Tetulia

Tetulia is the most attractive upozila of Panchogar.

There are four rivers flowing through—the Korotoa, Gobra, Dahuk and Mahananda. They have different flows during different times of the year. Originating in the mountains, they also bring along large rocks. The water is crystal clear and sweet. It is a lot of fun to take a dip in the cold waters if you visit in the summer season. The water flow is much lower in the winter, but then the vast 'Chars' emerge on them. And after a good rain in the monsoons, the serene waters peacefully flow through the tea estates to the flatter parts of the region. 

Apart from the rolling hills in the Sylhet region, a lot of tea is now produced in the flatlands of Panchagarh now. Tea estates line both sides of the main road, melding into the horizon. It is a vast verdant carpet, wherein stand some tall trees, providing shade to the tea gardens. We had assumed that the name Tetulia must have been derived from Tetul, or tamarind, and that we found to be true. There used to be many tamarind trees in the region then. But we could not determine whether those trees were in fact haunted or not, as many in Bangla literature are said to be! It is also said that once an English trader lived on one of the hill tops here, beside a large tamarind tree. His father's name was “Tetu”. So the name Tetulia came from the Tetu and “tetultola” for the tree. Even today it seems that the greenery is the most dominant factor in Tetulia. Apart from the tea gardens, there are also orchards of pineapples, jackfruit, watermelon, papaya, and oranges. Rows and rows of mango trees, wheat, rice and garlic can also be seen. Rows and rows of ancient trees. The whole place is somehow shaded, basking in its greenery. 

Tetulia is one of the oldest police staions or “thana” of the country. It used 

to be a mohkuma city until 1869, under the British colonial rule. It was well known for trade and industry, as well as for being an inland river port. It was also a central business district for the Marwaris, as the “Mohajoni” or wholesale boats would ply over the Mahananda river. There also used to be a trade fair here once, where traders from far flung areas would come to sell their wares. That is when the pukka houses sprung up, along with roads, temples and the racecourse for horses. But a sudden epidemic of Malaria and Black Fever (Kalajor) changed everything, leaving the port city bereft of people. It fell under the Jolpaiguri administration in 1870 but was placed within Panchagarh during the Partition of 1947. India surrounds the upazila on three sides. 

The Daak Bunglow in Tetulia is old but sturdy and beautiful. It is said that the Raja of Kutch Bihar had it made. About 15-20 metres above the water level, the river flows right in front of it. The design bears the hallmarks of British architecture. It is now owned by the Zila Parishad. A pillar to mark our victory was built right next to it.