RANGPUR

city, northwestern Bangladesh, on the Ghaghat River. It is an industrial centre noted for the manufacture of dhurries (cotton carpets), bidis (cigarettes), and cigars. Constituted a municipality in 1869, it contains eight government colleges affiliated with the University of Rajshahi; technical, agricultural, and primary teacher-training institutes; two parks; and two libraries. Rangpur (Abode of Bliss) is said to be the site where Raja Bhagadatta, who took part in the war recorded in the Mahabharata (c. 400 BCAD 200), had a country residence. The surrounding area is composed of a vast alluvial plain. Most of the area is under continuous cultivation (tobacco, rice, jute, and oilseeds). An extensive rail network distributes the products of Rangpur's jute, rice, and sugar mills and cotton- and silk-weaving cottage industries. Pop. (1981) 153,174.