Experience Of Visiting A Historical Place

Introduction: Homework is a ‘Concept’ by which students are kept engaged with the
Subjects, Chapters and Subtopics taught in classes, beyond the school hours. It is in fact,
considered to be a fundamental part of school related activities to be assigned by the
teachers during school hours and is meant to be completed after school in the evenings or
weekends. Studies show that homework can help students accelerate the learning
processes through self-studies and self-understanding of the subject matters. By doing
homework, students can engage themselves with what has been taught in class via practical
exercises and workbooks. Moreover, it allows teachers to assess how much the student has
learned and assess them on a continuous basis. On the date of 13th January, 2024 our
honourable teacher of Bangladesh Studies, Asma Royhana Sarkar has given us an
assignment on sharing our experience after visiting a historical place by dividing us among
several groups. Our group is named Kantojir Mandir. We chose Lalbagh Fort for completing
the assignment and hence prepare an assignment depending on the experiences. This
assignment project was to make ourselves better for the upcoming situations and to
enhance the leadership quality among us.
Lalbagh Fort: Lalbagh Fort is the only historical monument of Mughal era Bangladesh which
has used rough stone, marble stone and colourful tiles at the same time. Apart from Lalbagh
Fort, no other historical monument of Bangladesh has found such a combination till date.
This fort in the Lalbagh area of Dhaka is visited by thousands of local and foreign visitors
almost every day. Lalbagh Fort is a fort in the old city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its name is
derived from its neighbourhood Lalbagh, which means Red Garden. The term Lalbagh refers
to reddish and pinkish architecture from the Mughal period. The original fort was called
Fort Aurangabad. Its construction was started by Prince Muhammad Azam Shah, who was
the son of Emperor Aurangzeb and a future Mughal emperor himself. After the prince was
recalled by his father, the fort's construction was overseen by Shaista Khan. The death of
Shaista Khan's daughter Pari Bibi (Fairy Lady) resulted in a halt to the construction process,
apparently due to Shaista Khan's superstition that the fort brought bad omen. Pari Bibi was
buried inside the fort. Founder was Azam Shah. Built 1678, 346 years running.Lalbagh Fort
was built as the official residence of the governor of the Mughal province of Bengal, Bihar
and Orissa. The complex includes the Mughal governor's house, the tomb of Pari Bibi and a
mosque. It is covered by lawns, fountains and water channels. Its two south gates were
previously grand arches. The original grand complex covered the governor's house and the

two archways. The tomb of Pari Bibi was later added. Lalbagh Fort was modelled as a
miniature version of great Mughal forts like the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. During the
reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, Mughal Bengal became the economic engine of the empire.
Emperor Aurangzeb called Bengal the Paradise of Nations.Dhaka grew into an imperial city
with one of the richest elites in the Mughal Empire, including members of the imperial
family. Mughal artillery guarded the fort. Once located beside the Buriganga River, the river
has retreated from the vicinity of the fort. The fort was depicted in European paintings
during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, Lalbagh Fort is one of the most visited sites in Dhaka. Several pieces of artillery are
kept inside the fort. The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation is funding a restoration
project for parts of the fort.Lalbagh Fort is one of the most recognized symbols of Mughal
rule in Bengal.

Lalbagh Fort Location: Lalbagh Fort is located in the old town of Dhaka,the capital city of
Bangladesh. Old Dhaka is the part of Dhaka where the city was originally founded by the
Mughals in the 17th -Century as the capital of eastern Bengal. The Fort is located in Dhaka
beside the river Buriganga, which flows a little further in the present days.

Naming of Lalbagh Fort: Naturally, if one thinks about the reason for its naming, it will
naturally come to his mind that it is named Lalbagh Fort because of its location in Lalbagh.
The idea is not wrong at all, it is actually named after the area. But at first it had a
completely different name, so that the area had no influence. In the very beginning this fort
was called “Fort Aurangabad”.

