During the War of Liberation in 1971 the Pak army killed 128 innocent persons at village Pakuria of Bharsho Union and buried them in 3-4 ditches.
During the War of Liberation in 1971 the Pak army killed 17 innocent persons and burned a whole village Monhorpur (Manoharpur) of Paranpur Union and buried them in a mass grave.
According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, Manda Upazila had 97,219 households and a population of 363,858. 66,742 (18.34%) were under 10 years of age. Manda had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 46.27%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 1021 females per 1000 males. 12,471 (3.43%) lived in urban areas.[2] Ethnic population was 3,960 (1.09%), of which Santal were 935 and Oraon 740.[3]
On the west bank of Atrai river, under the Manda upazila of Naogaon district, the mosque named Kusumba is situated.
History
Kusumba Mosque is named after the village Kusumba.[4] It was built during the period of Afgan rule in Bangladesh by a high-ranking official named Sulaiman. It was built under one of the last Suri rulers. His name was Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah. Although the mosque was built under the suri rule, the architectural pattern was not influenced by the earlier Suri architecture of North India. It was constructed with a Bengal style. At the eastern central entrance, inscription mentioned the time period of construction of the mosque to 966 AH (1558-59 AD).
Current Condition
The mosque was badly damaged during the earthquake in 1987. Kushumba mosque is also known as Kala Pahar, Kala Rotno which means Black Pearl. Possible reason: During the massive earthquake of 1897 the mosque was damaged severely, but stood firmly. Another reason can be for such name is the black plaster of stones at the outer wall. Now the mosque is protected by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh. The mosque is an attraction that is marveled at and studied, due its wonderful architectural style and elaborate decorations.
Structure
The mosque lies inside a walled enclosure with a monumental gateway with standing spaces for guards. The inscription tablet is totally in Arabic, except the part "built by" is in Persian.Walking up to the mosque, visitors will be greeted by a massive gateway, which is the only entrance to the mosque that is protected by a surrounding wall. One can almost imagine the guards outside, still protecting this breathtaking building. The foundation and most of the building was constructed from bricks, although the outer walls, some interior walls, side screens and columns are of stone. Bunches of grapes and vines curve in an almost serpentine manner on the mihrab frames, and kalasas, tendrils, and rosettes are reduced to dots. The platform edge has grape vine decoration, and there are rosettes on the spandrels of the arches supporting the platform, as well as on the mihrab wall. The central Mihrab is designed in the west. Opposite the central and southeastern entrances, the interior west wall has two mihrabs. There is division in the two mihrabs and they had different platforms. That is because the time of construction the general public was separated from officials and nobility during the prayers.
Manda Thana was formed in 1943 and it was turned into an upazila in 1987.[5]
Manda Upazila is divided into 14 union parishads: Bhalain, Bharso, Bishnupur, Ganeshpur, Kalikapur, Kansopara, Kashab, Kusumba, Manda, Moinam, Nurullabad, Paranpur, Proshadpur, and Tentulia. The union parishads are subdivided into 299 mauzas and 293 villages.[2]
Bangladesh
