The Kopothakho (Sanskrit), or Kobodak (Bengali: কপোতাক্ষ নদ, romanized: Kapōtākṣa Nada), Kabadak, or Kapotaksha, is a river of Bangladesh.[1] The river is famous for upholding the memory of popular Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt.[2][3]
| Kapotaksha River | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Native name | কপোতাক্ষ নদ (Bengali) |
| Location | |
| Country | |
| Bangladesh | |
| India | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Mathabhanga River |
| Mouth | Bhairab River |
• location | Shibsa River in Sundarban |
| Length | 250 km (160 mi) |
| Width | |
| • maximum | 100 m |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Ganges Delta |
Origin
editThough originated from the Mathabhanga river, the Kopothakho has gotten disconnected from its source. Now it is mainly a branch of Bhairab river. The river flows through Jessore, Satkhira and Khulna districts and finally meets the Kholpetua river in Khulna District.[4] The lower part of the river is tidal.[1]
Current situation
editThe river is shrinking due to encroachment.[3] Different organizations have urged the authorities to take initiatives to save the river.[2]
Kapotaksha River in literature
editThe Kopothakho first appeared in the famous poem "Kopotakkho Nod" of Michael Madhusudan Dutt. It was one of the first sonnets of Bengali literature introduced by Dutt. Afterwards many other works been created on it.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Ahmed, Tahmina (2012). "Kobadak River". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. (eds.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
- ^ a b "Kopotakkho River in danger". Dhaka Tribune. Dhaka. 2015-06-17. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
- ^ a b Seraj, Shykh (2012-12-01). "The Dying Waterway". The Daily Star. Dhaka. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
- ^ The Face of Bangla
- ^ Debnath, Bipul K (2016-01-22). "Michael Madhusudan Dutt". The Independent BD. Dhaka. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
22°52′40″N 89°07′24″E / 22.8777°N 89.1234°E