The 17th-century Mughal fort complex stands before the Buriganga River in the southwestern area of Dhaka, constructed by Mughal Muhammad Azam Shah in 1678. The huge architecture of this historical site, the overwhelming interior, and exterior decoration are beyond appreciation. Stepping in the fort unquestionably gives royalty atmospheres of the Mughals and their luxurious living styles. The place contains classical mythological and historical facts and it feels like traveling to the past due to its prominence in history and incredible appeal. It is one of the most popular places among local inhabitants and a must to visit place for tourists to witness the magnificence and history of the Mughals, their lifestyle, and extravagance.
Three architectural monuments are within the complex, the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi, the beautiful daughter of Shaista Khan, the Diwan which is the hall of Audience, and the three-domed Quilla Mosque, all date from 1964. Utility buildings, stable, administration blocks were also constructed. The Diwan is an elegant two-storey structure containing an exceptional museum of Mughal miniature paintings, coins, carpets, and calligraphy along with swords and firearms, indeed eye capturing and inspiring. In the same building, a massive arched doorway leads to the Hammam, the bathhouse, which unbelievably has an underground space for boiling water. Undeniably remarkable!
The Mausoleum of Pari Bibi is captivating, most impressive, and sentimental due to its atypical material of construction which is black basalt from Rahmahals hills, white marble from Rajputana, and encaustic tiles of various colors that have been used to decorate its interior, representing the Mughal root of hers and admiration to Pari Bibi. The square monument stands in the center of a raised, stoned flagged platform having four graceful octagonal turrets in reach corner and the roof covered by a false copped dome crowned by a tall finial. The chamber where Pari Bibi is buried is entirely veneered in white marble. The breathtaking beauty of this monument will engrave itself in the brain urging one to visit the site more often which is indeed a pleasure to the eyes.
The Quilla mosque, situated on the western part of the complex, is a typical Bengali Mughal type mosque, rectangular structure with three domes that give the mosque an authentic view. It is one of the finest examples of its kind where the central dome is larger.
Arising curiosity to those loving thrills, the most interesting part of the fort is the secret tunnels built as mazes so that attackers and intruders to lost their way on them. The tunnels are now sealed permanently.
It is said that architecture is the art tool to express power, the Lalbagh Fort justifies the saying by its majestic and intelligent representation. Surrounding the gigantic architectural monuments are beautiful flower gardens and green fields inside the fort property. Diverse colorful and rare flowers with an open green space make the fort more attractive to each and every one. Taking a promenade in the garden, under the immense blue sky, brings a sense of peace and tranquility within while the cool breeze whispers in the ears and embraces us. The Fort is so magnetic that one will visit the place, again and again, to enjoy some peaceable instants out of the busy life schedule and spend some quality time with kinfolk and friends on the Mughals’ once-owned property.
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