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The History Behind the Naming of Dhaka
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Publication: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Dhaka

The exact origin of Dhaka’s name is a subject of much debate. According to one legend, King Ballal Sen of the Sena dynasty discovered an idol of the Hindu goddess Durga in a jungle near the banks of the Buriganga River during his travels. As a mark of reverence, he established a temple in the area, naming it the Dhakeshwari Temple, inspired by the goddess’s hidden (“dhaka” in Bengali) discovery. Over time, the name Dhaka became associated with the locality.

Another popular theory among historians is linked to the Mughal period. When Emperor Jahangir declared Dhaka the capital of Suba Bangla, Subedar Islam Khan reportedly ordered the playing of “dhak” (a traditional drum) to celebrate the occasion. This event became legendary, and the city came to be known as Dhaka. Notably, during the Mughal era, the city was also called Jahangirnagar in honor of Emperor Jahangir.

Today, Dhaka is divided into two administrative zones: Dhaka South and Dhaka North. Dhaka South constitutes the core of the city, while Dhaka North comprises newer suburban areas.

Dhaka’s Historical Evolution

Historical evidence suggests that Dhaka was initially part of ancient kingdoms like Samatata, Banga, and Gour. By the late 13th century, it came under Muslim rule. On July 16, 1610, Emperor Jahangir officially declared Dhaka the capital of Suba Bangla, naming it Jahangirnagar in his honor—a title it retained during his lifetime.

Prior to this, during Emperor Akbar’s reign, the provincial capital of Bengal-Bihar-Orissa was in Rajmahal, Bihar. The Mughals faced resistance from the Baro Bhuiyans, a group of feudal chiefs who controlled much of Bengal. After repeated efforts between 1576 and 1605, Emperor Jahangir appointed Islam Khan Chishti as Subedar of Rajmahal in 1608. Recognizing Dhaka’s strategic location, Islam Khan relocated the capital from Rajmahal to Dhaka in 1610. Within five years, the Baro Bhuiyans were subdued, and Suba Bangla, barring parts of present-day Chattogram, came under Mughal control.

However, Dhaka’s status as a capital shifted frequently. In 1650, Subedar Shah Shuja moved the capital back to Rajmahal, only for Subedar Mir Jumla to restore it to Dhaka in 1660. Dhaka remained the capital until 1717, when Subedar Murshid Quli Khan relocated the administrative center to Murshidabad. Subsequently, Dhaka was governed by Naib-e-Nazims during the Mughal period. Under British rule, the capital moved to Kolkata, reducing Dhaka’s prominence until 1905, when it regained significance as the capital of Assam and Bengal following the Partition of Bengal. However, in 1911, British authorities shifted the capital back to Kolkata in response to opposition from the Indian National Congress.

Dhaka

The Age of Dhaka

While Dhaka is widely recognized as having been the capital for over 400 years since Islam Khan’s establishment in 1610, archaeological findings are reshaping its historical narrative. Excavations at the former central jail on Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka uncovered evidence of a fortified palace dating back to 1430, predating Islam Khan’s arrival. These discoveries suggest that Dhaka was a thriving urban center long before the Mughals.

Even more intriguingly, artifacts from the site indicate human habitation in the region dating back over 2,500 years, possibly even before the birth of Christ. Findings such as glazed pottery and intricately designed relics resemble those found in other ancient sites like Mahasthangarh and Wari-Bateshwar, as well as in South and Southeast Asia, hinting at Dhaka’s connections to ancient trade routes and its role as a significant hub.

Prominent archaeologist Professor Sufi Mustafizur Rahman of Jahangirnagar University, who led the excavation team, highlighted these findings in a lecture at the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. He emphasized that the artifacts, dated through carbon-14 testing, confirm the existence of a fortified city in Dhaka as early as the 15th century.

The research also revealed that Dhaka has served as a capital at least seven times throughout its history, including during the Proto-Historic, Pre-Medieval, Sultanate, Mughal, Colonial, Pakistani, and modern Bangladeshi eras.

Conclusion

The discoveries at the Old Dhaka excavation site have opened a new chapter in Dhaka’s history. Like the Rosetta Stone unlocked mysteries of ancient Egypt, these findings shed light on the city’s ancient origins and significance. Professor Mustafizur Rahman and his team, along with support from institutions like the Asiatic Society, have laid the groundwork for further exploration, which promises to illuminate Dhaka’s rich and complex history even more vividly.

This evolving narrative has sparked excitement among scholars and citizens alike, redefining pride in Dhaka’s legacy as one of the world’s oldest and most dynamic urban centers.

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