Ambar Shah Mosque: A Mosque Intertwined with the History of Karwan Bazar

During the Mughal era, there was a security checkpoint in Karwan Bazar. At the entrance of the city, everyone was checked at this security checkpoint. Along with the checkpoint, there was a caravanserai. Most probably, over time, this caravanserai became known as Karwan Bazar.

In Karwan Bazar, the Karwan Bazar Mosque still survives. This three-domed mosque, built following the architecture of Subahdar Shaista Khan, the governor of the province, was once known as Khwaja Ambar’s Mosque. Khwaja Ambar was the chief khwaja of Shaista Khan. He built it around 1679-80, and in terms of antiquity, it ranks 22^nd among the mosques of Dhaka. Its main feature is the mihrab made of black stones, which were brought from Rajmahal in India.

Khwaja Ahsanullah had endowed some lands for the maintenance of the mosque. The local people once raised funds to renovate it. Khwaja Ambar is buried right next to the mosque. To reach Khwaja Ambar’s mosque, one once had to cross a beautiful bridge known as Khwaja Ambar’s Bridge. It was located beside the Sonargaon Hotel on the present-day Eskaton Canal. This bridge was also built by Khwaja Ambar. However, in the 1960s, the bridge was demolished during the widening of the present-day Mymensingh Road. 

Oenone is a melancholic heroine

“Oenone” is a very melancholic and sad poem. Oenone is the central character or heroine, and she is also a melancholic person. She suffers devastation because she was abandoned by Paris. Paris left her and decided to go after Helen, the most beautiful woman. As a result, Oenone became very depressed, and she complained to her mother; this poem is like a lament. Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote this poem before 1833, and it was one of his earliest poems where he dealt with a Greek mythological character. Later, he also wrote “The Lotos-Eaters,” “Ulysses,” and “Tithonus,” all of which are based on Greek mythology.

In the poem “Oenone,” we find that Oenone is complaining to her mother about her suffering in life. She is a very sad character, and she narrates the entire story. The god Ares gave an apple to Paris, stating that he would be the judge. Three goddesses desired the apple, and it was up to Paris to decide who would receive it. Hera, the wife of Zeus, promised that if Paris gave her the apple, she would grant him power, making him ruler of the world. Aphrodite promised that she would give Paris the most beautiful woman in the world. Pallas was the third goddess who promised to give Paris knowledge and wisdom. However, Oenone wanted Paris to accept the offer of the goddess Pallas because knowledge and wisdom can make life beautiful. However, Paris was not interested, and he chose Aphrodite’s offer, which ultimately led to Oenone's suffering and destruction.

Tennyson used Greek mythology in a modern way and made “Oenone” a deeply melancholic poem. He portrayed Oenone as a sad woman who suffered injustice, and the poet wanted to draw the reader's attention to the sufferings of this beautiful character.

Life was not fair to Oenone, as she loved Paris deeply and was always faithful to him. In contrast, Paris was neither a good man nor a devoted lover. He easily abandoned Oenone for the promise of getting a beautiful wife. This betrayal was even more painful for Oenone because she was pregnant with Paris’ child, and he left her at the time she would give birth to their baby.

“Oenone” is a sad and painful poem that also conveys moral lessons. It portrays the injustice men have done to women throughout generations. What Aphrodite offered Paris was not love but a destructive temptation. 

Bangladeshi villages during winter season

Winter comes every year. The two months of Poush and Magh make up the winter season. Winter mornings remain covered with fog. Light begins to appear slowly on the eastern horizon. The morning dew falls drop by drop. Dewdrops sparkle on the grass. In the morning light, the tempting, sweet aroma of boiling date palm sap drifts from afar. On the village roads, farmers take their oxen toward the fields to prepare the land for sowing saplings. Meanwhile, in the mustard fields, the buzzing of bees starts.

In villages, the main attraction of the winter season is date palm sap. In the afternoon, sap collectors climb the date palm trees, cut a small portion of the bark, and tie an earthen pot with a rope beneath it. All night, the sap drips drop by drop and collects in the pot. People bring down the pots from the trees in the morning and collect the date palm juice. In villages, various types of traditional cakes, puddings, and sweets are made with date palm juice and newly harvested rice. Everyone, both young and old, enjoys eating these delicacies.

