Jinjira Palace: A magnificent structure witnessing history

Dhaka is an old city so it has a lot of historic places. Jinjira palace is one of the historical places in Dhaka which is a witness of Mughal rule in Bangladesh. This palace is situated on the southern bank of the Buriganga River. So much of history is associated with this palace. The original name of the palace was ‘Qasr-i-Jazirah’ which means ‘Palace of the Island’. The palace was built by Ibrahim Khan (||) who was a Mughal subadar. He used it as his recreational resort.

fig: Collected

Architecture The architecture of this palace has similarities with ‘Boro Katra’(Another architectural monument) but it has a lesser number of rooms. The palace consisted of a two-storied ‘Hammam’ complex which is rectangular in size, a two-storied gateway where there is provision for guardrooms, two octagonal side towers which are situated on the south, and the palace edifice. The sizes of the rooms were originally rectangular. The defense walls which are broadly founded and the surrounding moats indicate how strong it was as a palace fort. Although because of the lack of reservation, the palace is now almost extinct. There are only seven rooms which are still surviving but in a poor condition. Two octagonal side towers, a Dilapidated gateway, and a broad foundation with moat are still visible even today. Local people call it as ‘Howli’. It witnesses the history of the Bengal region Nawab Ibrahim Khan’s recreation resort became the residence of Murshid Quli khan as he got the ‘Diwani’ of Bengal. It is said that, the palace was connected through a wooden bridge. Husain Quli Khan who was a deputy to Nawazish Muhammad Khan also used it as his family residence. When the reign of Nawab Sarfaraz khan fell,his mother,sister,wife and children were kept in this jinjira palace.

After Husain Quli Khan was killed, his family also met the same fate. After Nawab Sirajuddaula was defeated by the British forces, Alivardi,s wife, His daughters Ghasheti Begum and Amina Begum, Sirajuddaula’s wife all were sent to this jinjjira palace and they were put under strict surveillance. All these people are a very important part of the history of the Indian subcontinent. This historical building is an important asset for Bangladesh so it should be protected well. It can become a great attraction for the travel thirsty people if it is maintained properly.

How to go there:

As this palace is situated in the older part of Dhaka near the Buriganga River, It is advised that Buses or taxis should be taken from any part of Dhaka to reach Old Dhaka also popularly known as ‘Puran Dhaka’

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“It is our duty to keep our country clean”

  Article by- Rashid-Ul-Karim Siyam

Reference

Prothom Alo, Banglapedia.  

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