2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

Architecture of Bangladesh
Architecture of Bangladesh is intertwined with the architecture of the Bengal region and the
broader Indian subcontinent.[1] The architecture of Bangladesh has a long history and is rooted in
Bangladesh's culture, religion and history.[2] It has evolved over centuries and assimilated influences
from social, religious and exotic communities. The architecture of Bangladesh bears a remarkable
impact on the lifestyle, tradition and cultural life of Bangladeshi people. Bangladesh has many
architectural relics and monuments dating back thousands of years.

Contents
Pala Buddhist architecture
Indo-Islamic Architecture
Mughal Architecture
Terracotta temple architecture
British Colonial period
Common Bungalow Style Architecture
Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture
Modern Bangladeshi Architecture
Gallery
See also
References
External links

Pala Buddhist architecture

The Pala Empire was an early Indian empire of Bengali Buddhist dynasty ruling from Bengal (which
included present day Bangladesh) from the 8th to the 12th centuries. The Palas created a distinctive
form of Bengali architecture and art known as the "Pala School of Sculptural Art." The gigantic
structures of Vikramashila Vihar, Odantpuri Vihar, and Jagaddal Vihar were masterpieces of the
Palas. These mammoth structures were destroyed by the forces of the infamous Bakhtiar Khilji. The
Somapura Mahavihara, a creation of Dharmapala, at Paharpur, Bangladesh, is the largest Buddhist
Vihara in the Indian subcontinent, and has been described as a "pleasure to the eyes of the world."
UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site in 1985. The Pala architectural style was followed throughout
south-eastern Asia and China, Japan, and Tibet. Bengal rightfully earned the name "Mistress of the
East". Dr. Stella Kramrisch says: "The art of Bihar and Bengal exercised a lasting influence on that of
Nepal, Burma, Ceylon and Java." Dhiman and Vittpala were two celebrated Pala sculptors. About
Somapura Mahavihara, Mr. J.C. French says with grief: "For the research of the Pyramids of Egypt we
spend millions of dollars every year. But had we spent only one percent of that money for the
excavation of Somapura Mahavihara, who knows what extraordinary discoveries could have been
made".[3]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 1/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

Indo-Islamic Architecture
The Sultanate of Bengal was an era of the Central Asian origin Muslim Nawab dynasty that ruled
independently of the Mughal Empire from 1342 to 1576. Most of the Muslim architecture of the
period is found in the historic Gaur region, today's Rajshahi division and Malda district in West
Bengal. The architecture of the period is noted for the development of a uniquely local style influenced
by Bengali architectural traditions. Sultanate architecture is exemplified in structures such as the Shat
Gombuj Masjid, the Shona Masjid and the Kusumba Masjid.[4]

Mughal Architecture
In 1576, much of Bengal came under the control of the Mughal Empire. At the time, Dhaka emerged
as Mughal military base. The development of townships and housing had resulted in a significant
growth in population, as the town was proclaimed by Subahdar Islam Khan I as capital of Bengal
Subah in 1608, during this time many mosques and forts had been built. Bara Katra was built between
1644 and 1646 CE to be the official residence of Mughal prince Shah Shuja, the second son of emperor
Shah Jahan.

Indian Mughal architecture in present-day Bangladesh reached its peak during the reign of Subedar
Shaista Khan, who encouraged the construction of modern townships and public works in Dhaka,
leading to a massive urban and economic expansion. He was a patron of the arts and encouraged the
construction of majestic monuments across the province, including mosques, mausoleums and
palaces that represented the finest in Mughal architecture. Khan greatly expanded Lalbagh Fort (also
Fort Aurangabad), Chowk Bazaar Mosque, Saat Masjid and Choto Katra. He also supervised the
construction of the mausoleum for his daughter Bibi Pari.

The Tughlaq styled Sixty Bara Katra, etching The Saat Masjid on
Dome Mosque is a by Sir Charles D'Oyly the Buriganga River
UNESCO World Heritage in 1823 banks in the 19th
Site, Bagerhat century

The Chhoto Shona Masjid. The Kusumba Mosque Lalbagh Fort built
by Muhammad
Azam Shah.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 2/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

Terracotta temple architecture

Much of the terracotta temple architecture in Bangladesh dates to the late Islamic period and early
British period during which wealthy Hindu zamindars commissioned these structures.

Temple architecture styles:

ek-bangla, have a curved roof with two sloping sides
Jor-bangla, has a roof of the ek-bangla (or do-chala) style, with two curved segments that
meet at a curved ridge
ek-chala, single-story or has a second story built into a sloping roof
Do-chala, have a curved roof with two sloping sides
Char-chala, have a curved roof composed of four triangular segments
At-chala, base structure is similar to the four-sided char-chala temple style, but with a small
replica of the base temple on top
Deul, were generally smaller and included features influenced by Islamic architecture
Ek-ratna, base structure is similar to the four-sided char-chala temple style, but the roof is
quite different, flat with a tower in the centre.
Pancharatna, has five pavilions or towers on the roof; four stand at the corners of the main
level, and one above.
Navaratna, incorporates two main levels, each with four spired corner pavilions, and a central
pavilion above, for a total of nine spires.

