Ahsan Manzil
Dhaka
Ahsan Manzil, located in Kumartoli along the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a magnificent palace built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It served as the official residence and administrative seat of the Nawab of Dhaka during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The palace is divided into two main sections: the Rangmahal, featuring the dome, drawing room, card room, library, state room, and guest rooms; and the Andarmahal, housing the ballroom, storeroom, assembly room, chest room, dining hall, music room, and residential quarters. Its dome, designed to resemble a lotus bud, rises 27 meters high, showcasing intricate brickwork and architectural innovation. Historically, it was a political hub where the All India Muslim League emerged. Today, it is preserved as a museum under the Bangladesh National Museum, exhibiting artifacts related to the Nawab family and Dhaka's socio-political history. The palace's riverside location and verandas offer scenic views, making it a unique cultural landmark in Old Dhaka.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit Ahsan Manzil between Saturday and Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, noting that ticket sales close at 2:30 PM. The palace is closed on Thursdays. Friday visiting hours extend until evening with ticket sales closing accordingly. It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance via the official website to avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Guided tours can enhance the experience by providing in-depth historical context.
Interesting facts
- •Ahsan Manzil's dome is designed to resemble a lotus bud, with a complex octagonal base and a height of 27.13 meters.
- •The palace was the birthplace of the All India Muslim League, a significant political party in South Asian history.
- •A wooden bridge connects the two main buildings, Rangmahal and Andarmahal, on their first floors.
- •The palace was severely damaged by a tornado in 1888 and later repaired after the 1897 Assam earthquake.
- •Originally, the property included a French trading house before becoming the Nawab's residence.
History
Originally, the site belonged to Sheikh Enayetullah in the Mughal era, who built the Rang Mahal.
The property changed hands several times, including ownership by French traders before Khwaja Alimullah purchased it in 1830.
The current palace was constructed between 1859 and 1872 under Khwaja Abdul Ghani, who named it Ahsan Manzil after his son.
It suffered severe damage from a tornado in 1888 and was repaired following an earthquake in 1897.
After government acquisition in 1952, it fell into disrepair until renovation efforts began in 1985, culminating in its reopening as a museum in 1992 under the Bangladesh National Museum.
Place Guide
Rangmahal1859–1872
The eastern wing of the palace featuring the grand dome, drawing room, card room, library, state room, and two guest rooms. It showcases elegant Indo-Saracenic architecture and houses important historical artifacts.
Andarmahal1859–1872
The western wing containing the ballroom, storeroom, assembly room, chest room, dining hall, music room, and residential quarters. Notable for its vaulted ceilings and colorful ceramic tiles in dining and assembly halls.
Palace Dome
The central dome of Ahsan Manzil, rising 27.13 meters tall, with a unique octagonal base created by brickwork and squinches, giving it the appearance of a lotus bud.
