Chilarayer Garh/Kot

Chila Ray the ace warrior of erstwhile ruling, Narayana dynasty of CoochBehar/KochBihar. Often compared with the famous French general 'Napoleon'. His war guile,his bravery the assault, on opponent with his troop, in a flashing speed like a kite or Chil dives on it's prey,always made his opponents short of their defenses. Latter historians aptly termed him as 'Indian Napoleon'. He was the brother of the second king 'NaraNarayan', of the dynasty.  Son of  the first king Biswasingha, the mythical lovechild of Lord Shiva. Sukladhawaj, his other name. He was commander-in-chief of the Narayani army. Protecting his country throughout the middle of the16th century. Till today his name is associated,with the ruins of  fortresses. One most famous situated inside the 'Chilapata' forest (note the name of the forest),some thirty kms north of Cooch Behar town. The geographical position of the fort. Gives an clear indication ,that it was used as frontier fort. Against Cooch Behar's traditional foe 'Bhutan'.There are numerous stories and incidents of animosity between this two warring states. Cooch Behar was always scared of 'Bhutan's' agile barbaric army's onslaught against them. Finally the English taking the Cooch Behar's side. Defeating them twice in 1773 and 1865. Annexed large Bhutan territory on 'force lease', the area is now called 'Doors' .Stretched between the provinces of Assam and Westbengal in India. Thus the current Bhutan border shrieked by almost thirty km, from the situation of the old fort at Chilapata forest.

Ruins of the fort at Chilapata- A part of the wall with entrance

Though during the reign of NaraNarayan alias Malladev Narayan, his army under his brother Chilaroy. Defeated Bhutiahs and made them to pay annual tribute to Cooch Behar. To the south-east direction,approximate twenty five kms,as crow flies. At Fulbari anchal, in the outskirts of Tufagamj town, Cooch Behar.Lies two other adjacent ruins of forts named Chilarayer Garh and Chilarayer kot.  Some more were there forming a ring of defenses from Ahoms and Gauda or Gaur kingdoms.

ChilaRayer Garh

ChilaRayer Garh

ChilaRayer Garh 

Non indigenous stone slabs found there

Non indigenous stone slabs found there

Bricks of structures burried under

The nature, size,and material of the bricks of Chilapata and Tufanganj are identical, Seems got baked in the same kiln and by the same group of artisans. Nevertheless the builder and the cause of erection was same. Some stone have drilled circular and square holes, in a geometrical fashion. Denoting there special use. Other with no significant trace but of approximately same size. Supposed to be used as steps and paves, inside the fort.

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Drilled stone slabs

Below are the present day photos of the location of the Chilarayer Kot or residence. Here invaluable pieces of history, lay neglected, un-noticed, without any care from any quarter; in debris of ruins. Also under clamp of bamboo bushes,behind toilets of families etc. If you want to dig? Just within six inches portions of structures,by stacks of ancient bricks reavels. Some times earthen utensils, flower vases, incense fuming pots also reported to have came out. Some bricks are decorated with lotus symbols too have came out.

Locals pointing out the area, including the bamboo clamp back,where most of the ruins are burried till today.

Bamboo clamps,hosting the past glory underneath.

Bricks

Situated just over some ancient strudture

The 'Kanai-Balai (Lord Krishna and Balaram) temple
inside the kot area, with all it's ancient glory and stories.

The 'Kanai-Balai (Lord Krishna and Balaram) temple.

Imagine the glorious days of these areas in context of current sorry,and forlorn state. When the glory and fame of the Koch state was at it's attenuation, shimmering like a diamond in whole north eastern region , including current Bangladesh. Were governed,defended,discharged successfully from these fortresses. Under able hand of mighty king 'NaraNarayan' and his general 'Chila ray'. Go there take refuge in a silent corner, close your eyes. And hear the cacophony- the trumpeting of war elephants, the whining from horse brigade, Hoarse sounds of sharpening of swords,spears, loud commands from commanders, training wrong routes with bow and arrow. See the traders, peasants moving to and fro to the fort to sell their commodities and produces. Nimble feet of princesses and royal ladies heading towards temples inside,to offer daily Puja, blowing of conch shells in number,ringing of multiple bells, are the sounds of divinity. Look at the remote left  near the lake, two masters with a group of falcons training them to hunt. Musicians practicing with their instruments, the dancers rehearsing.Hundreds of inmates doing daily chores....etc.

 But alas! Those days are long gone, devastation of multiple all drowning floods, destruction by earthquakes, erasing effect of time and above all careless,ignorant and cheap works and behavior from us. Brought the richness and glory of history almost dead. Raise and urgent call to protect,acquire and save these,

Nirupam Ghosh

Khagrabari:Cooch Behar

23-07-2017