Sonakanda Fort
In 1660 AD, Mir Jumla II took office as the Subahdar of Bengal. He faced a province where pirates ran campaigns of terror against major cities. The Mughal Empire had controlled Bengal since 1574 AD after defeating Daud Khan Karrani. This victory allowed for progressive rule but required constant vigilance against external threats. Mir Jumla II decided to build three river forts around Dhaka to protect the capital and Narayanganj from these attacks. Historians believe construction began between 1660 and 1663 AD though no exact date exists.
The fort stands on the eastern bank of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj. It features thick walls that are taller at the bottom than at the top. Several wide and narrow loopholes run through these walls to allow guns and light cannons to fire shells. A raised outwork sits on the western face to defend against pirate attacks. One significant structure is a massive artillery platform with a stairway leading up to it. Cannons with bigger calibre were placed there to aim at aggressors coming up the river.
A unique feature of this site involves two circular structures surrounding the main platform. The inner circle has a diameter of 15.70 metres while the outer one measures 19.35 metres. The entire structure reaches a height of 6.09 metres and is surrounded by walls. This design allowed soldiers to fire upon attackers approaching via the Shitalakshya River. It protected troops outside the main defensive line during combat scenarios. Such spherical platforms were rare within Mughal Empire river forts.
The fort follows a quadrangular plan across its total area. Octagonal bastions occupy all four corners of the structure. Corner bastions on both sides of the western wing measure 6.85 metres in width. Those on the eastern wing are narrower at 4.26 metres wide. Defensive walls vary in thickness from bottom to top. Square holes found on the wall likely served as positions for artillery crews. These dimensions reflect a deliberate engineering choice to maximize defensive capability against naval threats.
Only one gate exists on the northern side of the fort. This arched entrance sits within a rectangular frame that frames the opening. The gateway stands higher than the average height of the surrounding fort walls. Decorative groomed panels adorn the surface of this entrance. Standard fort walls lack such elaborate decoration or height variations. This single point of entry suggests controlled access was vital for security.
Anachronistic myths surround the river fort involving tragedy and mystery. One story claims Princess Swarnamoyee, daughter of Kedar Roy, went to the Shitalakshya River for a sacred bath. Pirates attacked her barge and kidnapped her before she was saved by Isa Khan Niazi. He brought her to Sonakanda Fort but her father refused to take her back due to caste concerns. She cried for several days in a tent there according to local legend. Some believe the name comes from Sona meaning gold and kanda meaning crying in Bengali.
Archaeologists cannot trace any evidence regarding the exact date of establishment. The site appears on The World Monuments Fund's 2008 Watch List page. Hidden tunnels linking the fort to Sonargaon and Lalbagh Fort remain unverified by experts. No physical proof confirms these alleged connections exist today. Current findings focus on structural integrity rather than historical documentation. The location remains a subject of ongoing archaeological interest in Bangladesh.
Common questions
When was Sonakanda Fort built and by whom?
Mir Jumla II ordered the construction of Sonakanda Fort between 1660 and 1663 AD to protect Bengal from pirate attacks. Historians believe work began during this period though no exact date exists.
Where is Sonakanda Fort located in Bangladesh?
Sonakanda Fort stands on the eastern bank of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj. The site features thick walls and defensive structures designed to guard against naval threats along the river.
What are the dimensions of the circular artillery platform at Sonakanda Fort?
The inner circle of the unique structure has a diameter of 15.70 metres while the outer one measures 19.35 metres. The entire platform reaches a height of 6.09 metres and is surrounded by walls.
How many gates does Sonakanda Fort have and where is it situated?
Only one gate exists on the northern side of Sonakanda Fort within a rectangular frame. This arched entrance sits higher than the average height of the surrounding fort walls and features decorative groomed panels.
Why do some people believe the name Sonakanda Fort means crying gold?
Local legend claims Princess Swarnamoyee cried for several days in a tent after pirates kidnapped her from the Shitalakshya River. Some believe the name comes from Sona meaning gold and kanda meaning crying in Bengali due to this tragedy.