History Of Lalbagh Fort: Construction of Lalbagh Fort started in 1678. The then Mughal
Emperor Azam Shah started its construction. Although Azam Shah was the Mughal emperor
for a short period of time. Yet within a short time he began his extraordinary work. It should
be noted that Azam Shah was the son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and the grandson of
Emperor Shah Jahan, who is widely respected in the world for building the Taj Mahal. About
a year after the construction of this fort started, he had to go to Delhi on the call of his
father to suppress the Maratha rebellion there. After the departure of Emperor Azam Shah,
the construction of the fort stopped temporarily. Then there was doubt whether the
construction of this fort would be completed at all. But putting an end to all speculations,
the then Nawab Shaista Khan restarted the construction of Lalbagh Fort almost a year after
the work had stopped. The construction of the fort resumed with full vigour. However, after
about four years of Shaista Khan's resumption of work, the construction of the fort stopped
again, after which the construction of the fort was not resumed. Nawab Shaesta Khan's
daughter Pari Bibi died, and Shaesta Khan stopped the construction of Lalbagh Fort. After
Pari Bibi's death, a sarcastic idea arose about the fort, everyone began to think of the fort as
abandoned. After Pari Bibi's death, she was buried inside the Lalbagh fort, and from then on
it was called Pari Bibi's Samadhi. The dome that houses Pari Bibi's samadhi was once gold-
plated, but that is no longer the case, the entire dome being covered with copper sheets.
History of Lalbagh Fort:
Lalbagh Fort or Fort Aurangabad, an incomplete Mughal palace fortress at Dhaka on the
river Buriganga in the southwestern part of the old city. The river has now gone further
south and flows at quite a distance from the fort. D'Oyly's painting (1809-11) shows that
more than half of this east-west oblong fortress touched the water of the river on its south
and southwestern sides.

The construction of the fort was commenced in 1678 AD by prince muhammad azam during
his 15 month long viceroyalty of Bengal, but before he could complete the work he was
recalled by aurangzeb. His successor, Shaista khan did not continue the work, though he
stayed in Dhaka up to 1688. His daughter Pari Bibi (Lady Fairy) died here in 1684 and this led
him to consider the fort to be ominous.

The Construction of Lalbagh Fort: Lalbagh Fort is an incomplete structure by a mughal

Prince, and later emperor himself named Muhammad Azam(the third son of Aurangazeb).
He started the work of the fort in 1678 during his vice-royalty in Bengal.He stayed in Bengal
for 15 months.It remained incomplete when he was called by his father Aurangazeb to the
capital, Delhi.
Shaista Khan was the new subedar (Governor) of Dhaka after Muhammad Azam, and he did
not complete the Fort.In 1684,the daughter of Shaista Khan named Iran Dukht (Pari Bibi)
died there. After her death,he started to think of the fort as ominous and left the structure
incomplete. Among the three major sections of the Fort, one is the tomb of Pari Bibi.

The Decline of Lalbagh Fort: After Shaista Khan left Dhaka , the fort lost its popularity. The
main cause was that the capital was shifted from Dhaka to Murshidabad. After the end of
the royal Mughal period,the fort became abandoned.In 1844,the area achieved its name as
Lalbagh replacing Aurangazeb , so the fort as Lalbagh Fort.
After a certain time, Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb donated the fort to Shaista Khan in
memory of his daughter Pari Bibi.The successor of Shaista Khan got revenue after his death
by leasing the fort to the government. After 1853,the Cantonment was replaced in Lalbagh
Fort from Purana Paltan.

Lalbagh Fort in Present Days: Currently, the Archaeological Department of Bangladesh is

maintaining this Historical Place.This has become a key tourist attraction in Dhaka.About
three million people visit Lalbagh Fort every year,mostly local tourists.

