| Burdwan also
played an important role in the Gupta age and during the rule of the Sena kings. During
the later Muslim and Mughal period Burdwan was an important administrative headquarters.
It is here that Sher Afghan, the unfortunate husband of Nurjehan lived as a Jagirdar.
Jehangir was anxious to bring over Nurjehan to his haremand had deputed Kutubuddin to
Burdwan as his Subedar. Ultimately both Sher Afghan
and Kutub- uddin were killed in a fight somewhere near the present Burdwan railway
station. The two graves of Sher Afghan and Kutub- uddin lying side by side in Burdwan not
only recall history but remind us rudely as to what man can do to satisfy his lust.
It is again Burdwan that gave sanctum to the intellectual and spiritual divine,Pir Baharam
when he had to leave Delhi due to the machinations of Abul Fazal and Faizi in Akbar's
time. A Hindu divine Jaipal came in close touch with Pir Baharam land both enjoyed a
mutual spiritual companionship.
Even today both the Hindus and the Muslims of Burdwan
recall Pir Baharam and Jaipal with great regard. There is also a large -mango garden in
Burdwan town known as Satir Math (the field of the Sati). This field saw hundreds of
devoted wives voluntarily immolating themselves on the funeral pyre of their husbands.
With this background let us discuss some of the temples of this area. |
