A Brief History of Dhaka

Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh, has a rich and layered past that stretches back centuries. Once part of the ancient kingdom of Bengal, the area—especially Bikrampur—was a hub of Buddhist learning and culture. Archaeological evidence suggests that Dhaka was inhabited during the Maurya and Gupta periods.

In the 13th century, Turkish and Afghan rulers brought the region under the Bengal Sultanate, turning Dhaka into a bustling trade center, especially known for its exquisite muslin fabric.

The Mughal era marked a golden age. In 1608, Islam Khan Chishti declared Dhaka the capital of Bengal, renaming it Jahangir Nagar. The city flourished economically and architecturally, with landmarks like Lalbagh Fort and Bara Katra reflecting Mughal grandeur.

Under British colonial rule, Dhaka’s prominence waned as Calcutta rose in importance. The muslin industry declined due to British imports, but Dhaka remained culturally significant.

Today, Dhaka stands as a dynamic metropolis, shaped by centuries of political shifts, cultural evolution, and economic transformation.

Dhaka City