Michael Madhusudan Datta Memorial — Local services in Khulna Division

Michel Modhusudan Datta, poet, dramatist and the creator of first epic written in Bangla was born in 24th January, 1828 at Sagordari of Keshobpur Upazilla situated in Jessore. His great grandfather Ramkishore Dutta was a resident of Gopalpur village of Tala Upazilla of Satkhira District. Modhusudan’s father Rajnarayan Dutta was made landlord of Sagordari and he built this famous house of Sagordari. In the village of Sagardari of Keshabpur upazila, the house of poet Madhukasudan Dutta is situated on the bank of the river Kopotakkho. An old two storey and multiple single storey buildings combine together in this house. In 26th October of 1965, government has declared this as an archeological site. At present a museum and library has been established at this house. The museum has a collection of furniture, utensils and other belongings used by the poet's family. In 1968, Department of Archeology renovated this house and built boundary wall, a gate, a cultural arena and reception building for the visitors. Surrounding this ancestral house of Madhusudan, Zilla Parishad Dakbanglow and Sagardari Tourism Centre is established.

Madhumela has become a part of Jessore's tradition. The fair is organized every year on the occasion of Michel Madhusudan Dutta's birth anniversary in the end of January under the direct supervision of the district administration. It is said that after the death of poet, his niece poet Manokumari Bose had first organized a memorial of this poet in Sagardari. Since that time Madhumelara was being venerated there. Madhumela is one of the biggest fairs in Bangladesh with attractions like varieties of stalls of local products, cultural performance, folk songs and drama shows where a spectacle of Bengali tradition and culture...

A bust of Michael Madhusudan Dutta in front of the house.

Michael Madhusudan Dutta was a legendary poet in Bangla literature and considered as the father of Banga Sonnet. It is nearly 150 years since he has departed from the earth, but his village and his house are still remaining there firmly. His father was a very rich lawyer from that time, and built this Elysian (as per that time) mansion at the village Sagardari. Nowadays this house is converted as a museum that commemorates the poet, and opened for the public visitors. A lot of tourists come here everyday. I forgot about the exact entry fee, probably around 10-15 Taka per person.

Modhu Polli of Poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta – Jessore Welcome to “Modhu Polli“. The pond behind is filled with a lot of water lilies.

After visiting the Tetulia Shahi Mosque, we decided to visit the house of poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta. We were on a motorbike and through the scenic beauty of Satkhira and Jessore district. It was around a half an hour of bike ride from the mosque, or even more.

Modhu Polli of Poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta – Jessore Most of the rooms of the house are mainly decorated with the used substances of the poet. Few of the noticeable things are the bed, iron safe, wooden safe, cookeries, gramophone, etc. I found it hard to believe that those things were only used by the aristocratic family that time and compared to this modern time those are nothing. But still at that time people felt pride by possessing those things. I believe 100 years later people would think the same about our laptop,...

As a traveler passionate about literature and cultural heritage, visiting the Michael Madhusudan Dutt Memorial in Sagar Dari was a deeply moving experience. Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Gangasagar, this modest yet powerful memorial honors one of Bengal’s greatest literary figures—Michael Madhusudan Dutt, the pioneer of modern Bengali poetry. The moment I arrived, I felt a quiet reverence in the air. The memorial stands near the place where Dutt spent his final days, and being there, I could almost sense the lingering echoes of his thoughts and verses. A bust of the poet, encircled by gentle gardens and a peaceful path, stands as a tribute to his legacy. It's not grand in size, but it's rich in emotion and cultural depth. What makes the visit especially worthwhile is the serene setting. The nearby river, the open skies, and the calmness of Sagar Island create a reflective mood—perfect for remembering a poet who gave Bengal some of its most revolutionary works, blending Western form with Indian soul. Reading his lines etched in plaques, I was reminded of how he challenged norms and gave voice to new ideas. It felt like a poetic pilgrimage. Locals I spoke with were proud of their connection to Madhusudan, and their stories added depth to the visit. For lovers of history, literature, or those simply seeking a quiet place of inspiration, the Michael Madhusudan Dutt Memorial offers a heartfelt journey through time, words, and Bengal’s...