The Terracotta Sonaran

Panchara designs outside g Twin
tna the Kantajew Temples
Gobinda Temple, Dinajpur Munshig
Temple anj
at Puthia
Temple
Complex,
Rajshahi

British Colonial period

Common Bungalow Style Architecture

The origin of the bungalow has its roots in the historical Province of Bengal.[5] The term baṅgalo,
meaning "Bengali" and used elliptically for a "house in the Bengal style".[6] Such houses were
traditionally small, only one storey and detached, and had a wide veranda were adapted by the
British, who used them as houses for colonial administrators in summer retreats in the Himalayas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 3/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

and in compounds outside Indian cities.[7] The Bungalow style

houses are still very popular in the rural Bengal. In the rural areas
of Bangladesh, it is often called Bangla Ghar (Bengali Style
House). The main construction material used in modern time is
corrugated steel sheets. Previously they had been constructed
from wood, bamboo and a kind of straw called Khar. Khar was
used in the roof of the Bungalow house and kept the house cold
during hot summer days. Another roofing material for Bungalow Village in a clearing Sundarbans, by
houses has been red clay tiles. Frederic Peter Layard, January
1839

Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture

In the British colonial age predominantly representative buildings of the Indo-European style
developed, from a mixture of mainly Indian, European and Central Asian (Islamic) components.
Amongst the more prominent works are Ahsan Manzil in Dhaka and Tajhat Palace in Rangpur City.

Ahsan Manzil in Tajhat Palace in Shashi Lodge in Natore Rajbari

Dhaka Rangpur Mymensingh

Modern Bangladeshi Architecture

In modern context, Bangladeshi architecture has become more diversified comprising reflections of
contemporary architectural attributes, aesthetic and technologically advanced aspects. Since the
inception of Bangladesh, economical advancement has boosted the architecture from its traditional
forms to contemporary context. With the growing urbanization and modernization, the architectural
form is turning into modernity covering a wide range of its heritage and tradition.[2] The architecture
of Bangladesh can provide insight into the history and lives of the Bangladeshi people.[8]

Fazlur Rahman Khan was a structural engineer and architect, who initiated structural systems that
are fundamental to tall building design today.[9][10][11] Regarded as the "Einstein of structural
engineering",[12][13] his "tubular designs" for high rises revolutionized tall building design.[14][15] Most
buildings over 40-storeys constructed since the 1960s now use a tube design derived from Khan's
structural engineering principles. He is the designer of Willis Tower – the second tallest building in
the United States (once tallest and tallest in the world for many years), John Hancock Centre, Hajj
Terminal, etc. Fazlur Rahman's innovations not only make the buildings structurally stronger and
more efficient, they significantly reduce the usage of materials (economically much more efficient)
while simultaneously allow buildings to reach even greater heights. Tubular systems allow greater
interior space and further enable buildings to take on various shapes, offering unprecedented freedom
to architects.[16][17] He also invented the sky lobby for high rises and helped in initiating the
widespread usage of computers for structural engineering. Fazlur Rahman is the foremost structural

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 4/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

engineer of the 20th century who left an unprecedented and lasting influence on the profession, both
nationally and internationally.[12] Fazlur Rahman, more than any other individual, ushered in a
renaissance in skyscraper construction during the second half of the 20th century[18] and made it
possible for people to live and work in "cities in the sky".[19] Khan created a legacy of innovations that
is unparalleled and became an icon in both architecture and structural engineering.[20][21]

Gallery

1752 Sonargaon, historical Lalbagh Fort, the center Curzon Hall of the
Kantajew capital of the Baro-Bhuyan of Mughal military power University of Dhaka built
Temple, Confederacy. in Dhaka. in Indian style during
prominent British Raj-era
temple
architecture
of
Bangladesh.

Dhaka Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, Outer view of

Westin a tribute to liberation Bashundhara City,
Bangabandhu Novo
war martyrs is also Dhaka
Theatre (Planetarium)
an architectural
landmark

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 5/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

Jamuna Future Park, the 12th Dargah of Shah Jalal City Centre Islamic
largest shopping mall in the world Bangladesh Development
Bank (and
BCS Computer
City)

Bangabandhu International
Conference Center, Dhaka

See also
List of Bangladeshi architects
Muzharul Islam
Shahbaz Khan Mosque
Shona Mosque
Bagha Mosque
Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque

References
1. "Visual art and architecture in Bangladesh" (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/51736/Ba
ngladesh/277578/Visual-art-and-architecture). Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 6 September
2009.
2. "Architecture" (http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Architecture). Banglapedia. Retrieved
6 September 2009.
3. The Art of the Pala Empire or Bengal, p.4.
4. "Archived copy" (https://web.archive.org/web/20150715061634/http://archnet.org/system/publicati
ons/contents/4129/original/dpt0826.pdf?1384779803) (PDF). Archived from the original (http://arc
hnet.org/system/publications/contents/4129/original/dpt0826.pdf?1384779803) (PDF) on 15 July
2015. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 6/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

5. "bungalow" (http://www.proz.com/kudoz/english/education_pedagogy/700411-bungalow.html).
proz.com.
6. Oxford English Dictionary, "bungalow"; Online Etymology Dictionary (http://www.etymonline.com/i
ndex.php?search=bungalow&searchmode=none)
7. "bungalow. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000" (htt
ps://web.archive.org/web/20080308171939/http://www.bartleby.com/61/12/B0551200.html).
bartleby.com. Archived from the original (http://www.bartleby.com/61/12/B0551200.html) on 8
March 2008.
8. "Appealing Architecture – From Ancient Treasures to Contemporary Landmarks" (http://www.bang
ladesh.com/architecture/). Bangladesh.com. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20100108033
246/http://www.bangladesh.com/architecture/) from the original on 8 January 2010. Retrieved
28 December 2009.
9. File:Skyscraper structure.png
10. Hong Kong : PHigh-Rise Structural Systems (http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~struct/resources/penci
l/systems.htm) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20120617080642/http://darkwing.uoregon.e
du/~struct/resources/pencil/systems.htm) 17 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine.
Darkwing.uoregon.edu. Retrieved on 26 June 2012.
11. "Lehigh University" (http://www.lehigh.edu/~infrk/2011.08.article.html). lehigh.edu.
12. Richard G. Weingardt, P.E. Structural Engineering Magazine, Tradeshow: Fazlur Rahman Khan (h
ttp://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1211) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20
120530001642/http://structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1211) 30 May 2012 at the Wayback
Machine. Structuremag. February, 2011. Retrieved on 26 June 2012.
13. Zweig, Christina M. (30 March 2011) Structural Engineer (http://www.gostructural.com/magazine-a
rticle-gostructural.com-4-2011-fazlur_rahman_khan__ph.d.__1929_1982_-8285.html) Archived (ht
tps://web.archive.org/web/20131224111935/http://www.gostructural.com/magazine-article-gostruct
ural.com-4-2011-fazlur_rahman_khan__ph.d.__1929_1982_-8285.html) 24 December 2013 at the
Wayback Machine. Gostructural.com. Retrieved on 2012-06-26.
14. Richard Weingardt (10 August 2005). Engineering Legends: Great American Civil Engineers : 32
Profiles of Inspiration and Achievement (https://books.google.com/books?id=rF1IFsQ0wdcC&pg=
PA76). ASCE Publications. pp. 76–. ISBN 978-0-7844-0801-8. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
15. Top 10 world's tallest steel buildings (http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-9180-top-10-
worlds-tallest-steel-buildings/1/print/). Constructionweekonline.com. Retrieved on 26 June 2012.
16. On the rise (http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-10887-on-the-rise/1/print/).
Constructionweekonline.com (31 January 2011). Retrieved on 2012-06-26.
17. Bayley, Stephen. (5 January 2010) Burj Dubai: The new pinnacle of vanity (https://www.telegraph.
co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/6934603/Burj-Dubai-The-new-pinnacle-of-vanity.html).
Telegraph. Retrieved on 2012-06-26.
18. Richard Weingardt (10 August 2005). Engineering Legends: Great American Civil Engineers : 32
Profiles of Inspiration and Achievement (https://books.google.com/books?id=rF1IFsQ0wdcC&pg=
PA78). ASCE Publications. pp. 78–. ISBN 978-0-7844-0801-8. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
19. Designing 'cities in the sky' (http://www3.lehigh.edu/News/RCEASnews_story.asp?iNewsID=207
5) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20100604005535/http://www3.lehigh.edu/News/RCEASn
ews_story.asp?iNewsID=2075) 4 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Lehigh University,
Engineering & Applied Science. Retrieved on 26 June 2012.
20. Richard Weingardt (10 August 2005). Engineering Legends: Great American Civil Engineers : 32
Profiles of Inspiration and Achievement (https://books.google.com/books?id=rF1IFsQ0wdcC&pg=
PA75). ASCE Publications. pp. 75–. ISBN 978-0-7844-0801-8. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
21. IALCCE 2012: Keynote Speakers Details (https://ialcce2012.boku.ac.at/keynote_details.php?profil
e=5). Ialcce2012.boku.ac.at. Retrieved on 26 June 2012.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 7/8
2/12/2020 Architecture of Bangladesh - Wikipedia

External links
Mosque architecture of Bangladesh (http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Mosque_Architectu
re) on Banglapedia.
Architecture BD (https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074959/http://www.architecturebd.com/ho
me.html), an online magazine about the architecture of Bangladesh
Architecture in Bangladesh (http://www.bangladesh.com/architecture/)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Architecture_of_Bangladesh&oldid=940263109"

This page was last edited on 11 February 2020, at 13:56 (UTC).

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this
site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia
Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Bangladesh 8/8