Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil, also known as Ahsan Monjil, served as the official residence and seat of the Nawab of Dhaka. Located in Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh, this magnificent palace is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Construction of the building began in 1859 and was completed in 1872. Today, Ahsan Manzil is designated as a national museum and remains one of the most important historical landmarks in the country.
History:
During the Mughal era, the site where Ahsan Manzil stands was home to a garden house owned by Sheikh Enayet Ullah, the landlord of the Jamalpur Porgona district. Sheikh Enayet Ullah was a man of charm and opulence. He acquired a large piece of land in Kumartuli and built an extravagant palace, naming it "Rongmohol" (or Rangmahal). Known for his lavish lifestyle, he often entertained beautiful women from both within the country and abroad, adorning them with expensive dresses and ornaments.
According to legend, the Foujdar (governor) of Dhaka became infatuated with one of these women. In a jealous rage, he invited Sheikh Enayet Ullah to a party, where he was killed in a conspiracy. The woman, in her sorrow and anger, is said to have committed suicide. A grave believed to be that of Sheikh Enayet Ullah was located in the north-east corner of the palace yard, though it was lost in the early 20th century.
Description and Construction:
Ahsan Manzil is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Bangladesh. The palace was constructed on a raised platform 1 meter above the ground and spans an impressive 125.4 meters by 28.75 meters. The height of the first floor is 5 meters, while the second floor rises to 5.8 meters. The walls of the palace are about 0.78 meters thick.
The building features porticos on the northern and southern sides, each with a height of 5 meters. The palace faces the Buriganga River, with an expansive front and a large open stairway leading up to the second floor. At the top of these stairs are grand triple-arched portals. A fountain once graced the garden in front of the stairs, though it no longer exists today. Spacious verandas run along both the northern and southern sides, with an open terrace projecting in the middle.
How to Get There:
Ahsan Manzil is easily accessible by a direct bus service from Gulistan in Dhaka. Alternatively, you can reach the site by private car or auto-rickshaw (CNG).
