Rare copse of gab trees found amid ancient ruins in Sundarbans
Deep within the world heritage-listed Sundarbans in southwestern Bangladesh, a remarkable grove of Diospyros peregrina (commonly known as gab trees) has been found along the banks of the Shibsha River. Nestled among the mysterious ruins of an ancient structure, the site presents a captivating blend of history, nature, and wilderness.
With fresh green leaves adorning the branches, gab trees -some uprooted by tidal currents, and scattered remnants of brick walls create a unique and captivating forest landmark.
To reach this remote forest zone, one must travel by boat through the winding Jhopjhopia and the Arua Shibsha Rivers. After about an hour's journey, a distinct patch of forest emerges along the riverbank.
From a distance, clusters of gab trees stand tall amid what appear to be ruins of ancient brick structures. Upon closer inspection, several trees lie uprooted near the river's edge, dislodged by tidal waters soaking the soft forest soil.
Once visitors disembark from the trawler, they would encounter a forest floor scattered with centuries-old bricks-clear remnants of a once-standing architectural complex.
Local forest guard Ramizul Islam said, "This part of the Sundarbans is slightly higher than the surrounding areas, which has allowed the gab trees to survive here. However, this grove is also a known tiger habitat. Tigers often rest on the raised brick mounds."
"Local legends suggest that a royal fortress stood here several centuries ago. The scattered bricks are believed to be the last remains of that structure. River erosion has already consumed a significant portion of the grove and the ruins, and the relentless tide continues to wash away what remains," he added.
The historical significance of the site is further reinforced by academic research. Professor M. A. Aziz of the Department of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University notes in his book Natural History of the Sundarbans, "The ruins along the Shibsha River could be at least 400 years old." This aligns with local beliefs and supports scholarly assumptions regarding the site's antiquity.
Yet the importance of this location extends beyond its historical context. It holds ecological and ethnobotanical value as well.
Uttam Bain, a local fisherman living near the Sundarbans, said, "Gab tree sap was once commonly used to strengthen fishing nets. We ground the fruit and applied the resin to the fibres. But due to frequent tiger sightings, we're always cautious while moving around the brick mounds. We've seen tigers with cubs wandering nearby."
To the south of the grove lies a canal called 'Sheiker Khal,' which leads to an area known as 'Sheiker Tek.' This site is home to a centuries-old temple believed to date back to the Mughal era. The Forest Department has recently developed the area into an eco-tourism centre, making it accessible to visitors after remaining hidden from the public for many years.
A Z M Hasanur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division, told BSS, "The gab tree grove and the adjacent ruins are believed to be contemporaneous with the Baro-Bhuyan period or the Mughal era.
"As the area is slightly higher than the surrounding regions, tiger activity is comparatively greater here. Some years ago, a brick boundary wall encircled the grove, but river erosion has wiped most of it away. This erosion is part of a natural process," he added.
With its rare combination of historical intrigue, ecological richness, and wilderness appeal, the gab tree grove along the Shibsha River is emerging as a promising destination for both tourism and academic exploration.