Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sightseeing for History Buffs in Dhaka

Dhaka, an over-crowded, vibrant, colourful city, bustling with endless activities is primarily a city that appeals to all your five senses – sight, smell, sound, touch and taste. After reaching Dhaka, allow yourself to sail along with the city’s natural movement to listen to the music of the city. Touring Dhaka is not a costly affair and if you have booked your cheap flights from London, you have already saved a lot of money.

The language, Bangla, has such an exquisite depth, subtlety and variety that it percolates through the lives of the city adding to the cultural richness of the region. The Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka, a monument built in commemoration of those souls who laid down their lives in demanding an equal status of Bangla is an amazing and proud piece in the history of languages in this world.

Dhaka bears cultural legacies from all the dynasties that rose and fell in this rich soil. Its ancient architecture bears testimony to its rich past and the most marvellous piece of architecture is the Old High Court. It is an imposing white structure built in the European renaissance style and in terms of beauty and splendour, the Curzon Hall contends with it.

Laid out in a spacious and manicured garden, Curzon Hall is one of the stupendous British architectures in Bangladesh representing a blend of British and Mogul art. Apart from its ancient architecture, Dhaka also boasts modern architecture and its love for exquisite art is felt at the sight of Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban, National Assembly Building of Bangladesh, designed by the famous American architect Louis Kahn. Construction of The National Assembly complex was completed in 1982 with the potential to accommodate 300 members.

For a history buff, a visit to the National Museum is unavoidable. This Museum has a wide array of ancient artefacts belonging to both historical and contemporary times and ranging from antique textiles to stuffed tigers, medieval weapons, porcelain, filigree work, embroidered quilts, pieces of ivory, and superb wooden furniture to ancient sculptures and coins. The most interesting part of this Museum is a collection of paintings and charcoal drawings by Shilpachariya Zainul Abedin on the 1943 Great Bengal Famine.

The Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb is a witness to the first war of independence (1857) in India. This Fort houses the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, and Audience Hall. The Ahsan Manjil (Pink Palace) built on the bank of river Buriganga is the Palace of Nawab (local ruler) of Dhaka and reflects the aestheticism of the times of Nawabs.

By exploring the above places you would be able to cover the history of Bangladesh quite a bit and to unravel the rest you can pick from plentiful cheap flights from UK for your next trip to Dhaka.

No comments:

Post a Comment