpecked man; was so attracted to his wife that he used to become extremely eager and restless on her absence even for a day. So, he avoided sending her to his in-law’s house. Once she was send there by his mother while Vobananda was out of home. On return he learnt that and madly reached her with wet clothes by swimming across a river in the dark night. Observing such deep affiliation for her, she told him that if he had similar attraction for the God then he would have found His closeness. Vobananda was moved with her words and had upsurge emotion for God. Having outburst of emotion he asked his wife, “what have you said, mother?” She repeated same words. Then Vobananda went into hidings in that dark night. He was seen for few days by some people singing while floating on a tree-trunk along the river Juri. Thereafter he was not seen for a long time.
Deen Vobananda is a famous devotee poet. A Brahmin and learned, proceeding the way of devotion, ultimately chooses Islam as his religion. His tomb still exists at Kashimnagar mouza under Dharmanagar subdivision of Triperra State. However, Poddyanath Bhottacharjee Bidyabinod and Md. Abdul Bari differ with his becoming a Muslim by analyzing different words; feelings, situations and other aspects of his lyrics. Moreover, there are several words found in his famous ‘Hari Bongsho’ which bear meaning and sense with the words used in southern part of Sylhet only. These words express different meanings in Sylhet and Karimganj areas. With this finding the scholars are definite that he was a man from southern Sylhet.
Whatever may be the debate regarding his place of birth and his ultimate religion, everyone is unanimous that he was an extraordinary poet.
 

Sylheti Nagree
  Brief on Search Team Members
 
Sikandar Ali is a legend in the Syloti Nagree Puthi-paath arena. He was a regular puthi-pathak of Sylhet Betar during 1966-1992. He was capable of reading Nagree verses in verious methods. An inhabitant of Atgaon Dewaner Chak under Khadimpara U.P of Sylhet and a pupil of Dakshinkach Zahiria School.
He graciously donated the printed copy of Haltunnabi. Nagree Fonts were finalized incorporating the revisions suggested by him. He checked the proof of Haltunnabi by conducting puthi-pather aasor. He knew many persons having Nagree books and manuscripts in their possession and with his assistance, links and request several books were collected.
Sikandar Ali (1917 - 2009)
 
Abdul Quadir is an active volunteer for searching Nagree puthis and manuscripts in and around his locality. He is an inhabitant of Fatehpur (Haripur) having his residence very near Well # 6 of the gas field.
He has amazing speed and stamina in walking and capable of crossing every terrain on foot. Whole of Sylhet sadar, Jaintapur, Kanaighat, Guainghat areas are his haunting places. Due to his approach, local dialects and innocence, he is acceptable to all villagers specially the ladies, which has helped him in locating Nagree books and manuscripts for our mission.
 
Abdul Quadir
An inhabitant of Pirer Chak under Khadimpara U.P
Mr. Baada is providing active support to the search team. He has a baby taxi which can ply through the village roads and he charges bare minimum for this drive.
He also remains updated with the information on Nagri books through his personal network people. Accordingly, nagree puthi collection drives are organized. He has become acquainted with the requirements of the mission and contributing his best.
Md. Ilas Ali (Baada)
 
 
 
Mridul Nandy is an active volunteer for searching Nagree puthis and   manuscripts in and around Assam , Shillong & Jaintia Hills area.He is an inhabitant of Shillong having his residence in North-Eastern States of India,he has amazing ability to speak fluently in local languages of North-East like:khasi,Garo,Assamese,Nagamese,kokborok, Nepali.Whole of Shillong, Jaintia Hills, Silchar,Karimganj,Badarpur,Dharmanagar,Nagaon, Kailasahar areas are his haunting places.Due to his approach, local dialects and innocence, he is acceptable to all villagers specially the Sylheti, which has helped him in locating Nagree books and manuscripts for our mission.







                     

Sylhet Nagree
  Brief on Research Scholars
 

 
Sylheti Nagree is the name of an alternative script of Bengali lingual literature for writing, reading and teaching. In greater Sylhet region, this script originated in the seventeenth century. This script was widely cultured there throughout eighteenth and nineteenth century. As a result, more than hundred books were composed, printed and circulated. Even, its pursuing continued till the earlier part of twentieth century. But this meaningful heritage almost remained unknown to the majority of Bengali speaking people.
Matters related to origination, development and fate of Sylheti Nagree have been followed in this book in light of historical focus. Analysis and considerations on sources and characteristics of raw material and ingredients of this unprecedented script have been done with the help of various references. Short discussions were made on reading and teaching methods of this script; and on the form and nature of regional language used in the literatures composed by this script.
This book accomplishes the effort of extracting the real identity and dignity of Sylheti Nagree script, language and literature by discussing the features, theme and extracts of several citable Nagree books.
Dr. Golam Quadir ( March 17, 1933 - February 05, 2011) was born at Chamardani, Dharmapasha under Sunamganj district. He read in various institutes of greater Sylhet upto graduation and obtained his Masters degree from Dhaka University in 1959.  He completed Ph.D in 1983. His career was dominated by teaching profession which continued after his formal retirement from Mymensingh A.M. College. Apart from this research work, he has several other publications.

Dr. Muhammed Sadiq, in his exceptional research "Sylheti Nagri: Fokiri Dharar Foshol", has once again attested that in the midst of darkness all around, someone remains awaked with the hope of light. Essentiality of light is established by discovery of light. He hasn't forgotten the smell of water at roots in the glorious-land even at exile far away from the boundary of Bengal. Being one of the best poets of wavy eighties, a son of greater Sylhet has not forgotten his obligation towards intellect practice. And more significantly selects the root-attached lighted legends and myths as the topic for educational research. Another word which should obviously be spelled that almost all researchers depend on instant desires in selecting the research-topic and even after commencing the task soon get surrounded by hesitation and doubt. Gradually the prospects and substance that lie in the subject become apparent to them.  Merely few out of these researchers transit to reality of life from the theme of the subject.
Prior to commencing or after the conclusion of the research, there exists no relevance of the academic project in determining the sought and substance of life. Dr. Sadiq is a bright and ideal exception in this respect. Remaining occupied with the administrative functions as part of service, he could still keep alive immense interest on Sylheti Nagree Lipi and spiritual literature of the Fakirs who have renounced the world. By moving, year after years, to different towns and villages of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj and Moulvibazar he has collected samples on Sylheti Nagree Lipi and manuscripts, printed books and writings on the same.
Let Dr. Sadiq's book bring hope of revival to the multiple crisis-depressed readers. Let it spread the blended shadow of blue-antimony and ancient-memory by removing arrogant mesh that prevails; and reestablish the significance of essence in diversely-torn life. Readers, let us join this rediscovery and renewing second-acquaintance of root-touch light. There is no sign of completeness or end-point in this book, but has only announcement of a new beginning.


                   Sylheti- Nagari Script

  


The blog was posted by Mridul Nandy.

E-mail:sylhetijagaranmancha@gmail.com