Importance Of Lalbagh As A Historical Place:The architectural marvel of Lalbagh Fort

reflects Mughal and Bengali styles, showcasing intricate carvings and impressive structures.
Beyond its visual appeal, the fort holds educational value as a living testament to the
region's rich cultural and historical heritage.Visitors to Lalbagh Fort can explore various
structures, such as the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, and the mausoleum of Pari Bibi. Each
section offers insights into the socio-political and cultural aspects of the Mughal era,
providing a valuable learning experience for history enthusiasts and students
alike.Moreover, Lalbagh Fort serves as an open-air museum, displaying artefacts and
exhibits that shed light on the bygone eras. The archaeological importance of the site
contributes significantly to understanding the evolution of architecture, art, and daily life
during different periods in South Asian history.Educational tours and programs organised at
Lalbagh Fort offer a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to connect with history
in a tangible way. The fort's serene surroundings and well-preserved structures provide a
conducive environment for educational activities, fostering a deeper understanding of the
past.In addition to its historical significance, Lalbagh Fort also plays a role in cultural
education, hosting events, festivals, and exhibitions. These activities contribute to the
preservation of local traditions and art forms, fostering a sense of pride and identity among
the community.In conclusion, Lalbagh Fort stands not only as a magnificent architectural
marvel but also as a reservoir of educational knowledge. Its historical, cultural, and
archaeological importance makes it a valuable resource for those seeking to delve into the
rich tapestry of South Asian heritage. Lalbagh Fort played a pivotal role in various historical
events, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history. One of the most significant
occurrences was the Battle of Plassey in 1757, a watershed moment in the history of Bengal
and India. Although the fort itself was not directly involved in the battle, its proximity to the
battlefield and the subsequent establishment of British colonial rule underscore its
connection to this crucial historical event.The fort has also witnessed the ebb and flow of
power in the region. It served as a residence for Mughal governors, including Shaista Khan,
who made significant contributions to Dhaka's development during his tenure. The complex
includes structures like the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Audience), the Hammam (bathing area),
and the Lalbagh Mosque, each contributing to the historical tapestry of the site.Over the
centuries, Lalbagh Fort has weathered the challenges of time and neglect. Despite its
incomplete state, the fort has become a symbol of Bangladesh's cultural heritage. The
archaeological and architectural significance of Lalbagh Fort has prompted efforts to
preserve and restore this historical gem, ensuring that future generations can connect with
the rich history embedded in its walls.Today, Lalbagh Fort stands not only as a historical
monument but also as a cultural and educational hub. Visitors explore its corridors, marvel
at its architecture, and gain insights into the Mughal era and subsequent historical periods.
The fort's importance extends beyond its physical structure, serving as a bridge between the
past and the present, reminding us of the diverse and intricate history that has shaped the
vibrant nation of Bangladesh.

About Journey: Most of our group members started our journey on 25th January, 2024 at
9:00 a.m for the nearest metro station in Mirpur-10. Due to staying in different locations,
some used uber drive to reach the location. At 9:30 we booked our tickets for travelling by
the metro rail, reaching University of Dhaka at 10:00 a.m. We waited for everyone to be
gathered there and after purchasing tickets from the gate, entered into the destination
Lalbagh Fort. We have seen all the architecture very closely. In order to know how vast the
history of Bengal was, it is not possible to understand without seeing them. We took some
pictures of the architecture and monuments. Although we were initially alarmed by seeing
the monuments and architecture, we had fun, enjoyed the place totally after that. We got to
learn about so many things related to Lalbagh Fort. Lalbagh Fort was built as the official
residence of the governor of the Mughal province of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The
complex includes the Mughal governor's house, the tomb of Pari Bibi and a mosque. It is
covered by lawns, fountains and water channels. Its two south gates were previously grand
arches.

