The Context in Which Dhaka Gate Was Built

 

The question that arises in many minds is why this gate was built in the middle of the city?

A historical photo from the time shared by “Save the Heritage”, a popular Facebook group, showed a group of elephants in front of a gate where there are rows of pillars, green trees behind and a unique arch. The photo was taken by an unknown person in 1875 which is the only source that provide us the see the Gate’s original look. The photo was published the “Star Weekend” as well.

According to historians, during the Mughal period, this arch was used to enter Dhaka via the Buriganga River. At that time, its name was 'Mir Jumlar Gate'. Later, it was sometimes called 'Mymensingh Gate', sometimes 'Dhaka Gate' and much later; it was named 'Ramna Gate'. Since this gate was used to enter Ramna, it was later known as Ramna Gate to the common people. However, according to the Bangladesh Government Gazette, this arch and the surrounding area have been named 'Mir Jumlar Gate'.

There is debate among historians and archaeologists as to when and why the gate was built. But archaeologists believe that it was built during the Mughal period. According to “Dhaka Kosh” published by the Asiatic Society, Mir Jumla built the Dhaka Gate between the years 1660 and 1663. The gate was purportedly erected to demarcate Dhaka's northern boundary and protect the city from Magh pirates who frequently raided the region. A notable figure of the seventeenth century Mir Jumla Was born in 1591 A.D Ardistan of Ispahan in Iran who began his life as a clerk under the Mughal administration. He later established himself as one of the best generals and most capable governors of the Mughal Empire.

In 1660 CE Mir Jumla came to Bengal as Emperor Aurangzeb appointed Jumla as the Governor of Bengal

Mir Jumla is remembered in the History of Bangladesh for a large number of construction activities in Dhaka. ?? built two roads, two bridges and a network of forts. The Dhaka gate or Mir Jumla gate, remains of his bridge and a cannon named 'Bibi Mariam' can be found in Dhaka even today and are the reminders of his rule.

Some historians and archaeologists argue that the current structure of Dhaka Gate bears a distinctly European architectural style, suggesting a later construction date during the British colonial period. Notably, Dr. Ahmad Hasan Dani, a renowned historian, posited that the gate was built in the 1820s by Charles Dawes, a British magistrate. This theory aligns with the gate's architectural features, which differ from typical Mughal designs found elsewhere in Dhaka.

However, Professor Dr. Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, an architect involved in the conservation of the 'Dhaka Gate' and a teacher at the University of Asia Pacific, said that during the Mughal era, during the reign of Mir Jumla, Dhaka began from this gate, not the banks of the Buriganga. The city began a little further inland due to fear of looting.

"Now three parts of this gate can be seen, but this was not the case in the beginning. Initially, the road was one lane, so there were two parts of the gate. When the road was made two lanes in the 1960s during the Pakistan period, a part of the gate was demolished. The part of the shrines of the three leaders was rebuilt. The road divider is a part of that demolished part." He said.

Historian Muntassir Mamoon, however, has a different view. The first magistrate of Dhaka during the British rule, British magistrate of Dhaka Charles D’Oyly, had built a racecourse, clearing the jungle in Ramna in 1925, and constructed a road on the north-east side of the racecourse to connect it with the main city, Mamoon wrote in his book ‘Smriti Bismritir Nogori Dhaka.’ The magistrate constructed two pillars at the entrance to the road, which was known as ‘Mir Jumla’s Gate', according to him.

Outside the gate, Mir Jumla established a beautiful garden and named it Bagh-e-Badshahi (the emperor's garden). Afterwards, the British rulers converted the garden into a race course and, after Bangladesh's independence; the race course was replaced by the Suhrawardi Uddyan, one of the most popular city parks of Dhaka.

Professor AKM Shahnewaz of Jahangirnagar University’s archaeology department believes the gate was built in the Mughal era.

“Dhaka was a much bigger area during the colonial era. Dhaka University was established during that period. Shahbagh was built during the rule of the nawabs. The gate would have been erected further north, if it had been done at that time,” he said.

Over the centuries, under different regimes this gate was transformed and named differently. Originally, the gate was a yellow-colored structure comprising two walls and a central pillar. The walls, designed with unique square holes, supported a wide cornice. The pillar, standing approximately 15 feet tall, added to the gate's imposing presence. Over time, the gate suffered significant damage, necessitating several reconstruction efforts. In the British period according to historians, British magistrate of Dhaka Charles D’Oyly rebuilt the gate in 1825, leaving his mark on its European architectural style and named it Ramna Gate.

Later Muhammad Azam Khan (1960-62), the then governor of East Pakistan, broke down its eastern wing and placed it near the Shishu Academy to widen the road during the Martial Law reign. By this time, it was called Dhaka Gate.

Because of the negligence of long time, Dhaka gate was gradually losing its beauty, at the same time its existence. Recently DSCC took an initiative to bring back the structure in new form. Its renovation work began in 2023. The aim of this project worth Tk 82 lakh 40 thousand was to restore Mir Jumla Gate to its old appearance. The historic Dhaka Gate was recently renovated and reopened last year. They have also placed Mir Jumla’s cannon over here which is originally known as Bibi Mariam cannon. One of its three parts is now in the area of Centre for Renewable Energy Research and another part stands inside the premises of Mausoleum of three leaders.

Beyond its majestic facade, Dhaka Gate is not merely stone and mortar; it's a living chronicle of Bangladesh's cultural heritage. As a poignant relic of the Mughal era, it invites us to traverse the corridors of time, appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship that have weathered the ages. Dhaka Gate, steeped in history and local lore, is a monument that has witnessed the evolution of Dhaka for centuries.


Adnan Hadi is a senior
journalist mainly 
writing on archeological sites 
and sports. He can be reached at: [email protected]