Dhaka history

Dhaka's Historical Journey

The history of Dhaka is a centuries-old chronicle where cultures and eras intertwine. The city, known today as a bustling metropolis, has come a long way from an ancient settlement to the capital of powerful empires and, finally, an independent state.

Foundation and Early Mentions

The first settlements in the territory of modern Dhaka date back to the 7th century. In those times, the region was part of various Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, such as Kamarupa and the Sena dynasty. However, the true flourishing of the city began much later. A key moment in Dhaka's history was 1608, when it was proclaimed the capital of Bengal under the Mughal Empire. The city received a new name—Jahangirnagar, in honour of Emperor Jahangir—and transformed into a vital administrative and military centre.

Key Factors of Development

Dhaka owes its rise to several strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: Situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, in the very heart of the Ganges and Brahmaputra delta, the city became an ideal river port and a hub for water-based trade.
• Political Power: The status of the Bengal capital under the Mughals attracted administration, military personnel, merchants, and artisans to the city, contributing to rapid population and economic growth.
• Trade: The city became one of the largest commercial hubs in Asia, attracting merchants from various countries, including Europeans, who began opening their factories here from the mid-17th century.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 17th century, Dhaka reached the peak of its prosperity, earning the nickname "Venice of the East". The city became famous worldwide for the production of muslin—an incredibly fine cotton fabric that was prized in markets from Europe to the Middle East. Beyond textiles, other crafts flourished here, such as gold and silversmithing. Indian chronicles of that time mention the presence of 52 bazaars and 53 streets in the city, testifying to its developed trading infrastructure. Mughal rule left behind a rich architectural heritage, including forts, mosques, and mausoleums, which continue to shape the historical appearance of the old part of Dhaka today.

Timeline of Dhaka's History

From a modest settlement to a metropolis, Dhaka's history spans over a thousand years. Here are the key moments that shaped the face of the modern capital of Bangladesh.

• 7th Century: The first known settlements appear on the territory of modern Dhaka under the rule of the Buddhist kingdom of Kamarupa.
• 12th Century: According to one version, the Dhakeshwari Temple was founded during this period, from which the city's name possibly originated.
• 1608: The city becomes part of the Mughal Empire, is proclaimed the capital of Bengal, and receives the name Jahangirnagar.
• 1678: Construction begins on Lalbagh Fort, which is today one of the city's main historical attractions.
• 1704: The capital of Bengal is moved to Murshidabad, leading to the gradual economic decline of Dhaka.
• 1765: After the Battle of Plassey, the city comes under the control of the British East India Company, beginning the colonial period in its history.
• 1864: Dhaka receives municipality status, marking the beginning of the revival and modernisation of urban infrastructure.
• 1874-1878: Modern amenities appear in the city—a central water supply system is commissioned (1874) and electricity is introduced (1878).
• 1905: Dhaka becomes the capital of the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam, giving a new impetus to its development.
• 1921: The University of Dhaka is founded—one of the oldest and largest higher education institutions in the region.
• 1947: After the partition of British India, Dhaka becomes the capital of the province of East Pakistan.
• 1952: Mass demonstrations take place in support of the Bengali language, events which are immortalised in the Shaheed Minar monument.
• 1971: After the War of Independence, Dhaka becomes the capital of the new sovereign state—the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Major Development Milestones

The evolution of the city of Dhaka is the story of a river port transforming into one of the world's largest metropolises. Each era brought its own urban planning and cultural changes to the city's appearance, forming its unique character.

• Capital of the Mughals (1608): Being granted the status of the capital of Bengal was the starting point for large-scale urbanisation. The city received a clear administrative structure; forts, mosques, and gardens were erected, laying the foundation of the historical centre.
• Golden Age of Trade (17th Century): The development of muslin production turned the city into a global export hub. This led to the formation of a wealthy merchant class and the construction of numerous caravanserais (katras) for foreign traders.
• Creation of the Municipality (1864): The beginning of British administrative reform marked the arrival of modern technologies. During this period, water supply systems and street lighting were launched, which radically improved the quality of the urban environment.
• Opening of the University of Dhaka (1921): The establishment of the university turned the city into the intellectual centre of the region, earning the nickname "Oxford of the East". The new cultural district of Ramna formed around the university, becoming the heart of public life.
• Capital of East Pakistan (1947): After the partition of British India, the city faced a sharp influx of migrants. This stimulated the expansion of city boundaries and the development of new residential and business districts, such as Motijheel.
• Capital of an Independent State (1971): The country of Bangladesh gaining sovereignty kickstarted monumental construction. The symbol of the new era became the National Assembly complex, defining the architectural vector for decades to come.
• Textile Industry Boom (1980s): The rapid growth of the garment sector attracted millions of workers, leading to denser development and the formation of industrial zones that became the city's economic engine.
• Transport Modernisation (21st Century): The launch of the first metro line and the construction of high-speed flyovers mark the transition to a modern model of urbanism aimed at solving traffic problems in a giant metropolis.