In the winter season, when evening arrives in villages, everyone lights a fire in the courtyard to warm themselves up. The adults often go to the local shops to have tea and chat about various topics. During winter, various types of fresh vegetables—bottle gourds, beans, radish, cabbage, yardlong beans, and different types of leafy greens—are found in villages. In winter, villages truly reveal many beautiful forms. 

Winter morning in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country of six seasons. Each season is radiant with its own distinct characteristics. Among them, the winter season appears before us with a completely different atmosphere. Winter comes like a biting old woman, draped in the freezing cold winds from the north and a blanket of fog. For people, the main attraction of winter days is the winter morning. At this time, nature is surrounded by dense fog. The light of the new sun cannot penetrate the dense white curtain of fog and spread its radiance on the earth. In the cold wind, nature and the animal world start to tremble. That is why the poet Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said,

“The winter breeze made the amalki dance on its branches.

The leaves rustled and fell rhythmically.”

The months of Poush and Magh make up the winter season. During this time, the dance of fog begins with nature. The cold winds from the north blow, and trees lose their leaves. The intensity of the river’s stream slows down. When everything is covered with thick fog in the winter morning, nature appears extraordinarily beautiful. In the pale nature, a silent beauty is seen on winter mornings. This beauty is somewhat abstract. Nature becomes engrossed in a strange stillness on a winter morning. When a traveler walks through the veil of fog, breaking the silence, it feels as if his body is shivering in the biting cold of winter. The picturesque scene of dew drops accumulating on tin roofs, tree branches, and grass tips is seen only on winter mornings. The dew drops glitter like pearls on the bosom of nature wrapped in a thin white sheet. Nature becomes refreshed. Yellow mustard fields and flower gardens buzz with the sound of bees. When the sun peeks through the veil of fog, the dew-soaked nature sparkles in the soft light.

Winter morning in city: The winter morning in the city is spent in a slightly different manner. The cawing of crows, rather than the chirping of various birds, may awaken city dwellers on winter mornings. Many city dwellers spend winter mornings sleeping, reluctant to leave the warmth of their blankets. Even those who must wake up early tend to rise late on holidays. As a result, city dwellers cannot enjoy the winter morning like rural people do. In the city, the asphalt roads are covered with fog, and dew falls as well, but the touch of dew-soaked grass, as in the countryside, does not stir the hearts of travelers. In winter, even adults hesitate to wash their faces with icy cold water, and children run away fearing it. City dwellers do not have the mindset to watch the sunrise, sunset, or the fog of winter mornings. For those accustomed to a robotic life, such things are merely matters of emotion. Nevertheless, urban residents greet the winter morning adorned in vibrant winter clothes. Wrapped in comfortable garments like coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, shawls, and mufflers, they head out to their workplaces on winter mornings.

Winter morning in village: In the village, winter morning creates a unique scene. Various types of vegetables are produced during the winter season. Fresh date palm sap is found on winter mornings. The sweet aroma of bhapa pitha increases the appetite in the winter morning. The impoverished villagers often lack warm clothes during the winter. They tremble in cold at night, and before the sun peeks out, it feels like morning is just about to arrive. The call for prayer (Azan) is heard from the village mosque, and worshipers from far and wide come to the mosque to say prayer breaking through the deep darkness. After eating a full meal of panta bhat (water-soaked rice), the farmers go to the fields to work on a foggy winter morning. They also go to the local market for shopping. The children go to the village maktab (a traditional Islamic elementary school) for their studies. When walking past the mosque or maktab, you can see the students receiving religious education in their loud collective voices. Their voices reach our ears. If it feels a little bit colder, the group of boys gather around the straw fire, roast the beans in the fire in the morning, and warm themselves by the fire.

Rivers on winter morning: During winter season, in our country, there is not enough water in the rivers during winter. During that time, the river offers an abundance of fish to catch. That is why, early on winter mornings, fishermen go to the river to catch fish. Although the fishing boats are only a short distance away, they remain invisible in the dense veil of fog. However, boats on long journeys, such as launches and ferries, struggle to navigate smoothly through that thick fog. Then, the cold wind blowing over the river brings a shivering chill that shakes one to the bone.

