There are two fairly well preserved kuthis of residential bungalows of the European indigo/silk planters within the extensive campus of the Sardah Police Training Academy in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. The present officer`s mess is housed in the 'Baro-Kuthi' and the principal`s residence is accommodated in the 'Chhota-Kuthi'.
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Location
Sardah is about twenty kilometers east of the Rajshahi town in Charghat thana, approached through a five-mile stretch of feeder road which branches off from the main highway between Rajshahi and Natore, near Banesvar Bazar. Occupying an area of about 143 acres of land on the picturesque northern bank of the Padma River, the academy was established in 1912.
Chhota Kuthi
Sardah Chhota Kuthi was built in 1781 by the Dutch East India Company for their indigo factories. When the British East India Company acquired it in 1835 from the Dutch, the establishment became the 'Sadar' or principal headquarters of 152 Indigo Kuthis of Rajshahi region from which it is believed, the name 'Sardah' was derived. The present stables were the sites of their indigo factory which later was transformed into a silk factory. Still later the whole establishment came under the Midnapur Zamindari and was used as a 'Kutchery'. Major H.Chammey, who was appointed as the first principal of this Police Training College, selected this beautiful place for its fascinating river front and persuaded the government to acquire the site from the Midnapur estate at a total cost of Rs.25,000.The whole area then was a happy hunting ground of wild animals, due to long neglect, and therefore, had to be gradually cleared of the heavy forest cover. It is said that Ishaque Sikari alone killed 111 tigers and leopards. Locally this forest tract was then known as 'Sher-dah' meaning the 'habitat of tigers' from which it is also believed that the present name 'Sardah' might have been originated.
Architectural Description
The 'Sardah Chhota Kuthi' is an unpretentious single storeyed building contains nine apartments and has about 31m frontage overlooking the river and is about 15.5m wide. Here also the central block is higher than the front verandah and is provided with a clerestory window. The 4.5m wide front verandah, carried on eight pairs of Doric columns and the corners being supported on sets of four, is approached up a broad central staircase. The whole appearance of the building is simple but attractive.
Sardah Baro Kuthi
Sardah Baro Kuthi was built in 1781 by the Dutch East India Company for their indigo factories.When the British East India Company acquired it in 1835 from the Dutch,the establishment became the'Sadar' or principal headquarters of 152 indigo kuthis of Rajshahi region from which it is believed,the name 'Sardah' was derived.The present stables were the sites of their indigo factory which later was transformed into a silk factory.Still later the whole establishment came under the Midnapur Zamindari and was used as a 'Kutchery'. Major H.Chammey,who was appointed as the first principal of this Police Training College,selected this beautiful place for its fascinating river front and persuaded the government to acquire the site from the Midnapur estate at a total cost of Rs.25,000.The whole area then was a happy hunting ground of wild animals,due to long neglect,and therefore,had to be gradually cleared of the heavy forest cover. It is said that Ishaque Sikari alone killed 111 tigers and leopards.Locally this forest tract was then known as 'Sher-dah' meaning the 'habitat of tigers' from which it is also believed that the present name 'Sardah' might have been originated.
Architectural Description
The 'Sardah Baro Kuthi' is and unpretentious single storeyed building with 31m facade looking south towards the river and contains nine apartments.It is reached up a broad staircase in the semi-circular projection of the front verandah.The flat roof of the front verandah,which is lower than the main block,is supported on six sets of paired Doric columns but at the two ends there are sets of four grouped columns.Of the three large east-west oriented halls behind the verandh,each measuring about 9.15m,6.1m,the 7.6m high lofty ceiling of the central hall has a glazed rectangular clerestory window.These three halls are flanked symmetrically by comparatively smaller apartments at each end.