Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century. The city, known as the "City of Mosques," has been a center of trade, culture, and politics for centuries.
 |
| Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, a British period building in Dhaka |
The early history of Dhaka is closely tied to the region's Buddhist past. The city's name is believed to have originated from the Dhakeshwari temple, which was built by the Pala dynasty in the 9th century. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu goddess Dhakeshwari, who is considered to be the patron goddess of Dhaka.
During the 12th century, Muslim invaders led by Bakhtiyar Khalji conquered the region, and the city began to transition from a Buddhist to a Muslim center. The city's population grew rapidly, and it became an important center for trade and commerce. The city also became a center for Muslim scholarship and culture, with the construction of many mosques and madrasas.
In the 16th century, Dhaka was conquered by the Mughal Empire and became an important center of Mughal administration. The city was known for its beautiful gardens, palaces, and monuments, and it became an important center of art and culture. The Mughals also built many grand buildings in the city, including the famous Lalbagh Fort and the Bagerhat Sixty Dome Mosque, which still stand to this day.
The city's fortunes continued to rise in the 17th and 18th centuries, as it became an important center of the Bengal textile industry. Dhaka's muslin, a fine silk cotton fabric, was highly valued and exported to Europe and the Middle East. The city's population grew to over a million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time.
In the 19th century, Dhaka's importance declined as British colonial rule took hold of India. The city's economy was severely impacted by the British monopoly on Indian textiles and the decline of the Mughal Empire. The city's population also declined as many residents left for other parts of India.
However, in the 20th century, Dhaka's fortunes began to change again. The city played a major role in the Indian independence movement and in the formation of Pakistan. It became the capital of East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and saw a resurgence in its economy and population.
During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Dhaka was heavily bombed by the Pakistan Air Force, causing widespread damage and loss of life. After the war, the city was rebuilt and has since developed into a modern metropolis. Today, Dhaka is the political, cultural, and economic center of Bangladesh, with a population of over 18 million people.
Dhaka's history is closely tied to the region's political and economic development, and the city has played a crucial role in the shaping of Bangladesh. From its early Buddhist past, to its time as a Muslim center of trade and culture, to its modern role as the capital of an independent nation, Dhaka's history is a microcosm of the broader history of the region.
Dhaka also host many historical places, such as the Ahsan Manzil, The Old High Court Building, Star Mosque, Dhakeswari Temple, Ramna Park, Central Shahid Minar, and many more. These places are the reflection of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
In recent years, the city has also been facing many challenges, such as overpopulation, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. Despite these challenges, Dhaka remains a vibrant and dynamic city, with a rich cultural heritage that continues to shape the region's history and development.