Narail: S. M. Sultan Memorial

It was the second day of our tour. We have passed the night in a hotel nearby at Narail(নড়াইল) town after exploring the Jessore(যশোর) district yesterday. After having a traditional Lonely Traveler breakfast, we have explored the river Chitra(চিত্রা নদী) and went to visit the S. M. Sultan Memorial(এস এম সুলতান মেমোরিয়াল). It was just beside the river Chitra(চিত্রা নদী), and also a few minutes of walking distance from the Victoria Collegiate School of Narail(নড়াইল) town.

Narail(নড়াইল) is one of the small districts from Bangladesh. But this district is always known by the name of S. M. Sultan(এস এম সুলতান), one of the greatest child from the district. His full name is Sheikh Mohammed Sultan(শেখ মোহাম্মাদ সুলতান) and born in 10 August 1923 and died in 10 October 1994. More information of this legendary artist can be found from the wikipedia.

It was very early at the morning, probably before 09:00 am. We were the first visitor of the day at the memorial. The door was open and the caretaker(or may be the guard) welcomed us inside. The whole premise is packed with lot of colorful flowering plants. After exploring those plants, and the grave nearby, we have entered inside the art gallery at where few of the works of the artist is displayed for the public visiting.

First and the second floor of the gallery is packed with few of the artworks of S. M. Sultan, but not all. This artist was phlegmatic about preserving his works. That’s why his early life works are no more available in the earth. Yet still, those few rich collections(both oil and water based paintings) slacked my thirst.

S. M. Sultan had a boat that he used to have a pleasure trip over the river Chitra(চিত্রা নদী). This boat is placed beside his house, also beside the river itself. After observing the boat, we have thanked the caretaker and moved for the next destination.

How to Go:

As I have already mentioned that the district Narail(নড়াইল) is always known by this artist S. M. Sultan(এস এম সুলতান), so you shouldn’t have to struggle to find his house. You can take a rickshaw from anywhere from the town to come here. GPS Coordinate of the S. M. Sultan Memorial(এস এম সুলতান মেমোরিয়াল) is (23° 9’29.65″N, 89°30’13.01″E).

A boat race locally known as Nouka Baich(নৌকা বাইচ) used to held every year at river Chitra(চিত্রা নদী). It is probably during the birth day of the artist. It will be best if you can visit the place during that time.

S. M. Sultan Memorial Gallery,
Village: Rupganj(রুপগঞ্জ),
District: Narail(নড়াইল),
Country: Bangladesh

Note: All the paintings are drawn by SM Sultan is totally based on his own perception and perspective. It is him who knew better about his works. I have just given a description of the paintings from my own observation(I can be wrong).