Not only Bangladeshi but also people from outside of the country also came to visit the
place. Mostly we have seen people from The South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC). But it is so unfortunate to see the discrimination of purchasing tickets
for the people who come to visit our country from outside countries. We took several
pictures of them also. They were so humble that they insisted on clicking our picture, as all
of us couldn’t fit in the frame at a time. We somehow managed to take several group
pictures with them also. We had no idea how fast the time passed! We were allowed to stay
there till 1:00 p.m, but left the historical place at 12:40 p.m as we all were starving from
hunger. We left the place and headed to TSC, University of Dhaka at 1:07 p.m, then all of us
had Khichuri and Lacchi as our lunch. We all took a short tour of the university, had tea and
left the place at 2:30 p.m. After all the hustlers in a day, at 3:00 p.m we reached Mirpur 10
by travelling by metro rail. Using metro rail was a great save of time. Reaching in Mirpur 10,
we all headed for our particular destinations.

What Have We Seen In Lalbagh Fort: The Lalbagh Fort is the most important Mughal
monument in Bangladesh. It was initially designed as a riverine fortress-palace, the
construction of which was initiated in 1678, during the viceroyalty of Bengal under Prince
Azam Shah, the third son of the last great Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, at his
behest. Azam aptly named the under-construction fort in honour of his father as Qila
Aurangabad. However, Azam was recalled by the emperor in 1680. The construction of the
fort was then taken up with renewed vigour by the next provincial Mughal Subahdar or
Governor Nawab Shaista Khan during the second term of his viceroyalty (1680-1688) in
Bengal.

For a long time the fort was considered to be a combination of three buildings (the mosque,
the tomb of Pari Bibiand the Diwan-i-Aam), with two gateways and a portion of the partly
damaged fortification wall. Recent excavations carried out by the Department of
Archaeology of Bangladesh have revealed the existence of other structures.
The southern fortification wall has a huge bastion in the southwestern corner. On the north
of the south fortification wall were the utility buildings, stable, administration block, and its
western part accommodated a beautiful roof-garden with arrangements for fountains and a
water reservoir. The residential part was located on the east of the west fortification wall,
mainly to the southwest of the mosque.

The fortification wall on the south had five bastions at regular intervals two stories in height,
and the western wall had two bastions; the biggest one is near the main southern gate. The
bastions had a tunnel. The central area of the fort is occupied by three buildings – the
Diwan-i-Aam and the Hammam on its east, the Mosque on the west and the Tomb of Pari
Bibi in between the two – in one line, but not at an equal distance. A water channel with
fountains at regular intervals connects the three buildings from east to west and north to
south.

Diwan-i-Aam: Diwan-i-Aam is a two storied residence of the Mughal governor of

Bengal located on the east side of the complex. A single storied hammam is attached
on its west. The hammam portion has an underground room for boiling water. A long
the partition wall runs along the western facade of the hammam. The double
storeyed Diwan-i-Aam attached with a single storeyed Hammam on its west is an
imposing building. The Hmmam complex includes an open platform, a small kitchen,
an oven, water storage area, a masonry brick bath-tub, a toilet, a dressing room and
an extra room. The Hammam portion has an underground room for boiling water
and a passage for sweepers. A long partition wall runs north-south along the western
facade of the Hammam dividing the whole fort area into two divisions.The building
in the middle, the tomb of Bibi Pari, is the most impressive of the surviving buildings
of the fort. Eight rooms surround a central square room, containing the mortal
remains of Bibi Pari, which is covered by a false dome, octagonal in shape, and
wrapped by brass plate. The entire inner wall of the central room was covered with
white marble, while the four side central rooms had stone skirting up to a height of
one metre. The wall in the four corner rooms was skirted with beautiful glazed floral
tiles. The tiles have recently been restored; two of the original tiles have been
retained. The southeastern corner room contains a small grave, popularly known to
be of Shamsad Begum, possibly a relative of Bibi Pari. The Lalbagh Fort Mosque is a
three-domed mosque with a water tank in front (on the eastern side) for ablution.
The archaeological excavations have revealed strata of the Sultanate as well as of the
pre-Muslim periods, from where terracotta heads and plaques have been found.
Thus it is now justified to say that though the Mughals founded Dhaka, it was
definitely inhabited long before the Muslims came to Bengal. The building is situated
about 39 metres (128 ft) to the west of the tank, running from north to south. The
external measurements of the building are 32.47 m × 8.18 m (107 ft × 27 ft).There
are living quarters on each level of two stories and a main central hallway connecting
them. There is a Hammamkhana (Bathhouse) in the southern part of the building
which is one of the seventh Hammamkhana still existing in ruins in the heritage of
Bangladesh. Recent excavations (1994–2009) show that there was a special room
below the room of Hammamkhana, where archaeologists found the arrangements
for heating water, supplying the hot water as well as cool water to the
Hammamkhana through the terracotta pipes which was specially manufactured for
such purpose. The discovery of black spots in the underground room proves that fire
had been used for the purpose of heating the water for the Hammamkhana. There
was also a toilet room by the side of Hammamkhana. All the building along with the
arrangements of Hammamkhana clearly shows that it was very much in use by the
Subadar of Bengal and that Subadar was Shaista Khan. From the report of the
Governor of the English Factory it was learned that Shaista Khan used to live in this
room and some Europeans were kept in custody.

