Northbrook Hall

Northbrook hall was built during the British rule in Bangladesh. It is also known as ‘LalKuthi’. It was built as a town hall. This hall has historical significance. Architecture of the building It has a unique architecture where Mughal and European styles have been merged. This is an indo Saracen building. The doors, windows and walls are ornate which follow European style.

fig: Collected

On the other hand, the semi circular horseshoe arches containing the main entrance on the north side and its four octagonal minarets, Ornamental parapet and pinnacles are the sign of mughal architecture. The domes which are at the top of the building can be related to Muslim features as well.

History In the year of 1874, The then governor general and viceroy of British India ,Thomas George Baring Northbrook visited Dhaka. For making his visit a memorable one, Zamindar Abhay Chandra Das, Kumar Rajendra Narayan Roy and Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah made the initiative of establishing a town hall and library. Along with these zamindars, some other affluent people of Dhaka donated thousands of money for building the town hall in 1879. The secretary of its committee was Abhay Chandra Das. The then commissioner of Dhaka inaugurated it in 1880.Also Personal orchestra of Nawab Abdul Ghani was very famous back then. They were brought to entertain the commissioner. Later, in the year of 1882, a public library was added on the south east side. The authorities named it as ‘Northbrook Public Library’. During the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, many books were destroyed. Later, it was re established with the donation of eminent people. There was also a clubhouse named Johnson hall. This hall is historically associated with Noble prize winner Rabindranath Tagore as he was given honour by Dhaka municipality there in 1926. This historical building was used as a telegram office and Central women’s college too.

These Hall is near to famous Buriganga river. Previously, it was possible to get a view of Buriganga river from here which is not possible at present due to heavy constructions around this structure. Northbrook Hall is at present under the protection of Department of Archaeology. This department did several restoration works previously.

How to go there: North brook hall is situated at Farashgonj road in Old Dhaka. There are available buses and taxis from all parts of Dhaka for going to old Dhaka. It is located near Buriganga River. This place is an important asset for Bangladesh as it witnesses the history of this country. This place is getting popularity among travel thirsty people day by day for its historical significance.

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Article by-

Rashid-Ul-Karim Siyam

Information Collected