Visit to Puran (Old) Dhaka
General about Puran Dhaka
Puran Dhaka has a glorious history of 400 years of being capital city. Those who are interested in visiting Puran Dhaka to explore the gems of it, Narinda-Wari can be a good representative area for that. You can first reach Sayedabad Bus Stand from any district and then move by the traditional Rickshaw. You can also move from Sadarghat Launch Terminal if you come through the waterway.
Places to visit Puran Dhaka
Binat Biwi Mosque: It is the oldest existing mosque of Dhaka city. It’s origin time is 1457 AD during Sultani Rule. It is close to the Narinda Police Fari.
Christian Cemetery: Being located on the border of Narinda & Wari, it is the oldest Christian Cemetery in Dhaka city. It is approximately 300 years old. The oldest epitaph indicates 1724 AD (grave of Joseph Paget). You can see very strange types of monuments and epitaphs inside it, including the old and modern ages. In addition to that, the tomb of Columbo Shahib is the most attractive structure inside the cemetery.
Nasiruddin Memorial Building: It is at Sharat Gupta Road in Narinda. According to local assumption, a Hindu Jamindar of Kishoreganj constructed it nearly 1890 AD. The most important fact is that, Mr. Nasiruddin (Editor of magazine Sowgat), Nurjahan Begum (Editor of Magazine Begum) and writer Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadavaai were resident of this house. At present the building tells the history.
Shankhanidhi House: This palace is in the period of 1921-26 and belongs to Shankhanidhi family of Dhaka. Presently, the condition of this gorgeous structure is miserable. Even it is at risk of demolition at any moment as surrounding structures like Bhajahari Lodge, Shankhanidhi Dance Hall and Radha-Krishna Temple are already demolished. Moreover, this structure is near to Graduates High School in Madan-Mohon Basak Lane (Also known as Tipu Sultan Road), Wari.
Other Places to visit Puran Dhaka
Dhola Jamindar House: There is a beautiful lodge of Dhola Jamindar family in Rankin Street of Wari. This two-storied building is in good condition till now. Besides, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board maintains the building.
Madhwa Gouriya Moth: It is the most beautiful and colorful Moth-style temple in Dhaka city. This two-storied temple is full of foliage design and eye-soothing colors. It’s establishment time probably in 1935 AD.
Baldha Garden: This wonderful garden, is in Wari, probably the oldest existing historical garden of Dhaka city. Mr. Narendra Narayan Roy Chowdhury established in 1909. You can see some rare species of plant here including Amazon Lily. The garden has two parts: Saiki and Sibili. Additionally, there is a Sun-Dial inside it and yes, it works. It is also famous like Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar.
Other Interesting points
However, you have enough time and you want to explore the old city by discovering it yourself, here is a list for your help: The house of Lal Mohon Chakrabarty, owner of Shakti Medicine Company (Sharat Gupt Road), Narinda Pump House, a pump house of British Rule (near Narinda Govt. High School), Gods Acre Cemetery (Larmini Street, Wari), St. Joseph School of Industrial Trade (Shah Saheb Lane, Narinda), House of Shah Saheb and Madrasaa (Shah Saheb Lane, Narinda), Radha-Govinda Temple as well as surrounding old building (Lal Mohon Shah Street) and Sree Sree Radha-Govinda Jiu Temple (Chandra Mohon Basak Street, Wari) as well. All the images and information gathered by Mr. Abhijit Das.