Main attraction of winter morning: The main attraction of a winter morning is the variety of traditional cakes. During this season, abundant date palm juice is available in villages. Early morning, earthen pots are brought down from the date palm trees. It feels wonderful to drink this fresh juice on a winter morning. As soon as the morning arrives, there is a rush throughout the villages to enjoy date palm sap pudding. The village children gather in groups, basking in the sun while eating puffed rice, crispy sweets, and various traditional cakes and puddings. The main attractions of this season are Chitoi Pitha and Bhapa Pitha. In addition, varieties of cakes are made in each household. That is why poet Sufia Kamal once said,

“During the Poush festival, sitting down to eat pitha, they are filled with joy,

and their excitement grows even more upon receiving their mother’s scolding.”

Happiness and sorrows on winter morning: There is no greater comfort than lying cozily inside a quilt or blanket on a winter morning. Having breakfast with various types of traditional cakes, winter vegetables, and more on a winter morning creates a sense of happiness among people. On the other hand, for those who do not have winter clothes to wear and sleep beside the road in the chilling winter air, winter mornings are full of hardship.

Disadvantages of a winter morning: On a winter morning, when the bone-chilling cold sets in, the villagers suffer from lethargy and melancholy. People’s enthusiasm for work comes to a halt. They feel like lying comfortably wrapped in quilts. Poor people suffer due to a lack of warm clothes. In the poet’s words, a prayer arises in their hearts:

“O sun!

Give us warmth and light in our damp, soaked home.” 

Disadvantages of moving vehicles: On winter nights or mornings, the environment remains foggy. As a result, nothing can be seen clearly from a distance, and it often seems there is nothing ahead except a white curtain of fog. During this time, road accidents occur most frequently due to moving vehicles. Similarly, issues also arise with the movement of launches and steamers on the waterways. It is better to avoid traveling on roads or waterways in foggy conditions.

Conclusion: Who doesn't love the touch of golden sunlight, damp with dewdrops, on a winter morning? With a mix of comfort and inconvenience, winter mornings fill our hearts with a unique sense of joy for two months each year. In the poet’s words, “a drop of dew on a single stalk of rice” illuminates the beauty of a winter morning. 

Victorian elements and ideas in Tennyson’s Oenone and Tithonus

Alfred, Lord Tennyson was the greatest poet of the Victorian age, and during his lifetime, he was more popular than Robert Browning and Matthew Arnold. One of the reasons for Tennyson’s popularity was his ability to capture the spirit of his time. In other words, he had a good understanding of what people thought during his lifetime. This made him very famous and successful. The two poems under discussion, Oenone and Tithonus, are based on Greek mythology. They also contain moral lessons, yet they reflect Victorian elements and ideas. As a result, these poems were fascinating to Victorian readers.

The Victorian age in England began with the reign of Queen Victoria. However, many people believe that it started slightly earlier with the Reform Act of 1832. Victoria ascended the British throne in 1837. It was a very important time for England for many reasons. There were political issues, as ordinary people were demanding voting rights and democracy. The British people witnessed significant changes in various fields, particularly in science and knowledge. It was a very unstable time, with many things happening in a short period. Tennyson himself was somewhat conservative and did not favor rapid change. Therefore, in Oenone and Tithonus, we can see Tennyson criticizing those who sought change too quickly or recklessly.

If we look at Oenone, we will notice that Paris neglected his devoted wife, Oenone. She was dedicated, loving, and caring toward Paris, but he did not reciprocate her feelings. When the three goddesses offered him three gifts, he chose not to select knowledge. In doing so, he neglected wisdom, an idea Tennyson strongly disapproved of. Tennyson, being a man who valued knowledge, wanted to emphasize the importance of education and intellectual growth.

Neglecting knowledge, Paris pursued beauty. He cared more for passion than for knowledge and logic. Oenone tried to reason with him using logic, but Paris refused to listen to what was right and rational. Tennyson may have symbolized the idea that if people prioritize passion and beauty over logic and knowledge, social disharmony and unrest will follow. As a result of Paris’ actions, Troy was completely destroyed in a devastating war.

