The location of this fort enshrines the memory of Isha Khan in Egarsindur village, 22 km from Kishoreganj and 8 km from Pakushia upazila. Before the name Egarosindhur, the place was known as Ganjer Hat. Later this place came to be known as Egarsindur as 11 small and big canals or rivers flowed past this village. Due to the easy access to the river, the area quickly gained popularity as a place of business and residence.
History:
There is a difference of opinion regarding the main builders of Egarsindur Fort, built in the 16th century, namely King Azahba, Koch Hajong chief Berush Raja and Rajya Gaur Gobind. However, his name is more common as the builder of this fort due to the various structures including Bebudh Raja’s Dighi in the vicinity. After the Sultanate period, Egarsindur area came under the control of Bebudh Raja. Later, Isha Khan, the chief of Bar Bhuiyan of Bengal, defeated Bebudh Raja and occupied the fort of Egarsindur. The battle between the Mughal commander Raja Durjan Singh and the history-discussed Man Singh took place here. It is said that in 1598, Mansingh’s sword broke in a battle with Isha Khan, and Isha Khan gave the unarmed Mansingh a new weapon. Isa Khan accepted the defeat of Man Singh in this magnanimity.
The fort was almost destroyed due to the earthquake of 1897. However, high mounds can be seen inside the fort, where there is evidence that cannons were fired.
Other structures to visit in Egarsindur include: Dighi dug by Bebud Raja known as Dighi of Bebud Raja. Built around 1600 AD, the huge domed Shah Mahmud Mosque and Balakhana. Sadi Mosque, rich in terracotta decoration, built in 1642 AD during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.
How to go
Jalsindi and Ananya Paribahan buses ply from Dhaka’s Mohakhali bus stand via Pakushia. Egarosindur can be easily reached by rickshaw or easy bike by getting off the bus at Thanarghat.
If you want to come by train from Dhaka, you have to take intercity train Egarosindur or Kishoreganj Express and get down at Manikkhali station. The price of the train ticket is 135 to 368 rupees depending on the seat. From Manikkhali station you have to come by easy bike or CNG to Katiyadi. You will get local transport from Katiyadi directly to Egarosipur.
There is no provision for food and accommodation here. However, Pakundia has some modest quality food hotels and a government postal bungalow.