Wed. December 25, 2024 00:00
Last updated on: Thu December 26, 2024 4:18 p.m.



Wed December 25, 2024 00:00 Last updated on: Thu December 26, 2024 16:18

Lalabagh Fort, Old Dhaka

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Lalabagh Fort, Old Dhaka

Bangladesh has a rich architectural heritage from the Mughal era, reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal empire. Historical monuments from this period still stand throughout the country, testifying to its glorious past. Mughal structures in Bangladesh exhibit strong Islamic influence, with architectural elements such as domes, pointed arches, turrets and minarets, making them enduring symbols of the region’s cultural and historical identity.

Lalabagh Fort, Old Dhaka

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Lalabagh Fort, Old Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort, Old Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort, a captivating Mughal masterpiece located in old Dhaka, was commissioned in 1678 by Prince Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, during his subahdari in Bengal. He then handed over the construction work to his successor, Shaista Khan. However, due to the untimely death of Khan’s daughter Pari Bibi in the fort in 1684, he halted construction, believing the fort to be cursed. Blending Islamic and Persian architectural styles, the fort includes a mosque, Diwan-i-Aam (audience hall), a ‘hammam’ and the beautifully designed white marble tomb of Bibi Pari. Although incomplete, the fort’s grand arches and lush gardens remain a symbol of Dhaka’s Mughal heritage and offer a glimpse of the architectural grandeur and historical significance of the era.

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Hussaini Dalan, old Dhaka

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Hussaini Dalan, old Dhaka

Hussaini Dalan, old Dhaka

Hussaini Dalan, a significant Mughal-era structure nestled in Old Dhaka’s Bakshi Bazar, is one of the city’s oldest and most revered imambaras. Founded in the 17th century, this house of mourning serves as a memorial to the fateful Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), met a tragic end alongside his followers. Every year, Hussaini Dalan transforms into a vibrant gathering place for the Shia community during Muharram, echoing the sad legacy of Karbala. Over time, the building weaved together Mughal and British architectural influences, creating a unique structure imbued with both spiritual reverence and historical mystique.

Qutb Shah Mosque, Kishoreganj

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Qutb Shah Mosque, Kishoreganj

Qutb Shah Mosque, Kishoreganj

The five-domed Qutb Shah Mosque, built in the late 16th century, stands in the heart of Astogram, amidst the vast wetlands of Kishoreganj. Named after a local saint, Qutb Sahib, this brick mosque embodies both the innovative and traditional nature of the Bengali architect. Its gracefully curved form echoes the two-story Bengali house designs of the period, blending into the landscape along the tranquil shores of the bay. An ornate terracotta design frames the central entrance, welcoming worshipers into an open courtyard. It once served as an important religious center for the region, reflecting the Mughal rulers’ commitment to spreading Islam and their architectural influence in Bengal.

Atiya Mosque, Tangail

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Atiya Mosque, Tangail

Atiya Mosque, Tangail

The Atiya Mosque, built in 1609 by Sayid Khan Panni in honor of the saint Pir Ali Shahansha Baba Kashmir, is a remarkable symbol of the architectural transition during the early Mughal period in Bangladesh. Located in Tangail, it beautifully combines Sultanate and Mughal features, with its square-shaped prayer hall, terracotta ornaments and curved cornices reflecting Sultanate influences. Meanwhile, Mughal features such as the octagonal shouldered dome, plaster turret and finely decorated niches add a distinct imperial touch. This mosque not only displays exquisite craftsmanship but also commemorates the spread of Islam in the region, making it a historical and architectural gem.

Bakshi Hamid Mosque, chattogram

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Bakshi Hamid Mosque, chattogram

Bakshi Hamid Mosque, chattogram

The Bakhshi Hamid Mosque in Hilsha village, Chattogram, was built in 1692. This mosque is believed to have been built by Bakhshi Hamid, despite an inscription attributing it to Sulaiman Karrani in 1568, probably placed there later. The mosque’s structure, with its three bubble-shaped domes on octagonal drums, intricate terracotta plaques and ornate central mihrab, reflects a captivating mix of styles. Its imposing towers, crowned with lotus and kalasa florets, and superbly detailed arcades make it a historic treasure and a testament to the region’s rich architectural heritage.

Atiya Mosque, Tangail

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Atiya Mosque, Tangail

Photos courtesy of: STAR FILE