In Oenone, Tennyson aimed to convey a message to the people of his time, particularly in Victorian England, emphasizing the importance of embracing knowledge over beauty. He suggested that individuals must be careful in their choices in life; otherwise, they will face suffering.

Tithonus conveys a different message for the Victorian people. Tithonus sought immortality and received divine blessings for it. This desire reflects a growing emphasis on science and knowledge. During the Victorian era, many scientists and scholars began to challenge Christianity and religion as a whole. The criticism of religion became so pronounced that Charles Darwin was able to publish his book, claiming that there was no God and that the Bible was fundamentally flawed. According to Darwin’s theory, human beings did not originate from divine creation but evolved through natural processes. Tennyson may have wanted to suggest that if we forget God and focus solely on science and knowledge, destruction may follow.

Tennyson also warned the Victorian people about their desires. The message of Tithonus can be summarized as: “Be careful about what you wish for.” He wanted to convey to his fellow countrymen that if they desired too much, like Tithonus, they would ultimately suffer. During this time, there was significant political activity, and ordinary people were demanding more rights and democracy. As a result, there was a great deal of violence during the Victorian age, and Tennyson was not someone who favored social anarchy.

I have already stated that Tennyson was not fond of rapid change in society. In Tithonus, he aimed to convey to his people that the natural way is the best way. Tithonus desired something unnatural—immortality—which ultimately led to his destruction and suffering.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in these two poems, Oenone and Tithonus, Tennyson conveyed important messages to the Victorian people. 

The importance of following and imitating a good role model

It is clear that a good role model plays an important role in the lives of individuals and society and has many advantages. Here are some points that highlight the importance of role models:

Guidance: A good role model guides others because they take inspiration from it as a good model to follow. It helps them make the right decisions and choose the right behavior.

Promotes positive values: A good role model fosters positive values in people and society. They see a role model as an example to follow and emulate in their behavior and ethics.

Improves family relationships: A good role model leads to the improvement of family relationships. When children follow a good example, they feel comfortable and trust family members, and in this way, everyone cooperates to form a united family filled with love and respect.

Saves time and effort in education: A good role model reduces the effort and time parents need to raise their children. Children learn correct values and proper behavior through the positive example set by a role model.

Builds an educated and aware generation: A good example is one of the main reasons for raising a generation capable of respecting and appreciating others. A good role model helps develop awareness and rationality in individuals through positive examples and good actions.

Promotes devotion to God: Among other benefits, a good role model guides people towards God and plays a crucial role in attracting them to religion. A good example serves as a powerful way to make others think about religion and improve their thoughts and actions under the influence of this good example.

Works on change and reform: A good example is a strong motivation for change and reform in society. It inspires people and encourages them to do good deeds and contribute to improving social and educational conditions for everyone.

In summary, it can be said that a good role model is an essential element in the lives of people and society. It contributes to empowering a generation to take responsibility and achieve positive changes in society.

Role models are an important source of inspiration and influence in people’s lives. As a source of guidance and direction, role models take various forms and are divided into several types. To understand them better, we will highlight a few of these types.

Good role model: A good role model is a positive figure that people can follow in various aspects of life. A good role model has a distinctive ideal image and positive qualities that inspire others to strive for success and development.

Bad role model: In contrast, a bad role model can have a negative impact on the lives of those who look up to them. These role models exhibit undesirable behaviors or negative characteristics that can hinder a person’s growth and development.

Positive role model: This role model is characterized by positive qualities. It embodies good ethics and noble values like honesty, sincerity, generosity, and courage. Those who follow this role model can become a source of inspiration to others and uplift their spirits.

Negative role model: A negative role model represents poor behavior and habits that should be avoided. People must be cautious of this type of role model and resist being influenced by them, as they can lead to deviance or negative consequences.

Role model in business: In business, role models take many forms. Positive and successful role models are often represented by successful entrepreneurs and celebrities who have visions and ambitions that inspire others to achieve similar success. On the other hand, negative and unsuccessful role models may hinder professional growth and development.

In summary, role models take many shapes and forms, both positive and negative. Therefore, we must be cautious when choosing our role models and always strive to be a positive role model for others, making a lasting impact on their lives.

