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Pink Palace or Ahsan Manzil of Old Dhaka

Pink Palace or Ahsan Manzil

a unique blend of Mughal and European styles

Pink Palace or Ahsan Manzil of Old Dhaka

Pink Palace or Ahsan Manzil is a historical landmark and old Dhaka's famous tourist spot. This magnificent palace has been witnessing many historical events that have shaped the country over the years. This majestic building was once the residence and seat of power of the Nawabs of Dhaka, who were influential landlords and rulers during the British colonial period. Today, it serves as a museum that showcases the lifestyle and legacy of the Nawab family and their contribution to the development of Dhaka city.

The construction of Ahsan Manzil was completed in 1872 during the reign of Nawab Sir Khwaja Abdul Ghani. The palace was built on the banks of the Buriganga River and was used as the residence of the Nawab family. The palace was named after Nawab Ahsanullah Bahadur, the grandson of Nawab Abdul Ghani, who inherited the property.

Ahsan Manzil has a long and rich history dating back to the Mughal era

Some background history of Pink Palace

Ahsan Manzil was built on a property that has a long and rich history dating back to the Mughal era. The original owner of the land was Sheikh Enayet Ullah, who built a palace called Rong Mahal (Colorful Palace) for his entertainment and pleasure. He also had a garden house and a cemetery on this site. After his death, his son sold the property to French traders, who established a trading house next to the Rong Mahal. The French were later defeated by the British in 1757 and had to leave their possessions behind.

The property then came into the hands of Khwaja Alimullah, who was a prominent merchant and leader of Dhaka’s Muslim community. He renovated Rong Mahal and turned it into his residence. He also built a mosque and some other important structures in this area. His son, Khwaja Abdul Ghani, inherited the property after his father’s death in 1854. He named it Ahsan Manzil after his son Khwaja Ahsanullah.

Khwaja Abdul Ghani was one of the most powerful and influential Nawabs of Dhaka. He expanded his estate by acquiring more lands around Ahsan Manzil. He also played an important role in improving the infrastructure, education, health care, trade, and social welfare of Dhaka. He was known for his generosity and patronage of arts and culture.

Khwaja Abdul Ghani built a new building on Ahsan Manzil’s property in 1859 that resembled European architecture with domes and pillars. He called it Rangmahal (Colorful Palace) because he painted it with different colours every year according to his mood. He connected Rangmahal with his old residence by a wooden bridge on the first floor.

In 1888, Ahsan Manzil suffered severe damage from a tornado that destroyed most of its buildings except for Rangmahal. Khwaja Abdul Ghani decided to rebuild Ahsan Manzil with more strength and beauty than before. He hired an English architect named Martin & Co., who designed Ahsan Manzil with an Indo-Saracenic style that blended Islamic and European elements.

The reconstruction work was completed in 1872 under Khwaja Abdul Ghani’s supervision until he died in 1896 at age 87 years old. His son Khwaja Ahsanullah continued his father’s legacy by maintaining Ahsan Manzil as well as supporting various causes such as education, religion, charity, etc. He also added some features, such as electric lights, gas lamps, water pumps, etc . to modernize Ahsan Manzil.

Khwaja Ahsanullah was also known for hosting lavish parties, receptions, ceremonies, etc. at Ahsan Manzil for distinguished guests such as British officials, Indian princes, foreign dignitaries, etc. He also invited famous poets, musicians, artists, scholars, etc. to perform or present at Ahsan Manzil. He died in 1901 at age 53 years old.

Indo-Saracenic style that blended Islamic and European elements

Architecture of Pink Palace

The architecture of Ahsan Manzil is a unique blend of Mughal and European styles. The palace has a symmetrical design, with a central courtyard and two wings. The two-storey building is built on a raised platform and has a total of 23 rooms, including a throne room, a ballroom, a dining hall, and a drawing room. The palace is adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and marble floors.

After the death of Khwaja Ahsanullah, Ahsan Manzil went through a period of decline due to family disputes over inheritance rights among his sons. The palace gradually lost its glory and became neglected. It was also occupied by squatters who turned it into a slum area.

In 1952, after Bangladesh became part of Pakistan following partition from India, The Government acquired Ahsan Manzil under East Bengal Estate Acquisition Act along with other properties belonging to the Nawab family.

Ahsan Manzil witnessed many historical events, including the Bengal Renaissance and the Partition of India in 1947. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the palace was used as a temporary hospital for the wounded.

In 1985, the Government of Bangladesh declared Ahsan Manzil a national museum. Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the various rooms and exhibits on display, which showcase the lifestyle of the Nawabs and the history of the palace.

One of the most impressive features of Ahsan Manzil is its location on the banks of the Buriganga River. The palace offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river to get a closer look at the palace and the nearby landmarks, such as the Lalbagh Fort.

In recent years, the Government of Bangladesh has taken steps to preserve and restore Ahsan Manzil. The palace has been renovated to its former glory, and efforts are being made to maintain the historical significance of the site.

In conclusion, Ahsan Manzil is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. The palace has stood the test of time and has witnessed the many events that have shaped the country over the years. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the country’s pride and identity. A visit to Ahsan Manzil is a must for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Ahsan Manzil has a long history from Mughal era
Ahsan Manzil has a long history from Mughal era

Pink Palace Museum Visiting Hours

Pink palace or Ahsan Manzil Museum maintains specific visiting hours during the summer and winter. The summer season runs from April 1st to September 30th, and the winter season runs from October 1st to March 31st. It is worth checking the schedule before you plan a visit to Dhaka's most popular tourist attractions that showcase its rich heritage and culture.

Days

Summer: April to September Winter: October to March

During Ramadan

Friday

3:00 AM to 8:00 PM 3:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Closed

Saturday

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Sunday

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Monday

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Tuesday

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Wednesday

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Thursday

The museum remains closed on Thursday and any other public holidays.

Ramadan visiting hours may vary depending on which season Ramadan falls in.

Pink Palace Museum Entrance Fees

Every visitor must collect a ticket to enter the Pink Palace Museum. The ticket price varies depending on the visitor's nationality. Here is a chart of ticket fees according to different nationalities:

The architecture of Ahsan Manzil is a unique blend of Mughal and European styles
The architecture of Ahsan Manzil is a unique blend of Mughal and European styles
Ticket Category / Nationality

Ticket Price

Children (3-12 Years)

10.00 taka

Bangladeshi

20.00 Taka

Visitors from SAARC member countries

300.00 Taka

And any other foreign nationalities

500.00 Taka

No entry fee is required for disabled persons and children under three years.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has eight member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

Dos and don’ts inside the Ahsan Manzil Museum

  • Do not touch any display items inside the museum!
  • Eating, smoking, photographing, and speaking on mobile phones are strictly prohibited.
  • The visitor must keep their entry ticket until their visit is finished.
  • A ticket will be valid for the date it was issued and can’t be transferred to another person or any other day.
  • The entry ticket sales counter will be closed at least 30 minutes before the museum closes.
Ahsan Manzil is standing on the bank of Buriganga River
Ahsan Manzil is standing on the bank of Buriganga River
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