Chattogram history

Chattogram (also widely known as Chittagong) is a city with a rich, centuries-old history inextricably linked to its strategic location on the world map. Its emergence as a major centre was predetermined by its geography and active maritime trade, which attracted travellers and merchants from various corners of the globe.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the port of Chattogram is rooted in deep antiquity, with the first mentions of a settlement in this area dating back to the 1st century AD. Thanks to its unique natural harbour, it appeared on ancient Greek and Roman maps, including the world map of Ptolemy. By the 9th century, Arab merchants were actively trading here, making the city a vital link on the maritime route between the Middle East and Asia. In the 12th century, the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi described the bustling sea route between Chattogram and Basra.

Key Factors of Development

The city's development over the centuries was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Situated at the mouth of the Karnaphuli River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal, Chattogram possesses one of the oldest and largest natural harbours in the region. This provided safe anchorage for ships and made it an ideal transit point.
• Trade Hub: The city was an important part of the southern branch of the Silk Road. In the Middle Ages, pearls, silk, rice, spices, and horses were traded here. The Portuguese, recognising its commercial value, called it "Porto Grande" (The Great Port).
• Strategic Importance: Various dynasties and empires fought for control of the city at different times, including the Kingdom of Arakan, the Bengal Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the British, underscoring its political and economic importance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Chattogram was formed as a multicultural centre. The constant influx of Arab, Persian, Chinese, and European traders contributed to a blending of cultures and religions. Besides trade, the city was known as a major centre for shipbuilding. The economy flourished through the export of local goods and crafts, while the port served as a gateway for the dissemination not only of merchandise but also of ideas, including the spread of Islam in the region by Sufi missionaries.

Key Milestones in Chattogram's History

The history of Chattogram is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures that have left their mark on the appearance and character of this important port city. From ancient trade routes to the struggle for independence, here are the main events that shaped its destiny.

• 1st Century AD — The first mentions of a port settlement at the site of modern-day Chattogram appear on the maps of Ptolemy and other ancient geographers.
• 9th Century — Arab merchants establish a trading post here, turning the city into a vital hub for maritime trade between the East and the West.
• 952 — The King of Arakan erects a stone pillar in the area, marking it as the boundary of his kingdom.
• 1338 — Sultan Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah conquers Chattogram, incorporating it into the independent Bengal Sultanate.
• 1528 — The Portuguese receive permission to establish a factory and customs house, naming the port Porto Grande de Bengala ("The Great Port of Bengal").
• 1666 — The Mughal Empire recaptures the city from the Arakanese, renames it Islamabad, and makes it the administrative centre of the region.
• 1760 — The British East India Company gains control over the city, which becomes an important strategic and trading point in British India.
• 18 April 1930 — The famous Chittagong Armoury Raid takes place under the leadership of Surya Sen, becoming a vivid chapter in the struggle for India's independence.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, the city becomes part of East Pakistan.
• 26 March 1971 — The Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh is broadcast by radio from Chattogram, signalling the start of the Liberation War.
• 1991 — The city suffers severely from a devastating tropical cyclone, one of the deadliest in the country's history.
• 2018 — The Government of Bangladesh officially changes the English spelling of the city's name from Chittagong to Chattogram to align with the Bengali pronunciation.

Key Stages of Chattogram's Development

The history of Chattogram is a centuries-old chronicle of the transformation of an ancient port into one of the main economic centres of Bangladesh. The city, known on Ptolemy's maps and visited by Arab merchants since the 9th century, has undergone numerous transformations that have defined its modern appearance.

• Ancient Trade Hub (from 1st Century AD): Thanks to its unique natural harbour at the mouth of the Karnaphuli River, the city has been an important centre of maritime trade since antiquity. Arab, Persian, and European merchants were active here, making it part of the southern branch of the Silk Road.
• The "Porto Grande" Era (16th Century): The arrival of the Portuguese marked a new stage. They named the port "Porto Grande de Bengala" (The Great Port of Bengal), highlighting its colossal commercial significance. This period strengthened the city's international status as the region's key maritime gateway.
• Mughal and British Periods (17th–20th Centuries): In 1666, the city was conquered by the Mughal Empire and renamed Islamabad. Later, under British rule, the Assam-Bengal Railway was built, connecting the port with the hinterlands, which gave a powerful impetus to its industrial development.
• Main Port of East Pakistan (after 1947): After the partition of British India, Chattogram became the only major port for all of East Pakistan (future Bangladesh). This led to rapid growth in its capacity and the beginning of large-scale industrialisation.
• Centre of the Liberation Movement (1971): It was from Chattogram on 26 March 1971 that the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh was broadcast via radio, becoming the starting point in the war for independence.
• Creation of Export Zones (from the 1980s): The establishment of the country's first Export Processing Zones (EPZ) turned the city into a major centre for light industry, particularly garment manufacturing, and attracted significant foreign investment.
• Modern Infrastructural Development (21st Century): In recent decades, the city has experienced a construction boom. The erection of new flyovers, the expansion of port terminals, and the construction of an underwater tunnel beneath the Karnaphuli River are actively modernising the urban environment and logistics.

