Sreepur Zaminder house in Magura district is on the verge of ruination due to lack of proper maintenance.
This historical site stands in Sreepur Upazila headquarters and 15-km away from Magura town.
According to the local history, Sarada Ranjan Pal purchased zamindary (land property in Sreepur region) from Nawab Alibardi Khan. Subsequently, Uday Aditya, son of Jashore region king Pratapaditya, married Biva Rani Pal, daughter of Sharada Ranjan Pal.
Sharada constructed this house with help of king Pratapaditya. Kind Pratapaditya was very influential and a man of obstinate nature. On the other hand, Sharada Ranjan Pal was reverse in character. He was very generous and a man of simple nature. Subsequently, the reverse character of Pratapaditya and Sharada Ranjan Pal badly influenced the conjugal life of Uday Aditya and Biva Pal. Using this tale, Poet Rabindranath Tagore composed his great novel “Bou Thakuranir Haat”, which turned into a popular creation in Bengali literature.
According to the history, the popular character of Bou Thakuranir Haat, 'Surma', was born and brought up in this Zamindar house. Uday Aditya along with his wife came to this house at times.
The house still stands with several rooms, lion gate and a locker. But all these things will face ruination within a very short time unless necessary step is taken to preserve this valuable site right now.
Researcher Mazeda Khatun, former Bengali teacher of Sreepur Government Degree College, said, “Sreepur Zamindar Bari [house] is our glorious heritage. It can be a unique tourist spot. But unfortunately, we are going to lose this valuable archaeological asset due to negligence.”
When contacted, Magura Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Kader said, “We are contemplating preserving all historical sites in the district. After investigation, congenial step will be taken in this regard.”
