Chowk Bazaar

View of the shop roofs, 1904

General view of the market place, 1885

Chawk Bazaar is a well known bazaar in Lalbagh, Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. It dates back to the Mughal period.

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^{[clarification needed]} 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^{[by whom?]} 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.

Architectural Structures

There are many historical structures in Chowk Bazaar which include the Mughal Shahi Mosque, Choto Katara by Shaista Khan 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 Ramadan 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

Chowk Mosque

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

References

• Dhaka Smriti Bismriti'r Nagari by Mumtasir Mamun.Published by Bangla Academy,Dhaka , Bangladesh. ISBN 984-07-3142-4
• http://www.diaryfrombangladesh.com/chawk-bazardhaka/