The architectural appearance of Chattogram is a living chronicle of its centuries-old history as a major port and trading hub. The city's built environment features a chaotic yet harmonious blend of styles from different eras: from Mughal heritage and British colonial influence to modern functional architecture. This mixture reflects the cultural and economic development of the city over the centuries.

Pre-Colonial and Mughal Periods

Early architectural monuments in the city date back to the times of the Bengal Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. This Indo-Islamic style is characterised by the use of brick, massive walls, and an abundance of arches and domes. Striking examples include ancient mosques such as the Shahi Jama-e-Masjid (1666) and Qadam Mubarak (1719). These structures were often decorated with brick carving and terracotta, necessitated by the humid climate which was less suitable for frescoes.

British Colonial Influence

With the arrival of the British East India Company in the 18th century, European styles adapted to local conditions began to dominate the city's architecture. This period left behind many buildings in the Indo-Saracenic Revival and Neoclassical styles. Characteristic features included spacious verandas, high ceilings, and large windows for better ventilation. Iconic structures of this era include the majestic Court Building on Fairy Hill, the Central Railway Station, and numerous mansions in the old districts of the city. Many of these buildings, though not always in perfect condition, lend a special charm to the historic centre.

Modern Architecture and Urban Planning

After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, Chattogram began to develop rapidly as the country's main industrial and economic centre. This led to a construction boom and the emergence of modern functional architecture. New business centres, residential complexes, flyovers, and industrial facilities are being erected in the city. Modern urban planning focuses on solving transport issues and modernising port infrastructure, which is changing the face of the city, connecting its rich historical past with a dynamic future.

Notable Figures Associated with Chattogram

Chattogram, being one of the oldest and most important cities in Bengal, has been the birthplace or centre of activity for many iconic figures in history, politics, and culture. These individuals have left a deep imprint not only on the fate of the city but also on the entire country.

Surya Sen (1894–1934)

Profession/Role: Teacher, revolutionary.
Historical Significance: One of the greatest fighters for India's independence from British rule. He was the chief organiser and leader of the famous Chittagong Armoury Raid in 1930 — a bold attempt to seize weapons and launch an armed uprising. His activities made Chattogram one of the centres of the liberation movement.

Pritilata Waddedar (1911–1932)

Profession/Role: Teacher, revolutionary.
Historical Significance: An active participant in the anti-British movement and a comrade of Surya Sen. In 1932, she led an attack on the European Club in Chattogram. To avoid arrest, she took her own life, becoming one of the first female martyrs in the struggle for India's independence.

Muhammad Yunus (born 1940)

Profession/Role: Economist, banker, social entrepreneur.
Historical Significance: Laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize 2006, known as the "Banker to the Poor". Born in Chattogram, he was a long-time professor of economics at the University of Chittagong. Founder of Grameen Bank, he is a pioneer of microcredit and social business concepts that have helped millions of people around the world escape poverty.

Jatindra Mohan Sengupta (1885–1933)

Profession/Role: Lawyer, politician.
Historical Significance: A prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, born in Chattogram. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and was elected Mayor of Calcutta three times. For his dedication to the people, he received the title "Deshapriya" (Beloved of the Country).

Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad (1871–1953)

Profession/Role: Writer, philologist, manuscript collector.
Historical Significance: A native of Chattogram, he dedicated his life to finding and preserving medieval Bengali manuscripts (punthi). Thanks to his efforts, hundreds of literary works that might have been lost forever were saved and published. His contribution to the preservation of Bengal's cultural heritage is immense.

Kalpana Datta (1913–1995)

Profession/Role: Revolutionary, political activist.
Historical Significance: One of the key figures of the Chittagong Uprising of 1930 alongside Surya Sen and Pritilata Waddedar. She was actively involved in underground activities, was arrested, and sentenced to life imprisonment. After her release, she continued her political and social work.