A water tank: A square shaped water tank (71.63 m (235 ft) on each side) is placed

to the east of the Diwan-i-Aam. There are four corner stairs to descend into the tank.

Tomb of Bibi Pari: The tomb of Bibi Pari, the daughter of Shaista Khan, is in the
middle of the complex. There is a central square room. It contains the remains of
Pori Bibi covered by a false octagonal dome and wrapped by a brass plate. The entire
inner wall is covered with white marble. Eight rooms surround the central one. There
is another small grave in the southeastern corner room.Sections of Lalbagh For

The Mughal buildings inside the fort, Bibi Pari's Mausoleum, is the most important,
as it is a unique structure. It is the only building where black basalt from Rajmahal
Hills,White marble from Rajputana and encaustic tiles of various colours have been
used to decorate its interior.

The 66'-0" square monument stands in the centre of a raised,stone -flagged

platform.It has four graceful octagonal turrets at each corner,x

Capped by plastered kiosks with ribbed cupolas. The roof is covered by a false
copped dome and crowned by a tall finial.
The interior of the mausoleum is divided into nine chambers, including the 19'-0"
square central sepulchre. This Chamber is entirely veneered in white marble,and
there is a stepped cenotaph in its Center.

The other eight chambers, the corner rooms' dados were originally decorated with
glazed tiles of various colours, but these have now been covered with plaster.The
remaining rooms are still panelled with marble.Curiously, all the nine chambers '
roofs are spanned by overlapping courses of massive black basalt slabs on the
corbel's principle.

Access to the tomb chamber is from the south,through an entrance filled with a
stone door jamb and a door of sandalwood decorated with a Chinese cross
pattern.Fretted marble screens block opening on the other three sides.The floor of
the tomb chamber is attractively laid out in geometric patterns of marble and black
stone.

In layout,the tomb of Pari Bibi resembles the more ambitious tomb of Humayun in
Delhi.

Lalbagh Fort Mosque: The mosque has three domes, and is relatively small for a
large site, with a water tank for ablutions in front. The mosque has an oblong plan of
20.34 m × 10.21 m (66 ft 9 in × 33 ft 6 in) externally and 16.36 m × 6.15 m (53 ft 8 in

× 20 ft 2 in) internally. The Lalbagh Fort Mosque (Quilla Masjid) is situated in the

western part of the complex, aligned with the tomb of Bibi Pari.It is a typical Bengali
Mughal -type Mosque-a rectangular structure crowned With three domes.It is one
of the finest examples of its kind,Where the central dome is larger.

Lalbagh Fort Mosque(Quilla Mosque) Was restored and repaired by the Department
of Archaeology, Bangladesh, and is now a protected monument. The mosque is still
in use and separated with a fence from the fort to enter it for prayer without any
ticket.
Total Cost Summary: