Chowk Bazaar
Encyclopedia
Chawk Bazaar is a well known bazaar in Lalbagh, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. It dates back to the Mughal period.
In 1702 Murshid Kuli Kha named the market "Padosha" or "Badshahi Bazar’. From 1733 to 1734 his son-in-law Murshid Kuli Kha II renovated the market. It is thought to have started in Munsil times and for Mursid Kuli Kha the market was established.
In the 18th century even though Chowk Bazaar was a famous social and business centre, the area was not so good-looking.
In 1823 to 1825 Dhaka community’s two men, Dhaka’s Magistrate Dos and Walters wanted Chowk Bazaar in the right way and improve the nearby roads condition. For this Dos suggested for the Nawabpur road to widen as it was linked with Chowk Bazaar. The road was every narrow and filled with cottages but there was no improvement by the end of 18th century. Dhaka Community did not give permission but Walter got permission later. He removed all illegal markets in Chowk Bazaar and made a 460 ft length , 4 ft high and 1/2 ft thick wall surrounding it. Infornt of Chowk Bazaar there was Moriom's Canon 'Kaman'. It was in Shoari Ghat before. Not only that he also widen the way from Chowk Bazaar to Islampur.
In 1840 James Taylor
said Chowk Bazaar is in the west side of the country and alongside the river. It is a huge square surrounded by markets. Here selling takes place; there was low wall and suitable place for driving.
In 1869 there was questioning about renovating. In local newspaper they mentioned about renovating but shopkeepers were against it and said there was no need for it.
Raia Bazaar was to be removed and prison was supposed to be placed which would be a problem for people living there. In 1917 Patrick Gaddes said the same. He was told to submit Dhaka Government proposal of Development. He asked for the removal of the prison from Chowk Bazaar, still the same proposal is going on.
At the beginning of 19th century it was still the same, during Ramadan it is very crowded because of the mogli food available there. From first day of Ramadan people always comes here. Mohoram Akra wrestlers and others showed amazing sword and fighting acts. They used to come from villages and showed this acts all night long but all this seem to have disappeared now.
Nazir Hossain said that before getting marriage, bridegrooms went around Chowk Bazaar. Some went around once, five times seven times etc. All this made Chowk Bazaar filled with fun and celebrations. If they didn't go to give salaam their wedding would seem incomplete. Even now old Dhaka locals go around Chowk Bazaar but this tradition might become extinct in the future.
and Boro Katara by Mughal prince Shah Shuja.
Chowk Bazaar is famous for its Iftar items which include Moglai and other traditional items.It is a very crowded place and the roads are mostly jam-packed.
Chowk Bazaar Shai Mosque was built in 1676.This three domed mosque was made by Shaista Khan
. Made on 10 feet high platform, 94 feet length and 80 feet width. It was divided among the shops from the ancient times an it was maintained by the shop rents. The mosque was built according to the rules of Shaista Khan
and nearby places.After lot of time of innovation it lost its appeal Dhaka’s noble people came to pray here.
It was written:
AMEER OF AMEERS WHO CLEAVES
TO THE RIGHT
MAJID SHAISTA DID BUILD
GOD'S RIGHT
I SAID TO THE SEEKER EQUIRING
ITS DATE.ACCOMPLISED WE KNOW
IS GOD'S BIDDING
History
Chowk Bazaar was one of the most famous business and social meeting centers of Dhaka in the Mughal period. Even after 400 years it is still famous as before. It is one of Dhaka's old town market and it fromed in the place where other old markets once were. King Maan Singh protested for the country on behalf of Mugal kingdom. In 1602 he transferred the head office in Bawal to the present Central Prison and also the Mughal Durgo, that’s how Chowk Bazaar formed.In 1702 Murshid Kuli Kha named the market "Padosha" or "Badshahi Bazar’. From 1733 to 1734 his son-in-law Murshid Kuli Kha II renovated the market. It is thought to have started in Munsil times and for Mursid Kuli Kha the market was established.
In the 18th century even though Chowk Bazaar was a famous social and business centre, the area was not so good-looking.
