What is the origin of the name Dhaka?
Historians trace the name to the dhak tree, the Hindu goddess Dhakeshwari, or a membranophone instrument called dhak. Ancient texts refer to the area as Dhakka meaning watchtower guarding the eastern frontier.
Questions about Dhaka
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Emperor Jahangir establish Dhaka as the provincial capital of Bengal?
Emperor Jahangir established Dhaka as the provincial capital of Bengal Bihar and Orissa in 1610. The city flourished as the hub of the muslin trade throughout the seventeenth century under this administration.
Why was Dhaka known as the Venice of the East during the Mughal period?
Governor Shaista Khan oversaw massive urban expansion that created extensive waterways and gardens. This infrastructure led to the city being known as the Venice of the East due to its riverine commerce and layout.
How many people died during the Language Movement of 1952 in Dhaka?
Students died on February 21 while protesting the imposition of Urdu over Bengali. This event marked the beginning of the struggle for independence from Pakistani rule.
What major infrastructure project opened in Dhaka on the 28th of December 2022?
The Dhaka Metro Rail Line 6 finally opened commercial operations on the 28th of December 2022. This mass rapid transit system ended the status of being the largest city without such infrastructure.