The zamindars ruling Faridpur district have a rich history. The Shikdar clan of Kanaipur is also one of the famous zamindars of Faridpur. About 400 years ago, zamindar Kumar of the Shikdar clan built a zamindar bari to live on the banks of the river, which came to be known as Kanaipur Zamindar Bari. But local residents of Faridpur district know it as Shikdar Bari.
Sikdar Bhavtarini of the Shikdar clan acquired considerable fame and wealth as a zamindar. But Bhavatarini’s only son Satish Chandra Shikdar was not at all a good ruler like his mother. Later the zamindari was divided between Satish Chandra Shikdar’s two sons, Surendra Nath Shikdar and Niradbaran Shikdar. As the eldest son, Surendra Nath inherited the majority of the zamindari. After the death of Surendra Nath his sons migrated to Kolkata and due to economic problems the government confiscated their zamindari.
It should be noted that in 1818, the Farayzi movement started under the leadership of Haji Shariatullah against the injustice of these zamindars. Later Haji Shariatullah’s son Dudu Mia Faraiji led the movement.
How to go
Faridpur can be reached by bus and train from the capital Dhaka. Comfort Line, Royal Paribahan, Suryamukhi Paribahan, Golden Line, Anand Paribahan, South Line, Ajmeri Enterprise etc. buses ply on Dhaka-Faridpur route from Gabtali Bus Stand via Padma Bridge. The bus fare will cost 400-500 taka depending on the standard. Apart from this, Faridpur can be reached by Sundarban Express, Madhumati Express and Benapole Express trains from Dhaka Kamalapur railway station. Train fare will be 305 to 696 taka per seat. From Faridpur you can reach Kanaipur Bazar by bus or easy bike and walk for 7-8 minutes or take a van to Kanaipur Zamindar Bari or Shikdar Bari.