The History Behind the Naming of Dhaka
The exact origin of Dhaka’s name remains a subject of debate among historians. According to one legend, during the reign of the Sena dynasty, King Ballal Sen discovered an idol of the Hindu goddess Durga in a forest near the Buriganga River. In honor of the deity, he established a temple named Dhakeshwari Temple. Since the idol was found in a concealed or “hidden” state (which translates to “Dhaka” in Bengali), the area eventually came to be known as Dhaka.
Another popular theory attributes the city’s name to the Mughals. When Emperor Jahangir declared Dhaka as the capital of Suba Bangla, his governor, Islam Khan, reportedly ordered the beating of war drums, or “Dhak” in Bengali, to celebrate the occasion. This event became a widely told story, leading to the city’s name—Dhaka.
It is also noteworthy that Dhaka was once known as Jahangirnagar in honor of Emperor Jahangir. However, this name did not endure beyond his reign.
Dhaka’s Historical Development
Today, Dhaka is divided into two major administrative zones: Dhaka South, which encompasses the historic core of the city, and Dhaka North, comprising newer urban developments.
Historically, Dhaka has been a significant urban center. It was originally part of Samatata and later became a key region under Banga and Gauda. By the late 13th century, the city came under Muslim rule. On July 16, 1610, Emperor Jahangir officially declared Dhaka the capital of Suba Bangla, shifting the capital from Rajmahal. The city retained the name Jahangirnagar until the emperor’s death.
Before Dhaka’s rise as a capital, Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were ruled from Rajmahal, but the region faced continuous resistance from independent chieftains known as the Baro Bhuiyans. To consolidate Mughal authority, Emperor Jahangir appointed Islam Khan Chishti as the governor in 1608. He transferred the capital from Rajmahal to Dhaka in 1610 due to its strategic location.
By 1615, Islam Khan successfully subdued the Baro Bhuiyans, and most of Bengal—except parts of Chittagong—fell under Mughal rule. Despite becoming the provincial capital in 1610, Dhaka’s status was not permanent.
Shifting Capitals: Dhaka’s Changing Fate
- 1650: Subedar Shah Shuja, the Mughal governor, moved the capital back to Rajmahal.
- 1660: Subedar Mir Jumla reinstated Dhaka as the capital.
- 1717: Subedar Murshid Quli Khan shifted the capital to Murshidabad, diminishing Dhaka’s importance.
- During the Nawab era, Dhaka remained under Mughal-appointed Naib Nazims until British rule.
- Under British rule, the capital was moved to Calcutta, further reducing Dhaka’s significance.
However, Dhaka regained prominence in 1905 when it was declared the capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam following the Partition of Bengal. Due to strong opposition from the Indian National Congress, the British annulled the partition in 1911, reinstating Calcutta as the capital.
Dhaka’s name and its historical journey are deeply intertwined with mythology, Mughal influence, and colonial politics. From being a Mughal capital to witnessing power shifts under British rule, Dhaka has evolved into the bustling capital of Bangladesh, carrying centuries of history within its name.