What is the difference between a good and a bad role model?

A good role model is someone who exhibits positive qualities and behaviors, presenting an example that others strive to emulate. In contrast, a bad role model displays negativity and undesirable behaviors, making them unworthy of imitation. A good role model encourages the development of positive qualities and ethics, whereas a bad role model can pass on negative traits to those who follow them. For example, a good role model might be a symbol of positive character for their children or a symbol of respect for their students at school. Setting a good example contributes to the growth and development of personality positively. Therefore, people should strive to seek out and become good role models.

What sets a good role model apart?

A good role model has many qualities and characteristics that make them worthy of emulation. These include incorporating values of faith and righteousness (taqwa) into their daily lives, sincerely worshipping God, and adhering to the two testimonies of faith (Shahada). They believe in the core principles of religion and faith, including belief in God, His messengers, His books, and respect for the virtues that should guide a person’s life.

Additionally, good role models prioritize obligatory and recommended duties because they aim to live by the pillars of their faith. They are also honest, display good morals and behaviors, and are symbols of humility and friendliness. Moreover, they seek to serve their community and strive for justice in all aspects of life. These qualities set a good role model apart in society and make them an example to follow.

What is the impact of a good role model on individuals and society?

A good role model plays an important role in influencing both individuals and society. They help refine and develop individuals by serving as a reference for good behavior and helping others develop their skills and values.

Furthermore, a good role model has a significant impact on the entire community. Through their influence, the community becomes more united and experiences a sense of brotherhood. A good role model also spreads optimism and positivity throughout society.

Therefore, selecting a good role model is crucial. One should choose an individual who possesses qualities like honesty, justice, courage, and tolerance. They must be able to inspire and influence others with these positive values and actions.

In summary, the impact of a good role model on individuals and society is invaluable. They contribute to building a strong and conscious society where development and a culture of peace are prioritized. Thus, we should all strive to be good leaders who can serve as examples for others to follow.

What is the role of a good role model in shaping a generation?

A good role model plays an important role in shaping a generation. It is considered a guide and example that people in their community follow. A good role model contributes to building a society by shaping a generation capable of facing challenges, working hard, and persevering. It also helps spread sincerity and the value of determination for success, which builds a bright future for individuals and the community. Having a good role model encourages work and improvement and overall helps society become better.

What is the relationship between a role model and companionship?

The relationship between a role model and companionship is a strong and influential one in a person’s life. A role model means we follow and are inspired by the behavior and ethics of that person, whom we consider an ideal. Companionship, on the other hand, is the blessed relationship that connects us with good friends who influence the shaping of our personality and behavior. If our company is good and inspired by positive role models, it will have a positive impact on our lives, both in this world and the hereafter. Therefore, we must be careful in choosing good friends who contribute to the development and progress of our personality and faith.

How can a person become an ideal for others?

A person who wants to be a role model for others must have many qualities and skills. For example, the person must have the ability to take responsibility and admit their mistakes. Moreover, a role model must have a great understanding and respect for others’ opinions, whether they agree or disagree. This contributes to creating a learning environment that encourages a culture of cooperation and mutual understanding. Managers and leaders must have strong abilities to achieve positive outcomes because embracing these ideas and demonstrating the potential in others will contribute to building society.

There is no doubt that the right positive role model will contribute to increasing others’ confidence in the individual and will have a significant impact on inspiring others to reach their highest potential, whether in the educational environment or other fields.

What is the nicest thing about a good role model?

The most beautiful thing said about a good role model is that it makes you a beacon for everyone because people strive to achieve what you have achieved in life. A good role model represents the perfection of an individual, so others can emulate and want to imitate them. A good role model highlights idealism in behavior and the perfection of work. These two things characterize ideals and role models, from whom we draw inspiration for our behavior and actions. It is a beautiful thing for a religious person to be a good role model for others to follow, to show them the right path, and to provide a solid foundation to shape our lives.

The difference between a role model and an ideal lie in the meaning they express and the emphasis placed on each. A role model refers to someone whose actions and behavior should be followed and emulated, whereas an ideal is considered someone worthy of imitation in terms of their actions, including various aspects of their life. Although their meanings overlap, a perfect role model represents a harmony between words and actions, while an ideal refers to the flawless behavior of a particular person.