Dhaka's architectural appearance is a kaleidoscope of styles reflecting the city's turbulent history. From the exquisite structures of the Mughals and monumental buildings of the British era to masterpieces of modernism and contemporary skyscrapers—each era has left its unique mark on the urban landscape.

Mughal Era: Islamic Traditions

In the 17th century, as the capital of Bengal, Dhaka flourished under Mughal rule. This period gifted the city with distinctive Indo-Islamic architecture. It is typified by mosques with bulbous domes, massive fortifications, and mausoleums adorned with intricate carvings and ornaments. The brightest example is the unfinished Lalbagh Fort (1678), a complex comprising a mosque, a mausoleum, and living quarters, demonstrating the grandeur of Mughal architecture. The old part of Dhaka still retains the layout of that time with its narrow streets and lively bazaars.

British Colonial Period: European Influence

With the arrival of the British in the 18th and 19th centuries, Dhaka's architecture was enriched with new styles. During this time, the Indo-Saracenic style actively developed, combining European (Neo-Gothic, Neoclassical) and Indo-Islamic elements. An outstanding example of this style is Curzon Hall (1904), one of the buildings of the University of Dhaka, with its majestic arches and red brick domes. Also during this period, many administrative buildings, mansions, and churches were built, shaping the appearance of districts such as Ramna.

Modernism: Symbol of a New Nation

After gaining independence, the architecture of Bangladesh took a step towards modernism. An undisputed icon of this period is the National Assembly Building (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban), designed by the renowned American architect Louis Kahn. Construction, begun before independence and completed in 1982, gifted the world one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the 20th century. This monumental complex of concrete and marble, with its strict geometric forms pierced by natural light, became a symbol of democracy and the sovereignty of the young nation.

Contemporary Stage: Vertical Growth

Rapid economic growth and population increase in the late 20th and early 21st centuries led to a construction boom. Dhaka's modern appearance is defined by numerous high-rise residential and office buildings, shopping centres, and hotels, especially in new business and prestigious districts such as Gulshan and Banani. This new, upward-reaching architecture reflects Dhaka's status as a dynamic and fast-growing metropolis.

Notable Figures Associated with Dhaka

Dhaka, being a political, cultural, and economic centre for centuries, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures whose legacy extends far beyond the city and country.

• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920–1975) — A politician and statesman revered as the "Founding Father" of Bangladesh. It was in Dhaka that he led the movement for autonomy and independence, becoming the country's first president. His life and political career are inextricably linked with the capital.
• Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899–1976) — The national poet of Bangladesh, musician, and philosopher, known as the "Rebel Poet" (Bidrohi Kobi). He spent a significant part of his life in Dhaka, and after his death, he was buried within the grounds of the University of Dhaka, highlighting his status as a national treasure.
• Zainul Abedin (1914–1976) — An outstanding artist considered the pioneer of modern art in Bangladesh. In 1948, he founded the Institute of Arts and Crafts in Dhaka (now the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka). His famous series of works dedicated to the Bengal famine brought him international recognition.
• Muhammad Yunus (born 1940) — An economist, banker, and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Although he was not born in Dhaka, it was here that he studied at university and later developed the concepts of microcredit and microfinance, founding the Grameen Bank. His work, which changed the lives of millions of the poor, is closely associated with the capital.
• Sir Khwaja Salimullah (1871–1915) — The Nawab (ruler) of Dhaka in the early 20th century. He was a prominent politician, philanthropist, and one of the founders of the All-India Muslim League. His efforts and donations played a key role in the establishment of the University of Dhaka, which became the intellectual hub of the region.
• Louis Kahn (1901–1974) — An American architect inextricably linked to Dhaka thanks to his magnum opus. He designed the National Assembly complex of Bangladesh, which is considered one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century and stands as a powerful symbol of the city and the nation.