The Ahsan-Manzil, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Historical Place Ahsan Manzil

Ahsan Manzil (Bengali: আহসান মঞ্জিল, Ahsan Monjil) was the official residential palace and seat of the Nawab of Dhaka. The building is situated at Kumartoli along the banks of the Buriganga River in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Construction was started in 1859 and was completed in 1872. It was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. It has been designated as a national museum.

During the later period of the 19th century, the Nawab Family played an important role of the independence movement and politics of the India. Many important decisions regarding the future of the Muslim movements in India were made in this very palace.  The result was the formation of the All-India Muslim League. 

Ahsan Manzil was the high point of the old city, and it dominated the riverfront. We were surprised to find out that Lord Curzon, Governor General of British India, visited here in 1904. He stayed as the Guest of Nawab Sir Salimullah Bahadur and at that time witnessed as Dhaka emerged as the new capital of Eastern Bengal after the first partition in 1905.

The Ahsan-Manzil is Architectural Iconic Building of Bangali Nation

Widely recognized as one of the most significant architectural icons in the nation, the palace is divided into two parts known as the eastern and western sides. Its unique octagonal dome serves as the apex of the palace and is considered to be the structure’s most significant feature. Locals say it was designed to look like the bud of a lotus flower. Travelers will find an incredible collection of photos of the palace’s 23 rooms taken in its hay day on display, as well as family portraits and other Nawab artifacts.

The former Nawab residence is located at Kumartoli on the banks of the Buriganga River. Admission is TK 75 per person. The palace is open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Fridays between October and March. From April to September the palace is open 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Fridays. 

How Ahsan Manzil Powered

Nawab Abdul Ghani emerged not only as a dynamic leader of his clan, but also as the most influential zamindar in the entire East Bengal region in the second half of the 19th century. He fortified the family's powerbase by collaborating with the colonial administration. 

Sir Percival Griffiths, who was appointed Chief Manager of the Dacca Nawab Estate in 1929, wrote in his book Vignettes of India (1985): “Abdul Ghani and the Moslems of East Bengal stood firmly by the Raj during the Indian Mutiny, and for his services, Abdul Ghani was not only Knighted, but also had the title of Nawab conferred upon him. He was made a Nawab in 1875 (and this title was made hereditary in 1877 for the eldest male member of the line) and Nawab Bahadur in 1892.” 

In exchange for his support of the colonial rulers, Abdul Ghani received many political favours. In 1861, he was appointed as an honorary magistrate; in 1866, he became a member of the Bengal Legislative Council; and in 1867, he was a member of the Viceroy's Council.