Paper

Lalbagh: an Incomplete Depiction of Mughal Garden in Bangladesh

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Abstract

Lalbagh Fort Complex is one of the extravagant examples built by the Mughal Empire in Bangladesh, documented in UNESCO World Heritage tentative List. While there are several Mughal structures found in the Indian sub-continent, this incomplete fort is the only footprint of encamped Mughal garden style that remains in the capital of Bengal, Jahangirnagar (now Dhaka). The fort complex is a combination of three buildings (the mosque, the tomb of Bibi Pari and the Diwan-i-Aam), with two gateways and a portion of the partly damaged fortification wall articulating Charbag style garden area. Charbagh is the concept of Persian garden adapted by Mughal. The following area is situated in densely populated neighborhood in old portion of Dhaka city. Rapid organic urban development along the following area is becoming a threat to the structure. Demand for the surrounding buffer zone, poor maintenance, uncontrolled users etc. are creating existential crises over these vulnerable structures. This study is aimed for analyzing the eccentricity and similarity with Charbagh/Mughal garden style and the challenges which it is facing. The research follows methodological approach of case study by analyzing secondary data collection, historical maps, literature review and observation. This paper highlights the strategic proposition for its protection as well as documentation on landscape aesthetics.

Keywords: HIstorical Landscape, Mughal Garden, Charbagh, Lalbagh Fort

How to Cite:

Sharmin, F., (2019) “Lalbagh: an Incomplete Depiction of Mughal Garden in Bangladesh”, Fábos Conference on Landscape and Greenway Planning 6(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/pcnk-h124