In 1823 to 1825 Dhaka community’s two men, Dhaka’s Magistrate Dos and Walters wanted Chowk Bazaar in the right way and improve the nearby roads condition. For this Dos suggested for the Nawabpur road to widen as it was linked with Chowk Bazaar. The road was every narrow and filled with cottages but there was no improvement by the end of 18th century. Dhaka Community did not give permission but Walter got permission later. He removed all illegal markets in Chowk Bazaar and made a 460 ft length , 4 ft high and 1/2 ft thick wall surrounding it. Infornt of Chowk Bazaar there was Moriom's Canon 'Kaman'. It was in Shoari Ghat before. Not only that he also widen the way from Chowk Bazaar to Islampur.
In 1840 James Taylor
James Taylor
James Vernon Taylor is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000....
said Chowk Bazaar is in the west side of the country and alongside the river. It is a huge square surrounded by markets. Here selling takes place; there was low wall and suitable place for driving.
In 1869 there was questioning about renovating. In local newspaper they mentioned about renovating but shopkeepers were against it and said there was no need for it.
Raia Bazaar was to be removed and prison was supposed to be placed which would be a problem for people living there. In 1917 Patrick Gaddes said the same. He was told to submit Dhaka Government proposal of Development. He asked for the removal of the prison from Chowk Bazaar, still the same proposal is going on.
At the beginning of 19th century it was still the same, during Ramadan it is very crowded because of the mogli food available there. From first day of Ramadan people always comes here. Mohoram Akra wrestlers and others showed amazing sword and fighting acts. They used to come from villages and showed this acts all night long but all this seem to have disappeared now.
Nazir Hossain said that before getting marriage, bridegrooms went around Chowk Bazaar. Some went around once, five times seven times etc. All this made Chowk Bazaar filled with fun and celebrations. If they didn't go to give salaam their wedding would seem incomplete. Even now old Dhaka locals go around Chowk Bazaar but this tradition might become extinct in the future.
Architectural Structures
There are many historical structures in Chowk Bazaar which include the Mughal Shahi Mosque, Choto Katara by Shaista KhanShaista Khan
Mirza Abu Talib, better known by his title Shaista Khan , was a Subahdar and general in the army of the Mughal Empire. A maternal uncle to Emperor Aurangzeb, he served as the Mughal governor of Bengal from 1664 to 1688, and was a key figure during the rule of his nephew, the emperor...
and Boro Katara by Mughal prince Shah Shuja.
Present Bazaar Description
It is a very good place for shopping as variety of goods is available and they are sold at the cheapest rates.Moulavi Bazaar is well known spice shop.During RamadanRamadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and...
Chowk Bazaar is famous for its Iftar items which include Moglai and other traditional items.It is a very crowded place and the roads are mostly jam-packed.
Shai Mosque
Shaista Khan
Mirza Abu Talib, better known by his title Shaista Khan , was a Subahdar and general in the army of the Mughal Empire. A maternal uncle to Emperor Aurangzeb, he served as the Mughal governor of Bengal from 1664 to 1688, and was a key figure during the rule of his nephew, the emperor...
. Made on 10 feet high platform, 94 feet length and 80 feet width. It was divided among the shops from the ancient times an it was maintained by the shop rents. The mosque was built according to the rules of Shaista Khan
Shaista Khan
Mirza Abu Talib, better known by his title Shaista Khan , was a Subahdar and general in the army of the Mughal Empire. A maternal uncle to Emperor Aurangzeb, he served as the Mughal governor of Bengal from 1664 to 1688, and was a key figure during the rule of his nephew, the emperor...
and nearby places.After lot of time of innovation it lost its appeal Dhaka’s noble people came to pray here.
It was written:
AMEER OF AMEERS WHO CLEAVES
TO THE RIGHT
MAJID SHAISTA DID BUILD
GOD'S RIGHT
I SAID TO THE SEEKER EQUIRING
ITS DATE.ACCOMPLISED WE KNOW
IS GOD'S BIDDING