Lalbagh Fort is an incomplete Mughal palace fortress on the banks of the river Buriganga on the outskirts of Dhaka. This magnificent 17th century Mughal palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Bangladesh. Lalbagh Fort consists of a series of structures surrounded by lush lawns and cultivated gardens.
Construction of the Lalbagh Fort began in 1678 under the direction of Prince Muhammad Azam, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb. He was the vice-royal of Bengal at this time. But his vice-royalty lasted only 15 months as he was recalled by his father. However, the construction work of the fortress was continued by his successor, Shaista Khan. But upon the death of his beloved daughter Bibi Pari in 1684, who had been betrothed to Prince Azam, he considered the fort to be ominous. Shaista Khan halted the project and it remained incomplete though he stayed there until 1688.
The central area of the fort is occupied by three buildings - the Diwan-i-Aam on its east, the mosque on the west and the tomb of Bibi Pari in between the two. The fort was considered to be a combination of these three buildings, two gateways and a portion of the partly damaged fortification wall. But the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh has found the existence of other structures in its recent excavations. The excavations have reveled remains of 26/27 structures in the fort area of 18 acres.
The Department of Archaeology has done some renovation work in the Lalbagh Fort and it in a much-improved shape. It has now become an interesting tourist spot in the country.
Construction of the Lalbagh Fort began in 1678 under the direction of Prince Muhammad Azam, the son of Emperor Aurangzeb. He was the vice-royal of Bengal at this time. But his vice-royalty lasted only 15 months as he was recalled by his father. However, the construction work of the fortress was continued by his successor, Shaista Khan. But upon the death of his beloved daughter Bibi Pari in 1684, who had been betrothed to Prince Azam, he considered the fort to be ominous. Shaista Khan halted the project and it remained incomplete though he stayed there until 1688.
The central area of the fort is occupied by three buildings - the Diwan-i-Aam on its east, the mosque on the west and the tomb of Bibi Pari in between the two. The fort was considered to be a combination of these three buildings, two gateways and a portion of the partly damaged fortification wall. But the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh has found the existence of other structures in its recent excavations. The excavations have reveled remains of 26/27 structures in the fort area of 18 acres.
The Department of Archaeology has done some renovation work in the Lalbagh Fort and it in a much-improved shape. It has now become an interesting tourist spot in the country.