Example of a good role model:

A good role model plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals and society by providing a model of God-fearing and honest morals. These people live according to the principles of their beliefs and values, inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves.

Role models exist across various fields, including religious, cultural, sports, and other areas. For example, the last prophet is regarded as the most wonderful ideal due to his good morals. He was honest and empathetic to all people. Even in the most difficult situations, he showed humility and tolerance. His commitment to prayer and worship made him a unique model of faith and spirituality.

In modern society, there are other role models like scientists, writers, and athletes who care about social issues and strive for progress and development. Anyone who gives back to society through their profession or hobby can be considered a good role model. They set an example that inspires others to contribute and work towards positive change.

In short, a good role model instills high human values in individuals and reminds them of the importance of adhering to their principles and values, whether in religious, behavioral, or even scientific realms. They inspire others to overcome challenges and strive for personal excellence and the progress of society as a whole. 

The relationship between Aeneas and Dido in The Aeneid

In the epic, The Aeneid, both Venus and Juno contribute to the union between Aeneas and Dido. When Aeneas is blown to Carthage by a storm, Venus appears to him in disguise and advises him to enter the city and speak with the queen. To ensure the safety of her son in this new land, Venus sends her other son, Cupid, to fill Dido with passion for Aeneas. Venus does this to protect Aeneas and his son, fearing that Dido might otherwise be cruel to them. 

Juno harbors animosity towards Aeneas due to Paris’ judgment in a divine beauty contest, where Paris favors Venus over her. Consequently, Juno desires their destruction. However, both Venus and Juno collaborate to make Dido fall in love with Aeneas, each for her own reasons. Juno hopes that Dido’s love will prevent Aeneas from reaching Italy, while Venus seeks solace for the shipwrecked and hopeless Aeneas. To achieve this, they use Cupid to instill Dido with a deep affection for Aeneas.

Things become complicated due to the interference of the two goddesses. Their actions create a storm that drives Dido and Aeneas to seek shelter in a cave, where they engage in an unofficial “marriage” and most likely make it complete by getting intimate.

Aeneas is presented to Dido in a way that makes their love seem reasonable and realistic. When Aeneas narrates his story, he represents himself as a hero, which makes Dido even more infatuated with him. They also find many things in common, as both Aeneas and Dido have fled their homelands.

In the epic poem The Aeneid, Anna, Dido’s sister, proposes a marriage between Dido and Aeneas for two main reasons. First, if Dido marries Aeneas, it would strengthen Carthage as the Trojan warriors follow him. Numerous African tribes surround Carthage, posing a constant threat of attack. This is a political reason. However, emotional reasons outweigh the political ones. Dido tells Anna that she desires Aeneas and is willing to break her promise to her deceased husband, which was to remain faithful to him. Before Aeneas arrives in Carthage, Dido has received marriage proposals from African tribal leaders and her own people, but she has rejected them due to her promise. Upon meeting Aeneas, she falls in love with the Trojan hero.

The gods are also involved in the separation of Aeneas and Dido. When Jupiter, the king of the gods, learns of their affair, he sends Mercury to Carthage to remind Aeneas of his duty to leave for Italy and found another Trojan city.

Mercury reminds Aeneas that his future lies somewhere else and that he must leave for Italy. This message shocks Aeneas, who feels he has no choice but to obey the gods’ command. Unsure how to inform Dido of his departure, he tries to prepare his fleet to set sail in secret. However, the queen suspects his plan and confronts him. In a rage, she insults him and accuses him of betraying her honor, begging him to stay. In response, Aeneas asserts that he was never truly her husband and loves his destiny more sthan he loves her. He explains that he is going to Italy not of his own will but because Jupiter commands it. As a final effort, Dido sends Anna to persuade the Trojan hero to stay, but Aeneas remains unmoved by the pleas of both Dido and Anna and continues his preparations.

The moment Dido sees the fleet leaving, she rushes to the courtyard, climbs upon a pyre, and ends her life by falling onto Aeneas’ sword.