Srihatta, the original homeland of Sylhetees, was subjected to repeated political changeover during the pre-independence era. Administrative and political pressures kept changing the fates of the people residing there. Researchers and historians maintain that the people of different religio-racial stream belonging to different parts of India resided in sylhet for a long period and ultimately got absorbed into the mainstream of local population. Their contribution is by no means is insignificant. it would not be out of context to mention here two of such personalities, Dewan Manikchand and Lala Hardayal Singh. When sylhet was annexed to the Mughal Empire, Dewan Manikchand was appointed as the administrator under the title of ‘Dewan’ and posted at sylhet accompanied by a general named Lala Hardayal Singh. Both of them settled down at sylhet and got permanently absorbed in local society by marriage. The descendants of those personalities migrated from sylhet after the partition of India in 1947 and are still living in the different parts of India. Dewan Manikchand’s son was Murarichand, whose son was Raja Girish Chandra, the founder of the first college at Sylhet , Murarichand college, named after his father. He also founded the first high English school at sylhet, Raja Girish Chandra High school, popularly known as Rajar School.
Lala Hardayal Singh selected a huge plot of land for his residence as well as for accommodation for his ‘sephais’(Soldiers) under his command. He too, got permanently absorbed there. The area where he resided is known as Lalar Dighir Par,’Lalar Bari’ called after his name. It is the westernmost part of Sylhet town. Lala Hardayal Singh used to wear an amulet of Mahavir Hanuman while commanding in the battle field. The holy amulet emblematic of Mahavir Hanuman, has since been worshipped by the descendants who migrated to India after 1947.
Srihatta, also , also known as Sribhumi(“Sundari Sribhumi” as termed by Rabindranath Tagore in his poem written after the separation of sylhet from Bengal and its annexation with Assam) was a land of abundance. Indeed it was blessed with natural beauty and bounty. In concord with its natural wealth and gaiety were its residents, sylhetees – welcoming, warm-hearted, lovable and peace loving. Sylhet bred and shaped many eminent personalities who attained excellence in academic, artistic, political and various other spheres. Repeated administrative change-over rocked the fate of its residents time and again. But their inherent qualities – love of peace and amity, urge for harmonious co-existence remained unabated. The uprooted residents of this beautiful valley got dispersed in various parts of the glove especially after partition in 1947. But they carried with them their deep cultural essence that distinguishes them from others and at the same time links them with the mainstream of humanity. The desire to preserve and promote their cultural identity has given birth to Srihatta Sanmeelani( an association of sylhetees) in various parts of India and abroad as well.
Peaceful co-existence and co-operation between two dominant religious communities in sylhet, i.e. the Hindus and the Muslims is indeed exemplary. Politics has often been, and not wrongly perhaps, termed as nuisance. Political profit mongers have often used religion as bait ‘ISM’ is their catchword. But if one happens to step in Shahjalaler Dorga in sylhet, one would be struck by the free and unhindered access of the Hindus seeking solace and comfort from Pir Baba in malady and misfortune, distress and death. Shahjalal, although a Sufi saint, was revered and adored by one and all. The Hindus and the Muslims, irrespective of cast and creed still tread on the holy soil. Shahparan,( the holy tomb of one Shahjalal’s descendants ) another such resort, is still the nurture ground of harmony. People here are seen corded in one tie – the deep tie of love ,share and care.
13 festivities in 12 months ( Baro Mashe Tero Parbon) is a famous saying that illustrates many a socio-religious festival that keep people busy all through out the year. The dance and music, light and fragrance, garland and gaiety of the hindu festivals ( be it Durga puja, saraswati puja, Nababarsha or marriage celebration) do involve and invite the other community and make them unfailing partakers. Give and take , participate and partake-still go on. Only when the political comet appears in the sky, the bright Sun of love is eclipsed.
Many ( sylhetees) who felt the pain of quitting their motherland are dead and gone. Those alive , wistfully look back to the good old days. It remains in the hands the youths now to keep the flame of this unique culture alive and spread the message of good-will and amity in the strife torn world of today.
The Author Mrs. Srithirekha Das teaches English in Shillong College,Shillong. syhlleti.org is thankful to her for her contribution and would like to request her to consider contributing more. Mr. Pallab Dutta, another major contributor also deserves our thanks who has made the content available to us.
Any comment to her can be sent at contact