Rajshahi: Varendra Research Museum, the first museum established in the erstwhile East Bengal in 1910 and now managed by Rajshahi University, continues to be a popular destination for archaeology enthusiasts and tourists. Situated in front of Hetamkhan Sadar Hospital in the bustling city of Rajshahi, the museum is a testament to several thousand years of civilization, featuring artefacts from the Pala, Sena, Maurya, and Gupta periods.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the museum’s inception was driven by the efforts of Zamindar Kumar Sarath Kumar Roy of the Dighapatia royal family of Natore, noted lawyer-historian Akshay Kumar Maitreya, and Ramaprasad Chandra, a teacher at Rajshahi Collegiate School. The late 19th century saw an increasing consciousness among society’s elite regarding the preservation of history and culture, leading to the establishment of the Bengali Sahitya Parishad to safeguard literary and archaeological treasures.
The foundational steps towards the museum began in 1910 with an archaeological expedition to Khanjanpur in Bogura district, culminating in the formation of the Barendra Research Society. The society amassed 32 rare artefacts, including the renowned black stone “Gangamurti,” from various locations in the Rajshahi district. This collection underscored the necessity for a museum building, prompting Sarath Kumar to initiate construction. The foundation stone was laid by the then Governor of Bengal, Lord Carmichael, in 1916, and the museum was inaugurated by Lord Ronaldshay in 1919.
Today, the Rajshahi Varendra Research Museum boasts a collection of approximately 19,000 artefacts, including stone and metal sculptures, terracotta, coins, manuscripts, pottery, weapons, and paintings. The museum’s seven galleries showcase treasures from the Indus Civilisation, Mughal paintings, and artefacts from significant archaeological sites like Paharpur in Bangladesh and Nalanda in India.
Prof Saifuddin Chowdhury, a former director of the museum, regards it as a symbol of pride for Rajshahi and the Bengali nation. He emphasized the museum’s dual role as a research centre, highlighting its contribution to preserving the heritage of the Rajshahi region. Despite challenges such as limited space and a shortage of skilled technicians, the museum remains committed to its mission.
Visitor Rawnak Afroz, a college teacher, observed that while the museum holds an impressive collection of artefacts, the exhibits have largely remained unchanged for over a decade. Prof Ali Reza Muhammad Abdul Majid, another former director, acknowledged that most artefacts are stored due to space constraints but reiterated the museum’s dedication to preservation despite staffing limitations.