Dhaka Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 11, 2024
Dhaka Then
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has an uncertain origin for its name, with multiple theories proposed by historians and linguists.
One of the leading theories suggests that the name Dhaka comes from the dhak tree, which was once abundant in the area.
Another theory links the name to Dhakeshwari, the Hindu goddess who was considered the patron deity of the region.
A third explanation points to the dhak, a type of membranophone musical instrument that was reportedly played during the inauguration of Dhaka as the capital of Bengal in 1610 under Subahdar Islam Khan I.
Additionally, some historical references suggest that the name might derive from Dhaka Bhasa, a Prakrit dialect spoken in the region, or even from Dhakka, which was mentioned in the ancient Rajatarangini text as a watch station.
Another possibility is that Dhaka is related to the term Davaka, used in the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta to describe an eastern frontier kingdom.
The name “Dhakka” is often interpreted as meaning “watchtower,” supporting the theory that the area served as a strategic military outpost, possibly linked to the nearby ancient strongholds of Bikrampur and Sonargaon.
Thus, the name Dhaka may have evolved from its role as a fortification or watchtower in the history of the region.
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Dhaka History
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has a rich and complex history dating back to the 1st millennium CE.
Its name is believed to be derived from either the dhak tree, once abundant in the area, or from Dhakeshwari, meaning “The Hidden Goddess,” after the shrine dedicated to her.
While Dhaka has long had historical significance, it rose to prominence in the 17th century under the Mughal Empire, serving as the capital of Bengal province (1608–39, 1660–1704).
During this period, it became a thriving center of trade, attracting merchants from England, France, Armenia, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
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Key historical structures from the Mughal period include Lal Bagh Fort (1678), the Bara Katra (1664), and the Chhota Katra (1663).
The Husayni Dalan, a Shiite religious monument built in 1642, also stands as an example of Mughal architecture in Dhaka.
Despite its flourishing during the Mughal era, the city’s importance declined after the provincial capital was moved to Murshidabad in 1704.
Dhaka came under British control in 1765 and was made a municipality in 1864.
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The 20th century saw Dhaka’s resurgence when it became the capital of East Bengal and East Pakistan.
Following the country’s independence in 1971, Dhaka was established as the capital of Bangladesh.
The city’s industrial and commercial landscape grew significantly post-independence.
Alongside traditional industries like jamdani muslin and silk, Dhaka became a hub for jute processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics.
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The garment industry also emerged as a major economic driver in the latter half of the 20th century.
In addition to its commercial prominence, Dhaka is home to several prestigious universities, such as the University of Dhaka (1921) and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (1962).
The city has a wealth of cultural landmarks, including the Star Mosque (early 19th century), the National Assembly Building (1982) designed by Louis I. Kahn, and the Curzon Hall at the University of Dhaka, a fusion of Mughal and European architectural styles.
Dhaka’s history can also be traced back to ancient settlements in the region, including Vikramapura, once the capital of the Pala dynasty.
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It was later part of Sonargaon under Islamic rule, a key administrative center during the Delhi Sultanate and the Bengal Sultanate.
Dhaka became the capital of the Mughal Bengal Subah in 1610, and the city flourished under Mughal governor Shaista Khan, becoming one of the wealthiest cities of its time.
During the Mughal period, Dhaka was not only an administrative hub but also a center for the production of muslin, a fine textile highly prized around the world.
The city’s strategic location also made it an essential part of Mughal expansion into Assam and Arakan.
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Despite a later decline following the loss of its provincial capital status in 1717, Dhaka continued to play a central role in regional trade under the Nawabs of Bengal, becoming a hotspot for European trading companies.
After the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Treaty of Allahabad (1765), British control over the city intensified, though its infrastructure suffered during military conflicts.
Under British rule, the city’s fortunes were revitalized through connections to the British Empire’s trading networks, particularly in jute.
However, Dhaka’s industrial and urban development remained neglected by the British until the late 19th century.
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The city is renowned for its cosmopolitan history, with diverse communities such as Armenians, Portuguese, Greeks, and Jews playing a significant role in its social and economic life.
The legacy of these communities is evident in neighborhoods like Farashganj (French Bazaar) and Armanitola (Armenian Quarter), which remain part of Old Dhaka today.
Dhaka continues to be a vital cultural, educational, and economic hub in South Asia, blending its rich historical heritage with modern growth and development.
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Dhaka Now
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a bustling megacity that holds a significant position in South Asia due to its cultural, economic, and political importance.
As of 2024, it is home to over 10 million residents within the city and more than 23 million in the broader metropolitan area.
This makes Dhaka one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a density of over 23,000 people per square kilometer.
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Its rapid urbanization and population growth have been driven by its status as a major center for industry, commerce, and governance in the region.
The city’s economy is robust, contributing to 35% of Bangladesh’s GDP, with the Dhaka Stock Exchange listing more than 750 companies.
Dhaka is strategically located on the banks of several rivers, including the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, and Shitalakshya, in the fertile Ganges Delta.
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The city’s rivers play a central role in daily life, not only for transportation but also for irrigation and fishing.
This network of rivers has historically shaped the development of Dhaka, offering an accessible route for trade and connecting it with the broader region.
However, the city’s low-lying geography makes it prone to flooding, particularly during the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall and cyclones exacerbate the risk of inundation.
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Culturally, Dhaka is a vibrant city with a rich heritage that spans centuries. It boasts a mix of Mughal and British colonial architecture, with modernist landmarks such as the Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Parliament House) highlighting the city’s evolving skyline.
Dhaka’s cultural scene is also known for its unique artistic expressions, such as its famous rickshaw art, Jamdani saris, and the iconic Kachi Biryani.
The city’s Bengali New Year celebrations, which feature elaborate parades and festivities, are a testament to its cultural vibrancy and have earned recognition from UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
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The city also serves as a center for education, science, and research in Bangladesh, with many of the country’s leading institutions headquartered in Dhaka.
Additionally, it is a significant Muslim-majority city, where religious diversity is visible through its numerous mosques, temples, and churches.
Over the years, Dhaka has produced many renowned poets, writers, and intellectuals, contributing to both Bengali and global literary traditions.
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Despite its many achievements, Dhaka faces several challenges. Its population density puts pressure on infrastructure, public services, and housing, leading to chronic congestion and pollution.
The city also grapples with environmental issues such as air quality deterioration and water management, compounded by its vulnerability to natural disasters.
Nonetheless, Dhaka remains a dynamic and rapidly evolving metropolis, continuing to shape the future of Bangladesh in various sectors, from politics to culture to the economy.
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FAQs
Dhaka is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including its Mughal and British colonial architecture, Kachi Biryani, rickshaw art, and Jamdani saris. It is also known for being a major hub of industry, trade, and education in South Asia.
Dhaka has not undergone a name change. It was formerly known as Dacca during the British colonial period, but the name “Dhaka” has been used since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971.
No, Dhaka is not a city in India. It is the capital of Bangladesh, located in South Asia, just north of the Buriganga River.
Dhaka is considered relatively affordable compared to many global megacities, but it can be expensive for residents in terms of housing and living costs, particularly in its most densely populated areas. However, it is less expensive than many Western cities.