Lalbagh Fort
Lalbagh Fort, also known as Laal Bagh Kella, is a historic Mughal fort located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Prince Muhammad Azam originally envisioned it as a grand and spectacular palace-fortress, demonstrating the power and authority of the Mughal Empire in Bengal. If a person steps into the magnificent grounds of Lalbagh Fort, he will immediately be captivated by the blend of Mughal grandeur and historical charm that defines this 17th-century fort. The fort offers a striking contrast to the city’s urban landscape, making it one of Dhaka’s most fascinating tourist destinations.
What visitors can see:
Visitors first encounter the Diwan-i-Aam ( Hall of Public Audience) on the fort’s western side. This structure stands as one of the main architectural elements of the Lalbagh fort. It showcases the classic elements of Mughal architecture with arched doorways, spacious halls, and high ceilings. Today this hall stands as a testament to the administrative and social priorities of the Mughal era, offering visitors a glimpse into the governance and public life of the 17th century.
Then comes the highlight of this place that’s known as Bibi Pari’s Tomb. The tomb is a serene mausoleum of white marble with intricate designs dedicated to Bibi Pari, the daughter of then-governor Shaista Khan. Inside the tomb lies the sarcophagus, resting under a modestly decorated ceiling. The walls around it are beautifully decorated, with some floral and calligraphic elements characteristic of Mughal design. The materials used, particularly the rare white marble, reflect the wealth and cultural sophistication of the Mughal Empire. Visitors to Lalbagh Fort often find Pari Bibi’s Tomb a poignant reminder of the personal lives of the royals who once ruled this region. Unfortunately, Pari Bibi’s sudden death, believed to be due to illness, left a mark on Shaista Khan, who halted the construction of the fort. The tomb’s design and placement within the fort complex show how deeply her death impacted the fort’s history, leaving it incomplete and lending a melancholic beauty to this historic site.
The three-domed mosque at Lalbagh Fort is a beautiful example of Mughal religious architecture. Built during the late 17th century, it sits near Bibi Pari’s Tomb within the fort complex and is distinguished by its three elegant domes, which give the structure its name. The structure’s three-domed design was common in Mughal-era mosques and is meant to symbolize the Islamic trinity of unity, power, and knowledge. Today, the three-domed mosque remains an essential part of the fort complex, admired by visitors for both its architectural beauty and its historical significance.
How to go :
You can reach Lalbagh Fort by rickshaw or Laguna from Dhaka’s Gulistan. Just tell them the name of Lalbagh Fort, and they will lead you to Lalbhag Fort. It took me 70 takas (0.60 dollars) to take a rickshaw from Gulistan to Lalbagh Fort, while Laguna seems to cost 25 takas (0.21 dollars). I last visited the place on 13-04-2024.
Conclusion:
Lalbagh Fort stands as a symbol of Mughal architectural grandeur and unfinished mystery, showcasing extraordinary artistry through its structures like Bibi Pari’s Tomb, the three-domed mosque, and its historic gardens. It is a cultural treasure in Dhaka because of its unique fusion of beauty, history, and legend that captivates tourists. Lalbagh Fort has become an emblem of Dhaka’s rich history and is a key tourist attraction. Even in its unfinished state, people find themselves admiring the layers of history, feeling both the beauty and mystery of Lalbagh Fort, making it a key landmark in Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.