Machkhowa- a locality of Guwahati, is today mainly known for the wholesale vegetable market and the Idgah.
Machkhowa, a Muslim majority locality, was originally called 'Majshowa' (middle area) as it was located right at the centre of old Gauhati (prior to its extension). However, with time, the name has changed to what it is now.
Earlier, there was a small area named 'Gargonyapatti' near the Tarun Ram Phukan Park, its residents having migrated from Gargaon during the Ahom rule. Hence, Machkhowa was also known by this name. Now, this old name has been completely forgotten.
History states that during the Ahom rule, the area was the southernmost part of the Ahom kingdom. There was a fort that straddled this place. And alongside the fort was a moat that extended from the mouth of the Bharalu River till Phansi Bazaar (now Fancy Bazar). There were security check posts at the Idgah and at nearby places. This moat was filled up during the British times to develop the Guwahati city.
Many large poles of the olden times could be found in the area for many years which were believed to be from the large security structures, although their actual time of existence could not be ascertained.
A few publication houses located in the area have contributed significantly to the literary scenario of the city. The Sadhana Press of Machkhowa published the weekly magazine called ‘Santidoot’. The press belonged to Tarinicharan Das and was located adjacent to the very plot where the present Allahabad Bank stands. It was an old Assam-type house then. Prominent journalist and political thinker Debendranath Sarmawas the editor of Santidoot.
Another weekly newspaper that was published from Machkhowa was the ‘Purvajyoti’ that was published from a press with the same name. It belonged to journalist cum novelist Saganlal Jain.
Amongst the prominent personalities of the locality are Khan Bahadur Kefayet Ullah, who became the first municipal counsellor from West Gauhati. The famous Machkhowa Gambujwala Masjid, now a prominent landmark, was built by him.
Some of the other well-known residents of this locality were Fayez Ahmed, his son and sportsman Zakir Ahmed, Khan Bahadur Abdul Khair, Ashraf Ali, Hobbur Rahman and Dr. Sayed Ahmed amongst others.
