Mughal Dhaka chronicles a period in present-day Bangladesh that is replete with examples of urban planning, detailed architecture, and imperialistic ideologies that stemmed from the period of colonial rule to which the entire nation and its citizenry were subjected to. Outlined below is a fascinating take on the rise of Mughal Dhaka and its lasting impression on Bangladesh.

Although there is little evidence to solidify the argument that Mughal Dhaka’s growth was influenced by careful urban planning, the city began to take shape along the borders of the Buriganga River in a northward direction. Even though Dhaka was never the favorite when it came to imperial patronage, the city was visited by a host of European travelers whose accounts and opinions reveal its overall makeup and presence of it in no uncertain manner. Venetian traveler and writer Niccolo Manucci (1639 – 1717) who once utilized his time across various capacities in the Mughal court penned down in the ‘Storia do Mongor’ that Dhaka was "neither strong nor large, but had many inhabitants; most of its houses were made of straw." On the other hand, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689) took up the position that the city for most parts was impacted by linear urban morphology that appeared to stretch out by the Buriganga River.

If one pauses to take stock of the Mughal attitude concerning Dhaka, then a clearer picture of the city’s urban and architectural footprint will begin to materialize. Renowned historian Abdul Karim (1928 – 2007) described the city as having grown from a modest settlement to a provincial capital in the Moghul Empire in and around the period covering 1608 to 1610; a position that it would continue to enjoy for the next century. During this golden age, the Bengali capital in Rajmahal was moved to Dhaka which was a decision taken by the then Governor of Bengal and Mughal Subahdar; Islam Khan Chishti who was the grandson of Shaikh Salim Chishti, the main spiritual guide of Emperor Akbar. Given its strategic position on the northern bank of the Buriganga River, Dhaka afforded unsurpassed connectivity to surrounding districts via a range of waterways. This fact is known to have influenced the Mughals into transforming the city into an outpost that would serve the Empire’s southeastern border.

Dhaka’s rise to fame and prominence during the rule of the Mughals might be attributed to two key reasons. Namely, the city’s location elevated its presence as being a beneficial and convenient lookout point over the lower Bengal region that had been ransacked by Portuguese pirates and Maghs. Secondly, Dhaka’s advantage as an administrative hub was brought to light through the responsibility that it took on to safeguard and protect imperial revenue.

From an architectural perspective, Dhaka would soon witness a complete paradigm shift from what it was used to in Bengal. An axial plan was set in place which spilt over in the construction of expansive central domes and towering axial entry points that were built in central projecting bays. Traditional Bengali terracotta art was soon done away with and replaced by plaster panels. Such a change of heart and focus is believed to have translated to the city being beautified by numerous forts, palaces, mausoleums, minarets, mosques and bathing chambers (hammams).

Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka, Bangladesh | Image via unsplash

Credited to the Mughal Empire and its far-sighted vision is Lalbagh Fort. Found on approximately 18 acres of land in southwestern Old Dhaka, this fortification was the brainchild of Prince Muhammad Azam (1653 – 1707) and was built in 1678. Though having not been completed, Lalbagh Fort stands proudly as the finest example of Mughal building art in Bangladesh’s capital.

Though, the building was at the heart of widespread renovations by the British colonists, the Archaeology Department of the local government understood steps to restore the Fort to its former glorious self. In fact, those entering the attraction from a hotel near Bashundhara City the likes of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka will be greeted by a geometrical, symmetrical, and axial layout of lush green garden spaces that will be quite the sight for sore eyes. Aside from the 3 magnificent gateways, the Fort showcases a bathing chamber, the tomb of Bibi Paris, and a 2-story audience hall that was once used as the official residence by the Mughal Governor. Recent excavation efforts have successfully unearthed over 25 structures including roof gardens, fountains, and an engineering system that was far ahead of its time.