While travelers flock to Maheshkhali Island to see the Adinath Temple and Mainak Hills, many ignore lesser-known historical places such as Babur Dighi.
This lake was dug by Saratchandra Babu, a zamindar with a good soul, in the late 18th century to ease the island’s drinking water crisis.
Maheshkhali first attracted British interest in 1779, when Englishman Robert Warledge requested for settlement.
Ownership of the island later passed to local Dewan Kalicharan Kanungo, who adopted Saratchandra after his son died.
Following Kalicharan’s death, his wife Prabhavati became the island’s owner, and the settlement was registered in her name in 1793.
Saratchandra, her successor, is noted for his community services, which included digging the Babur Dighi.
The upazila administration has announced a master plan for the lake’s development to preserve this historic site and attract more visitors to Maheshkhali’s rich cultural heritage.
Photo: Rajin Saleh
